What is pygeum (Pygeum africanum), and how does it work (mechanism of action)? Prunus africanum is a natural herbal supplement. Prunus africanum contains triterpenes, ferulic acid and phytosterols. Ferulic acid lowers prostatic cholesterol levels and phytosterols block prostaglandin synthesis, leading to reduced pain and inflammation. Triterpenes also blocks enzymes responsible for destruction of connective tissues, leading to possible improvement in...
Progesterone (Prometrium) Uses, Side Effects & Dosage
What is progesterone, and how does it work (mechanism of action)? Progesterone is a man-made medication derived from a plant source and is identical to the female hormone, progesterone produced in the ovaries. It promotes the development of the mammary glands, causes changes in the endometrium, which lines the uterus, relaxes uterine smooth muscles, blocks ovulation within the ovaries, and...
Methadone: Synthetic Opioid Uses, Side Effects & Withdrawal
What is methadone? What is methadone used for? Methadone is a strong, synthetic (man-made) narcotic that acts on the central nervous system (brain) in a manner similar to other narcotics. It is used in the management of narcotic addiction and for pain control. Methadone was first approved by the Food and Drug Administration on August 13, 1947. What brand names...
Ondansetron (Zofran) vs. promethazine (Phenergan) Side Effects, Dosage
Ondansetron (Zofran) vs. promethazine (Phenergan): What’s the difference? Ondansetron and promethazine are used to prevent nausea and vomiting. Promethazine is also used as an antihistamine and sedative. Brand names for ondansetron include Zofran, Zofran ODT, and Zuplenz. Brand names for promethazine include Phenergan, Phenadoz, and Promethegan. Ondansetron and promethazine belong to different drug classes. Ondansetron is an anti-nausea medication and...
Prezcobix (darunavir and cobicistat) HIV Drug Side Effects & Dosage
Generic drug: darunavir and cobicistat Brand name: Prezcobix What is Prezcobix (darunavir and cobicistat), and how does it work? Prezcobix (darunavir and cobicistat) is a prescription medicine that is used with other HIV-1 medicines to treat HIV-1 infection in adults and in children who weigh at least 88 pounds (40 kg). What are the side effects of Prezcobix? Prezcobix may...
mesalamine (Lialda) for UC, Side Effects, and Dosage
What is mesalamine (Lialda), and how does it work (mechanism of action)? Mesalamine is an oral drug used for treating ulcerative colitis. Lialda is mesalamine in a form that is slowly released in the intestine so that it can be given just once-a-day. Other oral drugs containing mesalamine that are similar to Lialda include Asacol, Pentasa, and Apriso. Asacol and Pentasa,...
Nitrofurantoin vs. Amoxicillin: Antibiotics, Side Effects, Dosage
Nitrofurantoin vs. amoxicillin: What’s the difference? Nitrofurantoin and amoxicillin are antibiotics used to treat urinary tract infections (UTIs). Amoxicillin is also used to treat bacterial infections of the middle ear, tonsils, throat, larynx (laryngitis), bronchi (bronchitis), lungs (pneumonia), and skin. It is also used to treat gonorrhea. Brand names of nitrofurantoin include Macrobid, Macrodantin, and Furadantin. A brand name of...
What Is Penicillin Used For? Antibiotic Types, Classification & Side Effects
Who discovered penicillin? In 1928, Alexander Fleming noted that mold belonging to the genus Penicillium inhibited the growth of bacteria. Fleming called this unknown antibacterial substance penicillin. Ten years later, a group at Oxford University began to investigate penicillin in laboratory mice. Penicillin was hailed as a miracle drug and saved countless lives in World War II. What are penicillin...
Prednisone vs. dexamethasone Side Effects, Symptoms & Pregnancy Safety
What are the differences between prednisone vs. dexamethasone? Prednisone and dexamethasone are synthetic corticosteroids used for suppressing the immune system and inflammation. Both drugs are used to treat many conditions including arthritis, colitis, asthma, bronchitis, skin problems, and allergies. Corticosteroids including prednisone and dexamethasone are commonly used to suppress the immune system and prevent the body from rejecting transplanted organs....
What Is Magnesium Sulfate? Uses, Side Effects & Dosage
What is magnesium sulfate injection? What is magnesium sulfate used for? Magnesium sulfate injection is suitable for replacement therapy in magnesium deficiency, especially in acute hypomagnesemia accompanied by signs of tetany similar to those observed in hypocalcemia. Magnesium sulfate injection is also indicated for the prevention and control of seizures in pre-eclampsia and eclampsia, respectively. Magnesium sulfate is a sterile solution...