Lasix (furosemide) vs. Edecrin (ethacrynic acid): What’s the difference? Lasix and Edecrin are diuretics (water pills) used to 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 Edecrin are also used to treat high blood pressure (hypertension). Lasix is a brand name for furosemide....
Carafate (sucralfate) vs. Prilosec (omeprazole): Acid Reflux (GERD) Drugs
Carafate vs. omeprazole: What’s the difference? Carafate (sucralfate) and omeprazole are used to treat ulcers and gastroesophageal reflux disease (GERD). Omeprazole is also used to treat Zollinger-Ellison syndrome, duodenitis, erosive esophagitis, heartburn, and H. pylori infection. Brand names for omeprazole include OmePPi, Zegerid, Prilosec, Zegerid, Prilosec OTC, and Zegerid OTC. Some versions of omeprazole are available over-the-counter (OTC). Carafate and...
Doxycycline (Vibramycin) vs. Azithromycin (Zithromax)
Doxycycline vs. azithromycin: What’s the difference? Doxycycline and azithromycin are antibiotics used to treat many different types of bacterial infections. Brand names for doxycycline include Vibramycin, Oracea, Adoxa, Atridox, Acticlate, Acticlate Cap, Doryx, Doxteric, Doxy, and Monodox. Brand names for azithromycin include Zithromax, Zithromax Tri-Pak, Zithromax Z-Pak, and Zmax. Doxycycline and azithromycin are different types of antibiotics. Doxycycline is a...
clarithromycin (Biaxin) Uses, Side Effects & Dosage
What is clarithromycin, and how does it work (mechanism of action)? Clarithromycin is a semi-synthetic macrolide antibiotic chemically related to erythromycin and azithromycin (Zithromax). It is effective against a wide variety of bacteria, such as Haemophilus influenzae, Streptococcus pneumoniae, Mycoplasma pneumoniae, Staphylococcus aureus, and mycobacterium avium, and many others. Like all macrolide antibiotics, clarithromycin prevents bacteria from growing by interfering...
Nicorette Gum (nicotine polacrilex, Habitrol) Side Effects, Addiction & Dosage
What brand names are available for nicotine gum? Nicorette Gum, Nicorelief, Nicorette, Thrive Is nicotine gum available as a generic drug? GENERIC AVAILABLE: Yes Do I need a prescription for nicotine gum? No What are the uses for nicotine gum? Nicotine gum is used to control nicotine withdrawal symptoms and cravings associated with smoking cessation. What are the side effects...
phenytoin (Dilantin) Drug Facts, Side Effects & Dosage
What is Dilantin? Phenytoin is an oral and injectable anti-seizure medication first synthesized in 1908. Why is Dilantin prescribed to patients? Phenytoin is an anti-seizure medication (anticonvulsant) used for preventing or treating generalized tonic-clonic (grand mal) seizures, complex partial seizures (psychomotor seizures), and seizures occurring during or after neurosurgery. It may be used alone or with phenobarbital or other anticonvulsants....
Permethrin Cream (Elimite, Nix Cream) Uses & Side Effects
What is permethrin-topical cream, and how does it work (mechanism of action)? Permethrin is a topical cream used to treat scabies. Permethrin is a neurotoxin that works by paralyzing nerves in respiratory muscles of scabies, causing their death. The FDA approved permethrin in August 1989. What brand names are available for permethrin-topical cream? Elimite, Nix Cream Is permethrin-topical cream available...
dopamine (Intropin) Shock Drug: Side Effects, Uses, and Dosage
Is dopamine-injection available as a generic drug? GENERIC AVAILABLE: Yes Do I need a prescription for dopamine-injection? Yes What are the uses for dopamine-injection? Dopamine is prescribed to correct hemodynamic status in patients with shock syndrome due to heart attack (myocardial infarction), trauma, open-heart surgery, renal failure, congestive heart failure, and other causes of shock syndrome. This means dopamine may...
methylphenidate (Ritalin, Concerta) Dosage & Side Effects
What is methylphenidate, and how does it work (mechanism of action)? Methylphenidate is a medication that stimulates the central nervous system (CNS or brain) in a manner that is similar to the amphetamines; however, its actions are milder than those of the amphetamines. An additional difference is that methylphenidate produces more noticeable effects on mental activities than on motor activities....
Fenofibrate (Fibricor, Tricor) Uses, Side Effects & Dosage
What is fenofibrate? Fenofibrate is a derivative of fibric acid that is used to treat lipid disorders. Why is fenofibrate prescribed to patients? Fenofibrate is used with dietary modifications for the treatment of lipid disorders. It helps reduce levels of LDL-C, total cholesterol, triglycerides, and apolipoprotein B, and increase HDL-C. It is prescribed to patients with primary hypercholesterolemia or mixed...