What are bile acid sequestrants? Bile acid sequestrants such as cholestyramine (Questran, Prevalite), colestipol (Colestid, Flavored Colestid ), and colesevelam (Welchol) are medications for lowering LDL cholesterol in conjunction with diet modification. How do bile acid sequestrants work? Bile acid sequestrants bind bile acids in the intestine and increase the excretion of bile acids in the stool. This reduces the...
ursodiol, Actigall, Urso Forte, Urso 250: Drug Facts, Side Effects and Dosing
What is ursodiol? What are the uses for ursodiol? Ursodiol is a naturally-occurring bile acid that is made by the liver in humans and is secreted in small quantities into bile. It is used to dissolve and prevent cholesterol gallstones and to treat primary biliary cirrhosis, a disease of the liver. Ursodiol blocks the enzyme in the liver that produces...
acyclovir, Zovirax: Drug Facts, Side Effects and Dosing
What is acyclovir, and how does it work (mechanism of action)? Acyclovir is an antiviral drug, a synthetic nucleoside analogue, that has inhibitory activity (interferes with viral replication) against the herpes viruses, including herpes simplex 1 and 2 (cold sores and genital herpes), varicella-zoster (shingles and chickenpox), and Epstein-Barr virus (mononucleosis). Viruses take over living cells and reproduce themselves, often...
Dislocated Knee Recovery Time, Surgery, Symptoms
Facts you should know about dislocated knees Share Your Story A dislocated knee causes severe pain. Knee dislocations are a result of significant force or trauma. With a dislocated knee, the relationship between the femur and tibia is lost and at least three of four ligaments that hold the knee stable must be torn. Fractures often accompany the dislocation. Surgeons...
Dicyclomine vs. Donnatal: IBD Drug Side Effects & Dosage
Dicyclomine vs. Donnatal: What’s the difference? Dicyclomine and Donnatal (belladonna/phenobarbital) are used to treat irritable bowel syndrome (IBS). Dicyclomine and Donnatal belong to different drug classes. Dicyclomine is an anticholinergic and Donnatal is a combination of an anticholinergic/antispasmodic. A brand name for dicyclomine is Bentyl. Side effects of dicyclomine and Donnatal that are similar include dry mouth, blurred vision, increased...
Dislocated Knee Recovery Time, Surgery, Symptoms
Facts you should know about dislocated knees Share Your Story A dislocated knee causes severe pain. Knee dislocations are a result of significant force or trauma. With a dislocated knee, the relationship between the femur and tibia is lost and at least three of four ligaments that hold the knee stable must be torn. Fractures often accompany the dislocation. Surgeons...
Proton Pump Inhibitors (PPIs) vs. Zantac for Acid Reflux (GERD)
What’s the Difference between Proton Pump Inhibitors and Zantac? Proton pump inhibitors (PPIs) and Zantac (ranitidine) reduce the production of acid and are used to prevent and treat acid-related conditions including esophageal duodenal and stomach ulcers, NSAID-associated ulcers, ulcers, gastroesophageal reflux disease (GERD), and Zollinger-Ellison syndrome. Some proton pump inhibitors are available over-the-counter (OTC) and some require a prescription. Zantac...
Ranitidine (Zantac): Acid Reflux Medication Side Effects & Dosage
What is ranitidine, and how does it work (mechanism of action)? Ranitidine is an oral drug that blocks the production of acid by acid-producing cells in the stomach. It belongs to a class of drugs called H2 (histamine-2) blockers that also includes cimetidine (Tagamet), nizatidine (Axid), and famotidine (Pepcid). Histamine is a naturally occurring chemical that stimulates cells in the...
MSM Herbal Supplements Side Effects, Benefits, Uses & Dosage
What is MSM (methylsulfonylmethane ), and how does it work (mechanism of action)? Methylsulfonylmethane (MSM) is also called dimethyl sulfone, DMSO2, methyl sulfone, and many other names. MSM is an organic sulfur found in fruits, vegetables, grains, and milk as well as the urine of animals. It is an oxidation product of dimethyl sulfoxide (DMSO) and a source of sulfur...
Prilosec vs. Zantac for Heartburn & GERD: Side Effects & Dosage
What are the differences between Prilosec and Zantac? Prilosec (omeprazole) and Zantac (ranitidine) are used for the treatment of conditions such as ulcers and gastroesophageal reflux disease (GERD) caused by stomach acid. Both drugs work in different ways to reduce stomach acid. Prilosec and Zantac are both available over-the-counter (OTC). Prilosec is a proton pump inhibitor (PPI) that blocks the...