What is Purinethol (mercaptopurine), and how does it work? Generic drug: Purinethol Brand name: mercaptopurine Purinethol (mercaptopurine) is used to slow the growth of cancer cells. Purinethol is also used to treat certain types of leukemia. What are the side effects of Purinethol? Common side effects of Purinethol include: nausea, vomiting, diarrhea, loss of appetite, itching or skin rash, or darkened skin color. Temporary...
mebendazole (Vermox) Side Effects, Dosage & Warnings
What is mebendazole chewable, and how does it work (mechanism of action)? Mebendazole is a member of the benzimidazole class of antiparasitic agents, which also includes thiabendazole, albendazole, and triclabendazole. Mebendazole, like other benzimidazoles, causes death of parasites by interfering with the function of tubulin, an important protein in parasites, and preventing glucose uptake. Mebendazole is active against tapeworms, roundworms,...
Norvir (ritonavir): Drug Facts, Side Effects, and Dosage
What is ritonavir, and how does it work (mechanism of action)? Ritonavir is an oral medication that is used for treating human immunodeficiency virus (HIV) infection. It is in a class of drugs called protease inhibitors which also includes indinavir (Crixivan), nelfinavir (Viracept), emtricitabine (Emtriva) and saquinavir (Invirase, Fortovase). During infection with HIV, the HIV virus multiplies within the body's...
Metformin vs. Lantus: Side Effects & Dosage for Diabetes Drugs
What is the difference between metformin vs. Lantus? Metformin and Lantus (insulin glargine) are used to treat diabetes. A difference is metformin is used to treat only type 2 diabetes, while Lantus may be used to treat both type 1 and type 2 diabetes. Metformin is also used to treat polycystic ovaries and weight gain due to medications used for...
perphenazine (Trilafon): Schizophrenia Drug Side Effects & Interactions
What is perphenazine? What is perphenazine used for? Perphenazine is an oral antipsychotic medication used for the management of schizophrenia. Perphenazine is one of the older, first-generation antipsychotic medications. Examples of other first-generation antipsychotics include: prochlorperazine (Compazine, Compro, Procomp) chlorpromazine (Promapar, Thorazine) trifluoperazine (Stelazine) thioridazine (Mellaril) Although the exact mechanism of antipsychotics is unknown, scientists believe that they may work...
Ofloxacin (Ocuflox) vs. Ciprofloxacin (Cipro): Antibiotic Comparison
Ofloxacin vs. ciprofloxacin: What’s the difference? Ofloxacin and ciprofloxacin are fluoroquinolone antibiotics used to treat bacterial infections such as pneumonia, bronchitis, staph infections, STDs (gonorrhea, chlamydia), urinary tract infections (UTIs), and prostate infections caused by E. coli. A brand name for ofloxacin is Ocuflox. The Floxin brand of ofloxacin has been discontinued. A brand name for ciprofloxacin is Cipro. Side...
Nymalize (nimodipine): Stroke Medication Side Effects, Warnings
Generic drug: nimodipine Brand name: Nymalize What is Nymalize (nimodipine), and how does it work? Nymalize (nimodipine) is a calcium channel blocker used to treat patients experiencing symptoms resulting from ruptured blood vessels in the brain (subarachnoid hemorrhage, SAH). What are the side effects of Nymalize? Common side effects of Nymalize include: decreased blood pressure headache nausea slowed heart rate...
Metronidazole vs. Miconazole: Treatment for Yeast & Fungal Infections
Facts on Metronidazole vs. Miconazole Metronidazole and miconazole are both used to treat different types of vaginal infections. Metronidazole is used to treat bacterial vaginosis and trichomonas vaginal infections, and miconazole is used to treat vaginal yeast infections. Metronidazole is also used to treat parasitic infections including Giardia infections of the small intestine, amebic liver abscess, and amebic dysentery; carriers...
ProAir Digihaler (albuterol sulfate) Inhaler for Asthma, COPD
What is ProAir Digihaler, and how does it work? ProAir Digihaler is a prescription medicine used in people 4 years of age and older to: treat or prevent bronchospasm in people who have reversible obstructive airway disease prevent exercise-induced bronchospasm ProAir Digihaler contains a built-in electronic module that records and stores information about inhaler events. The ProAir Digihaler may be...
Primidone (Mysoline) Medication Side Effects, Dosage & Uses
What is primidone (Mysoline)? How does it work (mechanism of action)? Primidone, brand name Mysoline, is an oral anticonvulsant (anti-seizure) medication used for treating several types of seizures. Its exact mechanism of action is not known. Primidone is converted into phenobarbital and phenylethylmalonamide (PEMA) in the body. Primidone, phenobarbital, and PEMA all have anticonvulsant activity. In addition to its anticonvulsant...