Metoprolol vs. losartan: What’s the difference? Metoprolol and losartan are used to treat high blood pressure (hypertension). Metoprolol is also used to treat heart pain (angina), congestive heart failure, hyperthyroidism, abnormal heart rhythms, some neurologic conditions, and to prevent migraine headaches. Brand names for metoprolol include Lopressor and Toprol XL. A brand name for losartan is Cozaar. Metoprolol and losartan...
Protopic Ointment (acrolimus) vs. Triamcinolone: Uses & Side Effects
Protopic ointment vs. triamcinolone: What’s the difference? Protopic ointment (acrolimus) and triamcinolone are used to treat atopic dermatitis (eczema). Triamcinolone is also used to relieve skin inflammation, itching, dryness, and redness caused by a number of conditions such as allergic reactions and psoriasis. Protopic ointment is an immunosuppressive and triamcinolone is a corticosteroid. Side effects of Protopic Ointment and triamcinolone...
Prialt (ziconotide) for Pain Management and Relief
What is Prialt, and how does it work? Prialt (ziconotide) is a non-narcotic pain reliever used to treat severe chronic pain in people who cannot use or do not respond to standard pain-relieving medications. What are the side effects of Prialt? WARNING NEUROPSYCHIATRIC ADVERSE REACTIONS Prialt is contraindicated in patients with a preexisting history of psychosis. Severe psychiatric symptoms and...
methoxsalen; 8-MOP, Oxsoralen Ultra) Side Effects & Dosing
What is methoxsalen? How does it work (mechanism of action)? Methoxsalen is a naturally occurring photoactive chemical found in the seeds of the Ammi majus (Umbelliferae) plant and in the roots of Heraclem candicans. It belongs to a group of compounds known as psoralens, or furocoumarins. It is used for treating psoriasis, idiopathic vitiligo (leucoderma) and cutaneous (skin) manifestations of...
Matulane (procarbazine): Hodgkin’s Drug Side Effects & Dosage
Generic drug: procarbazine hydrochloride Brand name: Matulane What is Matulane (procarbazine hydrochloride), and how does it work? Matulane (procarbazine hydrochloride) Capsules is a cancer medication that is given with other cancer medications to treat Hodgkin's Disease (a type of blood cancer). What are the side effects of Matulane? WARNING It is recommended that Matulane be given only by or under...
meloxicam (Mobic) Side Effects, Uses, Dosage, and Abuse
What is meloxicam, and how does it work (mechanism of action)? Meloxicam is in a class of drugs called nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drugs (NSAIDs) that are used to treat pain and/or inflammation. Other members of this class include ibuprofen (Motrin), indomethacin (Indocin), nabumetone (Relafen) and several others. Prostaglandins are chemicals that contribute to inflammation especially within joints, and it is the...
Mycobutin (rifabutin) Antibiotic Side Effects, Dosage, & Interactions
What is Mycobutin, and how does it work? Generic drug: rifabutin Brand name: Mycobutin Mycobutin (rifabutin) is an antibiotic used to prevent mycobacterium avium complex (MAC) in people with HIV (human immunodeficiency virus) infection. Mycobutin is also used with other medications to treat tuberculosis in people with HIV. What are the side effects of Mycobutin? Common side effects of Mycobutin...
Thioridazine (Mellaril): Schizophrenia Drug Side Effects & Dosage
What is thioridazine? What is thioridazine used for? Thioridazine is an oral antipsychotic medication used for the management of schizophrenia. Thioridazine is one of the older, first-generation antipsychotic medications. Examples of other first-generation antipsychotics include: prochlorperazine (Compazine, Compro, Procomp) chlorpromazine (Promapar, Thorazine) perphenazine (Trilafon) trifluoperazine (Stelazine) Although the exact mechanism of antipsychotics is unknown, scientists believe that they may work...
Metronidazole vs. Vancomycin: C. Diff Drug Dosage & Side Effects
Fact on metronidazole vs. vancomycin Metronidazole and vancomycin are antibiotics used to treat Clostridium difficile diarrhea. Brand names for metronidazole include Flagyl and Flagyl ER and a brand name for vancomycin is Vancocin HCL. Side effects of metronidazole and vancomycin that are similar include nausea, headache, flushing and skin redness, stomach/abdominal cramps or pain, vomiting, and diarrhea. Side effects of...
nilotinib (Tasigna): Leukemia Drug Side Effects & Dosage
What is nilotinib? What is nilotinib used for? Nilotinib is an oral medication used for treating chronic myeloid leukemia and acute lymphoblastic leukemia. Nilotinib is classified as a kinase inhibitor. Kinase inhibitors include dasatinib (Sprycel), erlotinib (Tarceva), gefitinib (Iressa), imatinib (Gleevec), pazopanib (Votrient), sunitinib (Sutent), and vandetanib (Caprelsa). Kinase inhibitors prevent the growth of tumors by reducing the action of...