Ondansetron (Zofran) vs. alosetron (Lotronex): What’s the difference? Ondansetron and alosetron are serotonin-3 (5-HT3) receptor antagonists used to treat different conditions. Ondansetron is used to prevent nausea and vomiting caused by cancer chemotherapy and to prevent vomiting and nausea after surgery. Alosetron is used to treat diarrhea and abdominal discomfort that occurs in some women with irritable bowel syndrome (IBS)....
What Are Nitrates? Drug List, Side Effects & Pregnancy Safety
What are nitrates (nitrate medications)? Nitrates are medications used for treating or preventing heart pain (angina, chest pain) caused by heart disease, usually of the arteries in the heart. What are examples of nitrates available in the United States? Examples of generic and brand names of nitrates include: nitroglycerin sublingual tablet (Nitrostat) nitroglycerin lingual aerosol (Nitromist) nitrolinglycerin pumpspray (Nitrolingual Pumpsprapy)...
Metronidazole Topical Side Effects, Uses, Alcohol Interactions, & Dosage
What is topical metronidazole? How does it work (mechanism of action)? Metronidazole is a synthetic (man-made) drug that is effective against certain bacteria and parasites (protozoa). The topical forms (gels, creams, and lotions) of metronidazole are used for treating vaginal infections with protozoa such as Trichomonas vaginalis, amoeba, and Giardia. Metronidazole topical also is effective against anaerobic bacterial infections. (Anaerobic...
Pravachol (pravastatin) for Cholesterol Treatment: Dosage & Interactions
What is Pravachol, and how does it work? Pravachol is a prescription medicine used to treat the symptoms of high cholesterol, to lower blood levels of “bad” cholesterol (low-density lipoprotein or LDL), to increase levels of "good" cholesterol (high-density lipoprotein, or HDL) and to lower triglycerides. Pravachol may be used alone or with other medications. Pravachol belongs to a class...
Oxycodone vs. Tramadol: Pain, Side Effects, Dosage & Warnings
Oxycodone vs. tramadol: What’s the difference? Oxycodone is a semi-synthetic narcotic (opiate) pain medication. It is synthesized from thebaine, a part of the poppy plant. Tramadol is a schedule IV, man-made (synthetic) pain reliever (analgesic). It is not a narcotic medication, and it is not a nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drug (NSAIDs). Oxycodone is classified as a Schedule II drug by the...
Orilissa (elagolix): Endometriosis Pain Medication Side Effects & Dosage
What is Orilissa (elagolix) and how is it used? Orilissa is a prescription medicine used to treat moderate to severe pain associated with endometriosis. It is not known if Orilissa is safe and effective in children under 18 years of age. What are the side effects of Orilissa? Orilissa may cause serious side effects, including: bone loss (decreased bone mineral...
Oxycodone vs. Codeine Differences Between Opioid Painkillers
Oxycodone vs. codeine Oxycodone (OxyContin, Roxicodone, Oxecta, Oxaydo, Xtampza ER, and Roxybond) and codeine are both narcotic pain relievers. Both are also used as cough suppressants similar to morphine and hydrocodone. Oxycodone and codeine also cause sedation and drowsiness, and depress breathing. Both drugs are available in generic form. Both oxycodone and codeine are often available in forms combined with...
metronidazole (Noritate, Metrocream) Uses, Side Effects & Dosage
What is metronidazole cream, and how does it work (mechanism of action)? Metronidazole cream is a topical preparation (applied to the skin) of the antibiotic metronidazole. It is used for reducing the swelling and redness caused by acne rosacea. The mechanism through which metronidazole cream reduces the symptoms of acne rosacea is not known. The FDA approved metronidazole cream in...
What Is a Pelvic Osteotomy for an Acetabular Dysplasia?
A pelvic osteotomy for acetabular dysplasia is a surgical procedure to alter the shape and depth of the bony cup that houses the femoral joint. This aims to improve function and reduce hip inflammation and pain. An osteotomy is a surgical procedure that involves cutting and reshaping of a bone. A pelvic osteotomy is a means by which the hip...
Metformin vs. Janumet
What’s the difference between metformin vs. Janumet? Metformin and Janumet (metformin and sitagliptin) are used to treat type 2 diabetes. Metformin is also used to treat polycystic ovaries and weight gain due to medications used for treating psychoses. Brand names of metformin include Glumetza, Glucophage, and Fortamet. Side effects of metformin and Janumet that are similar include nausea, vomiting, and...