What is raxibacumab, and how is it used? raxibacumab is a prescription medicine used along with antibiotic medicines to treat people with inhalational anthrax. Raxibacumab can also be used to prevent anthrax disease when there are no other treatment options. The effectiveness of raxibacumab has been studied only in animals with inhalational anthrax. There have been no studies in people...
methotrexate (Rheumatrex): Side Effects & Dosage
What is methotrexate, and how does it work (mechanism of action)? Methotrexate is classified as an antimetabolite drug which means it is capable of blocking the metabolism of cells. (Metabolism consists of the production and destruction of important components of the cell as well as the production of energy for use by the cell.) As a result of this effect,...
Pennsaid (diclofenac sodium) for Arthritis: Side Effects & Warnings
Generic drug: diclofenac sodium Brand name: Pennsaid What is Pennsaid (diclofenac sodium), and how does it work? Pennsaid (diclofenac sodium) is a topical non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drug (NSAID) used to treat the symptoms of Acute Pain, Arthritis Pain, Actinic Keratosis, and Osteoarthritis. Pennsaid may be used alone or with other medications. Pennsaid belongs to a class of drugs called Topical Skin...
Metolazone vs. Thiazide Diuretics: Side Effects, Dosage, Drug Interactions
What are the differences between metolazone and thiazide diuretics? Metolazone and thiazide diuretics are diuretics ("water pills") used to treat high blood pressure and fluid accumulation. Brand names for metolazone include Zaroxolyn, Mykrox, and Diulo. Side effects of metolazone and thiazide diuretics that are similar include low blood potassium (hypokalemia), low blood magnesium (hypomagnesemia), dizziness, lightheadedness, headache, weakness, and increased...
modafinil (Provigil) Side Effects & Dosage
What is modafinil, and how does it work (mechanism of action)? Modafinil is an oral drug that is used for improving wakefulness in patients with excessive sleepiness. It is similar to armodafinil (Nuvigil). Like amphetamines, modafinil promotes wakefulness by stimulatIng the brain. The exact mechanism of action of modafinil is unknown. It may work by increasing the amount of dopamine...
Monistat (miconazole) Side Effects, Warnings, Interactions
What is miconazole, and how does it work (mechanism of action)? Miconazole is an antifungal medication related to fluconazole (Diflucan), ketoconazole (Nizoral), itraconazole (Sporanox), and clotrimazole (Lotrimin, Mycelex). It is used either on the skin or vaginally for fungal infections. Miconazole was approved by the FDA in 1974. What brand names are available for miconazole? Monistat, M-Zole, Micatin Is miconazole...
peginterferon beta-1a (Plegridy): MS Drug Side Effects & Dosage
What is Plegridy? What is Plegridy used for? Peginterferon beta-1a (Plegridy) is a protein produced by recombinant DNA technology using genetically engineered Chinese Hamster Ovary Cells into which the human interferon beta genes have been introduced. It is used for treating multiple sclerosis (MS). It differs from interferon beta-1a by having polyethylene glycol attached to the interferon molecules (peglated) that...
Metformin vs. Januvia: Side Effects & Dosage for Diabetes Drugs
What’s the difference between metformin vs. Januvia? Metformin and Januvia (sitagliptin) are oral medications that lower blood glucose (sugar) and 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 Januvia...
nisoldipine (Sular): Drug Facts, Side Effects and Dosage
What is nisoldipine, and how does it work (mechanism of action)? Nisoldipine is an oral calcium channel blocker (CCB) of the dihydropyridine (DHP) class that is used to treat high blood pressure. Other calcium channel blockers in the DHP class include nifedipine (Procardia, Adalat), amlodipine (Norvasc), felodipine (Plendil), nicardipine (Cardene), and isradipine (Dynacirc). Calcium channel blockers prevent calcium from entering...
Pegasys (peginterferon alfa-2a)
What is Pegasys, and how does it work? Pegasys is a prescription medicine that is: used with other hepatitis C virus (HCV) antiviral medicines to treat adults who have chronic (lasting a long time) hepatitis C infection and compensated liver disease. used alone to treat adults with chronic hepatitis C (CHC) and compensated liver disease, and who are not able...