Simvastatin vs. Crestor comparison Zocor (simvastatin) and Crestor (rosuvastatin) are both members of the family of cholesterol-lowering drugs called statins, which revolutionized the management of cardiovascular diseases, many of which are caused by cholesterol plaque deposits in the arteries. Crestor is the more potent cholesterol-lowering drug, and it’s also newer than Zocor. Both simvastatin and rosuvastatin have similar side effects,...
Sibutramine (Meridia): Weight Loss Side Effects & Dosage
What is sibutramine? What is sibutramine used for? Sibutramine is no longer available in the U.S. because of the risk of serious cardiovascular problems in some people who take it. Sibutramine is indicated for the management of obesity, including weight loss and maintenance of weight loss, and should be used in conjunction with a reduced calorie diet. Sibutramine is recommended for...
Remicade vs. Humira Infusion for Crohn’s Disease, RA & More
Remicade vs. Humira comparison Remicade (infliximab) and Humira (adalimumab) are both laboratory-synthesized proteins. They are different chemicals on a molecular level, but they are designed to do the same thing: block a specific immune antibody that causes inflammation in a half-dozen different autoimmune disorders, including rheumatoid arthritis. The side effects common to both Remicade and Humira include: headache, rash, nausea,...
Bentyl (dicyclomine) vs. Linzess (linaclotide): IBS Drug Comparison
Dicyclomine vs. Linzess: What’s the difference? Dicyclomine and Linzess (linaclotide) are used to treat irritable bowel syndrome (IBS). Linzess is specifically used to treat symptoms of irritable bowel syndrome (IBS) with constipation. It is also used to treat chronic constipation of unknown cause (idiopathic constipation). Dicyclomine and Linzess belong to different drug classes. Dicyclomine is an anticholinergic and Linzess is...
Oxybutynin (Ditropan): Bladder Drug Side Effects, Uses & Dosage
What is oxybutynin, and how does it work (mechanism of action)? Oxybutynin is an oral drug that is used for treating urinary bladder spasm. Oxybutynin has a dual mechanism of action. Contraction of the smooth muscle of the bladder is stimulated by the release of acetylcholine by the nerves within the bladder and the attachment of the acetylcholine to receptors...
Oxycodone vs. Vicodin & Pain: Side Effects, Differences & Addiction
Oxycodone vs. Vicodin (hydrocodone/acetaminophen) for pain review Oxycodone is a strong opioid narcotic pain reliever (analgesic), and Vicodin is a combination of two drugs, hydrocodone (a strong narcotic pain reliever) and acetaminophen (Tylenol). Oxycodone and hydrocodone are similar to other drugs that are opioid narcotics, for example, methadone, fentanyl, and morphine. Both oxycodone and Vicodin are prescribed to treat moderate...
Tetracaine Ophthalmic Solution (Eye Drops) Uses & Side Effects
What is tetracaine ophthalmic drops, and how does it work (mechanism of action)? Tetracaine is a topical local anesthetic for the eyes. Tetracaine works by interfering with entry of sodium ions into nerve cells. This reduces the ability of nerves to generate an impulse and send pain sensations. What brand names are available for tetracaine ophthalmic drops? none Is tetracaine...
Precose (acarbose): Type 2 Diabetes Drug Side Effects & Dosage
What is acarbose, and how does it work? Acarbose is a prescription oral drug that is used to control blood glucose (sugar) levels in people type 2 diabetes in conjunction with diet, exercise, and other diabetes drugs, for example, metformin (Glucophage) or insulin. It belongs to a class of drugs called alpha-glucosidase inhibitors, which also includes miglitol (Glyset). Carbohydrates that...
Healthy Living Facts, Diet and Exercise Tips & Tools for Success
What is healthy living? Healthy living involves more than physical health, it also includes mental and emotional health. This article is designed to give tips to readers about how they can improve or augment actions in their life to have a healthy lifestyle; it is not meant to be all inclusive but will include major components that are considered to...
Is C. diff (Clostridium difficile) Contagious?
What facts should I know about C. diff (Clostridium difficile)? Readers Comments 20 Share Your Story What is a bacterial infection? What is the medical definition of C. diff? Clostridium difficile or C. diff is a bacterium. Microscopically it is referred to as gram positive and rod-shaped. It is exists best in a low oxygen environment. It was first described in...