What is phentermine and topiramate, and how does it work (mechanism of action)? Qsymia is a combination product that contains phentermine and topiramate in an extended release form. It helps some obese (body mass index [BMI] = 30 km/m2) adults or some overweight (BMI = 27 km/m2) adults with weight-related medical problems lose weight and keep the weight off. Phentermine...
What Is an NSAID? Drug List, Names & Side Effects
What are NSAIDs and how do they work? Prostaglandins are a family of chemicals that are produced by the cells of the body and have several important functions. They promote inflammation that is necessary for healing, but also results in pain, and fever; support the blood clotting function of platelets; and protect the lining of the stomach from the damaging...
Plan B One-Step, Levonorgestrel: Side Effects & Effectiveness
What is oral levonorgestrel, and how does it work (mechanism of action)? Levonorgestrel (Plan B) is emergency contraception (commonly called the morning after pill) that is used as backup contraception to prevent pregnancy when taken within 72 hours after unprotected sex or when birth control fails. Levonorgestrel is a progestin. Progestins are hormones used in many birth control pills. Although...
Mytesi (crofelemer): Diarrhea Relief for HIV/AIDS Therapy
What is Mytesi, and how does it work? Mytesi (crofelemer delayed-release tablets) is an anti-diarrheal indicated for the symptomatic relief of non-infectious diarrhea in adult patients with HIV/AIDS on antiretroviral therapy. What are the side effects of Mytesi? Common side effects of Mytesi include: upper respiratory tract infection, bronchitis, cough, gas, increased bilirubin, nausea, back pain, joint pain, urinary tract...
tamoxifen, Nolvadex Side Effects (Weight Gain), Dosage & Dangers
What is tamoxifen (Soltamox)? Tamoxifen is an anti-estrogen that prevents the effects of estrogens on tissues. What brand names are available for tamoxifen (Soltamox)? Soltamox is currently the only brand available for tamoxifen. Nolvadex brand has been discontinued. Is tamoxifen (Soltamox) available as a generic drug? Yes Do I need a prescription for tamoxifen (Soltamox)? Yes Why is tamoxifen (Soltamox)...
Linezolid (Zyvox) Antibiotic Side Effects, Dosage, Uses & How It Works
What is linezolid (Zyvox)? How does it work (mechanism of action)? Linezolid (Zyvox) is a synthetic antibiotic that is effective against bacteria such as Enterococcus faecium, Staphylococcus aureus, Streptococcus agalactiae, Streptococcus pneumoniae, Streptococcus pyogenes, and others. It is effective against Staphylococcus aureus isolates that are resistant to other antibiotics. Linezolid prevents bacteria from growing by interfering with their ability to...
Integrilin (eptifibatide) Acute Coronary Syndrome Drug Warnings
Generic drug: eptifibatide Brand name: Integrilin What is Integrilin (eptifibatide), and how does it work? Integrilin (eptifibatide) injection is a platelet aggregation inhibitor indicated for treatment of acute coronary syndrome (ACS) managed medically or with percutaneous coronary intervention (PCI), and treatment of patients undergoing PCI (including intracoronary stenting). Integrilin injection is available in generic form. What are the side effects...
clindamycin vaginal cream (Cleocin) Side Effects & Dosage
What is clindamycin phosphate-vaginal cream, and how does it work (mechanism of action)? Clindamycin is an antibiotic used for treating serious infections. It is effective against several types of bacteria such as Staphylococcus aureus, Streptococcus pneumoniae, and Staphylococcus epidermidis, and Propionibacterium acnes. It reduces growth of bacteria by interfering with their ability to make proteins. The FDA approved clindamycin for...
Bactrim (sulfamethoxazole & trimethoprim) vs. Cipro (ciprofloxacin)
What’s the Difference Between Bactrim and Cipro? Bactrim (sulfamethoxazole and trimethoprim) and Cipro (ciprofloxacin) are antibiotics used to treat bacterial infections. The drugs are in different drug classes. Bactrim is a combination of sulfamethoxazole, an anti-bacterial sulfonamide (a "sulfa" drug), and trimethoprim, a folic acid inhibitor. Cipro is a fluoroquinolone antibiotic. Side effects of Bactrim and Cipro that are similar...
Busulfex (busulfan) for Leukemia: Side Effects & Warnings
Generic drug: busulfan Brand name: Busulfex What is Busulfex (busulfan), and how does it work? Busulfex (busulfan) is a cancer (antineoplastic) medication used to treat the symptoms of chronic myelogenous leukemia (a type of blood cancer). Busulfex is not a cure for leukemia. What are the side effects of Busulfex? Common side effects of Busulfex include: nausea, vomiting, diarrhea, constipation,...