Graves’ disease facts Picture of Graves' Disease Graves' disease facts written by Charles Patrick Davis, MD, PhD Graves' disease is an autoimmune disease of the thyroid that results from abnormal stimulation of the thyroid gland by a material in the blood referred to as thyroid stimulating immunoglobins (TSIs) that bind to and activate thyrotropin receptors. Graves' disease is the most...
indapamide (Lozol): Drug Facts, Side Effects and Dosage
What is indapamide, and how does it work (mechanism of action)? Indapamide is a diuretic (water pill) that is used primarily for the treatment of high blood pressure. It works by preventing the kidney from reabsorbing (retaining in the body) salt and water that is destined to be eliminated in the urine. This results in increased urine output (diuresis). Indapamide...
Diprolene (Betamethasone Dipropionate) vs. Topicort (desoximetasone)
Diprolene (betamethasone dipropionate) vs. Topicort (desoximetasone): What’s the difference? Betamethasone and desoximetasone are corticosteroids used to relieve itching and inflammation associated with a wide variety of skin conditions such as allergic dermatitis, atopic dermatitis, contact dermatitis, and plaque psoriasis. Brand names of betamethasone include Diprolene, Diprolene AF and Luxiq. A brand name for desoximetasone is Topicort. Side effects of betamethasone...
budesonide (Rhinocort) inhaler & nasal spray: Side Effects & Dosage
What is budesonide (Rhinocort Aqua, Rhinocort Allergy), and how does it work? Budesonide is a synthetic steroid belonging to the glucocorticoid family, a family in which cortisol (hydrocortisone) is the naturally occurring steroid. Hydrocortisone is produced in the adrenal glands. Glucocorticoid steroids have potent anti-inflammatory actions. When used as a nasal inhaler or spray, budesonide travels directly to the lining...
ciclopirox (Penlac, Loprox): Drug Facts, Side Effects and Dosage
What is ciclopirox, and how does it work (mechanism of action)? Ciclopirox is a synthetic broad-spectrum antifungal agent that inhibits the growth of dermatophytes, a type of fungus that grows on the skin, hair, and nails. When applied to skin a very small percentage is absorbed into the body. It was approved for use in the U.S. by the FDA...
Amoxicillin (Moxatag) vs. Azithromycin (Zithromax): Antibiotic Uses
Amoxicillin (Moxatag) vs. azithromycin (Zithromax): What’s the difference? Amoxicillin and azithromycin are antibiotics used to treat bacterial infections of the middle ear, tonsils, throat, larynx (laryngitis), bronchi (bronchitis), lungs (pneumonia), urinary tract, skin, and some sexually transmitted diseases. Amoxicillin and azithromycin are different types of antibiotics. Amoxicillin is a penicillin-type antibiotic and azithromycin is a macrolide antibiotic. Brand names of...
fluorouracil topical cream (Efudex): Side Effects, Uses & Dosage
What is topical fluorouracil, and how does it work (mechanism of action)? Topical fluorouracil is a drug that is used to treat conditions of the skin in which there is rapid multiplication (division) of cells, for example, skin cancer. In order to multiply or divide, cells must produce DNA for each new cell. The DNA is critical since it is...
Teen Health: Disease Prevention, Health Checkup & Immunizations
What's involved with teen disease prevention? Share Your Story Picture of Female Teenagers with Makeup The teen years are a time of growth that involves experimentation and risk taking. For some teens, the social pressures of trying to fit in can be too much. These years can be even more troubling for teens when confronted with teenage pregnancy, substance abuse,...
Monoamine Oxidase Inhibitors (MAOIs) vs. Selective Serotonin Reuptake Inhibitors (SSRIs)
MAOIs vs. SSRIs: What’s the difference? Monoamine oxidase inhibitors (MAOIs) and selective serotonin reuptake inhibitors (SSRIs) are types of antidepressants used to treat depression. MAOIs are an older class of antidepressants that are not used as much because of drug and food interactions. MAOIs also are used to treat Parkinson's disease. SSRIs are also used to treat anxiety. Examples of...
Lasix (furosemide) vs. hydrochlorothiazide: Side Effects, Dosage
Lasix (furosemide) vs. hydrochlorothiazide: What’s the difference? Lasix (furosemide) and hydrochlorothiazide are diuretics (water pills) used treat excess accumulation of fluid or swelling of the body (edema) caused by heart failure, kidney disease, chronic kidney failure, or liver disease. Lasix and hydrochlorothiazide are also used to treat high blood pressure (hypertension). Hydrochlorothiazide is also used to treat edema due to...