What is Zocor? Zocor is a cholesterol-lowering drug. It belongs to a class of drugs called statins, or HMG-CoA reductase inhibitors. Other statins include: lovastatin (Mevacor), atorvastatin (Lipitor), fluvastatin (Lescol), and rosuvastatin (Crestor). Is Zocor available as a generic drug? Yes Do I need a prescription for Zocor? Yes Why is Zocor prescribed to patients? Simvastatin is used for reducing...
mirtazapine (Remeron): Depression Drug Side Effects & Dosing
What is mirtazapine, and how does it work (mechanism of action)? Mirtazapine is a tetracyclic antidepressant similar to maprotiline (Ludiomil) and tricyclic antidepressants, for example, desipramine (Norpramin). Depression is an all-pervasive sense of sadness and gloom. It is believed that in some patients with depression, abnormal levels of neurotransmitters (chemicals that nerves use to communicate with each other) may be...
Hydrocodone Pain Medication Side Effects, Strengths & Dosage
What is hydrocodone (Zohydro ER)? Hydrocodone is an opioid narcotic pain-reliever similar to oxycodone, morphine, methadone, fentanyl, and other opioids. Do I need a prescription for hydrocodone (Zohydro ER)? Yes Why is hydrocodone (Zohydro ER) prescribed to patients? name=”prescribed”> Why is hydrocodone (Zohydro ER) prescribed to patients? ydrocodone is prescribed for the long-term treatment of severe pain for which other...
warfarin (Coumadin, Jantoven) Side Effects, Dosage & Uses
What is warfarin, and how does it work (mechanism of action)? Warfarin is an oral anticoagulant, a drug that inhibits the clotting of blood. It prevents the formation of blood clots by reducing the production of factors by the liver that promote clotting, factors II, VII, IX, and X, and the anticoagulant proteins C and S. The production of these...
Disulfiram (Antabuse) Side Effects, Dosage & Reaction to Alcohol
What is Antabuse, and how does it work (mechanism of action)? Disulfiram is an oral drug used for treating alcoholism. Alcohol is converted in the body into acetaldehyde by an enzyme called alcohol dehydrogenase. Another enzyme called acetaldehyde dehydrogenase then converts acetaldehyde into acetic acid. Disulfiram prevents acetaldehyde dehydrogenase from converting acetaldehyde into acetic acid, leading to a buildup of...
Adderall vs. Concerta: ADHD Drug Uses, Side Effects & Interactions
Adderall vs. Concerta comparison Both Adderall (amphetamine and dextroamphetamine) and Concerta (methylphenidate) are stimulants used for treatment of narcolepsy and adult and childhood Attention Deficit Hyperactivity Disorder (ADD or ADHD). Adderall contains amphetamines that stimulate the brain and central nervous system, producing a calming effect in adults and children with ADHD. Concerta is a stimulant that acts in a similar manner, but...
Alendronate (Fosamax) Side Effects, Dosage & Contraindications
What is alendronate (Fosamax), and how does it work (mechanism of action)? Alendronate is in a class of medications called bisphosphonates. The bisphosphonate class includes etidronate (Didronel), ibandronate (Boniva), pamidronate (Aredia), risedronate (Actonel), and tiludronate (Skelid). Bisphosphonates are used for treating osteoporosis (reduced density of bone that leads to fractures) and bone pain from diseases such as metastatic breast cancer,...
Non-Polio Enterovirus Symptoms, Treatment & Contagious Period
Enterovirus facts Enteroviruses are small RNA viruses that can cause illnesses such as colds, meningitis, hand, foot and mouth disease, hypoxia (decreased blood oxygen levels), hemorrhagic conjunctivitis, myopericarditis, rashes, herpangina, pleurodynia, respiratory infections, and infrequently, paralysis. There have been several outbreaks of enterovirus infections; an outbreak in August 2014 occurred due to the strain named enterovirus D68, or EV-D68, an...
Why Would You Need a Blood Transfusion? Types, Risks & Side Effects
Blood transfusion definition and facts A blood transfusion is the transfer of blood or blood products from one person (donor) into another person's bloodstream (recipient). Blood transfusions can be a life-saving measure. Volunteer donor blood usually is readily available, and when properly tested has a low incidence of adverse events. The likelihood of contracting infections from a blood transfusion is...
Why Would You Need a Blood Transfusion? Types, Risks & Side Effects
Blood transfusion definition and facts A blood transfusion is the transfer of blood or blood products from one person (donor) into another person's bloodstream (recipient). Blood transfusions can be a life-saving measure. Volunteer donor blood usually is readily available, and when properly tested has a low incidence of adverse events. The likelihood of contracting infections from a blood transfusion is...