Generic drug: brimonidine tartrate Brand Qoliana: Qoliana What is Qoliana (brimonidine tartrate) ophthalmic solution, and how does it work? Qoliana (brimonidine tartrate) ophthalmic solution is a selective alpha-2-adrenergic agonist used for the lowering of intraocular pressure in patients with open-angle glaucoma or ocular hypertension. Qoliana is available in generic form. What are the side effects of Qoliana? Common side effects of...
What Are the Off-Label Uses for Intravenous Immunoglobulin Therapy?
What is intravenous immunoglobulin therapy? Because intravenous immunoglobulin therapy increases a patient's immune response, doctors prescribe it in many circumstances in the hope it can help the patient heal when other treatments fail. Intravenous immunoglobulin (IVIG) therapy is a treatment for people whose immune system is compromised due to a genetic disorder or an acquired disease. Immunoglobulins are antibodies in...
PPIs (Proton Pump Inhibitors) Side Effects, List of Names & Adverse Effects
What are proton pump inhibitors (PPIs), and how do they work (mechanism of action)? Proton pump inhibitors (PPIs) reduce the production of acid by blocking the enzyme in the wall of the stomach that produces acid. Acid is necessary for the formation of most ulcers in the esophagus, stomach, and duodenum, and the reduction of acid with PPIs prevents ulcers...
Nitrofurantoin vs. Cephalexin (Keflex): Antibiotics, Side Effects
Nitrofurantoin vs. Cephalexin: What’s the difference? Nitrofurantoin and cephalexin are antibiotics used to treat urinary tract infections (UTIs). Cephalexin is also used to treat middle ear infections (otitis media), tonsillitis, throat infections, laryngitis, bronchitis, pneumonia, skin infections, and bone infections. Brand names of nitrofurantoin include Macrobid, Macrodantin, and Furadantin. Brand names of cephalexin include Keflex and Daxbia. Side effects of...
Propylthiouracil (PTU): Warnings, Side Effects & Dose in Pregnancy
What is propylthiouracil, and how does it work (mechanism of action)? Propylthiouracil (PTU) is an oral medication that is used to manage hyperthyroidism which is due to an overactive thyroid gland. It is an anti-thyroid drug that has a mechanism of action that is similar to methimazole (Tapazole). Graves’ disease is the most common cause of hyperthyroidism. It is an...
Savella (milnacipran) Side Effects, Uses & Dosing
What is Savella (milnacipran)? How does it work (mechanism of action)? Milnacipran is a selective serotonin and norepinephrine reuptake inhibitor (SNRI) used for treating pain associated with fibromyalgia. It is similar to duloxetine (Cymbalta), venlafaxine (Effexor), and desvenlafaxine (Pristiq). Milnacipran affects neurotransmitters, the chemicals that nerves within the brain make and release in order to communicate with one another. Neurotransmitters...
Metoprolol vs. labetalol
Metoprolol vs. labetalol: What’s the difference? Metoprolol and labetalol are beta-blockers (beta-adrenergic blocking agents) used to treat high blood pressure (hypertension). Metoprolol is also used to treat heart pain (angina), congestive heart failure, hyperthyroidism, abnormal heart rhythms, and some neurologic conditions, and to prevent migraine headaches. Brand names for metoprolol include Lopressor and Toprol XL. Side effects of metoprolol and...
Metformin vs. Victoza: Side Effects & Dosage for Diabetes Drugs
What Is the difference between metformin vs. Victoza? Metformin and Victoza (liraglutide) are used for treating type 2 diabetes. Metformin is also used to treat polycystic ovaries and weight gain due to medications used for treating psychoses. Metformin is an oral medication and Victoza is administered by injection under the skin (subcutaneously). Brand names of metformin include Glumetza, Glucophage, and...
Optiray (ioversol) Injection for Heart X-Ray: Side Effects, Dosage
What is Optiray Injection, and how does it work? Optiray (ioversol) is a radiopaque contrast agent that contains iodine, a substance that absorbs x-rays, and is used to help diagnose certain disorders of the heart. What are the side effects of Optiray Injection? Common side effects of Optiray include fever, warmth and pain at the injection site, skin rash or...
Mavyret (glecaprevir and pibrentasvir): Hep C Drug Dosage & Side Effects
What is Mavyret, and what is it used for? Mavyret is a fixed-dose combination tablet containing glecaprevir and pibrentasvir for oral administration. Glecaprevir is a HCV NS3/4A PI, and pibrentasvir is a HCV NS5A inhibitor. Mavyret is indicated for the treatment of adult and pediatric patients 12 years and older or weighing at least 45 kg with chronic hepatitis C...