What is albuterol, and how does it work (mechanism of action)? Albuterol sulphate dilates the airways of the lung and is used for treating asthma and other conditions of the lung. Asthma is a breathing problem due to narrowing of the airways (bronchial tubes) that allow air to move in and out of the lungs. These airways can be narrowed...
Advair Diskus, HFA (fluticasone/salmeterol) Inhaler Side Effects
What is Advair Diskus, Advair HFA (fluticasone propionate and salmeterol oral inhaler)? Advair is a combination of inhaled drugs that is used to treat asthma and chronic bronchitis. What brand names are available for fluticasone propionate and salmeterol oral inhaler? Advair Diskus and Advair HFA are the brand names available for fluticasone propionate and salmeterol oral inhaler in the US....
Orlistat (Xenical, Alli) for Weight Loss: Side Effects & Dosage
What are the uses for orlistat? Orlistat is combined with a reduced-calorie diet to promote weight loss. Orlistat also may be used to prevent weight gain after weight has been lost. Candidates for treatment with orlistat are patients who are obese with a body mass index (a measure of obesity) of more than 30 kg/m2. Candidates also include patients with...
Rabeprazole (Aciphex) Proton Pump Inhibitor Uses & Side Effects
What is rabeprazole, and how does it work (mechanism of action)? Rabeprazole is an oral drug that is used for the treatment of conditions caused by acid. It is in a class of drugs called proton pump inhibitors or PPIs which block the production of acid by the stomach. Other drugs in the same class include: lansoprazole (Prevacid), omeprazole (Prilosec),...
Abatacept (Orencia): Uses, Side Effects & Dosage
What is abatacept? What is abatacept used for? Abatacept is an injectable, synthetic (man-made) protein produced by recombinant DNA technology that is used for treating rheumatoid arthritis. It is an immunesuppressant, a drug that suppresses the immune system that is similar to alefacept (Amevive) and belatacept (Nulojix). The immune system is responsible for protecting the body against foreign invaders, for...
Mirapex (pramipexole): Side Effects, Uses & Dosage
What is Mirapex? What is Mirapex used for? Pramipexole (Mirapex) is used for the treatment of Parkinson's disease (PD) and restless leg syndrome (RLS). Is Mirapex available as a generic drug? Generics are available for the immediate release tablets. Generics of the extended release tablets are not available. Do I need a prescription for Mirapex? Yes What are the side...
Olanzapine (Zyprexa): Schizophrenia Drug Uses & Side Effects
What is olanzapine, and how does it work (mechanism of action)? Olanzapine is a drug that is used to treat schizophrenia and acute manic episodes associated with bipolar I disorder. Olanzapine belongs to a drug class known as atypical antipsychotics. Other members of this class include clozapine (Clozaril), risperidone (Risperdal), aripiprazole (Abilify) and ziprasidone (Geodon). The exact mechanism of action...
promethazine, Promethegan: Drug Facts, Side Effects and Dosing
What is promethazine, and how does it work (mechanism of action)? Promethazine is a phenothiazine in the same drug class as chlorpromazine (Thorazine) and trifluoperazine (Stelazine). However, unlike the other drugs in this class, promethazine is not used as an anti-psychotic. It used as an anti-histamine, sedative, and antiemetic (anti-nausea). The body releases histamine during several types of allergic reactions....
insulin glargine (Lantus): Drug Side Effects
What is insulin glargine, and how does it work (mechanism of action)? Insulin glargine is a bioengineered (man-made) injectable form of long-acting insulin that is used to regulate sugar (glucose) levels in type 1 and type 2 diabetes. Individuals with type 1 diabetes do not produce insulin on their own; and individuals with type 2 diabetes do not produce enough...
Vyvanse (lisdexamfetamine) for ADHD: Side Effects & Dosage
What is lisdexamfetamine (Vyvanse)? What are the uses for lisdexamfetamine (Vyvanse)? Vyvanse is a central nervous system (CNS) stimulant used for the treatment of: attention deficit hyperactivity disorder (ADHD), and moderate-to-severe binge eating disorder. What are the side effects of lisdexamfetamine (Vyvanse)? Common side effects of Vyvanse include: upper abdominal pain, nausea, dry mouth, dizziness, weight loss, trouble sleeping, irritability,...