What is lapatinib (Tykerb), and how is it used? Tykerb is indicated in combination with: capecitabine for the treatment of patients with advanced or metastatic breast cancer whose tumors overexpress human epidermal growth factor receptor 2 (HER2) and who have received prior therapy including an anthracycline, a taxane, and trastuzumab. Limitation of Use: Patients should have disease progression on trastuzumab...
Monoamine Oxidase Inhibitors (MAOIs) Side Effects, Dosage, Interactions
What are monoamine oxidase inhibitors (MAOIs)? How do they work (mechanism of action)? MAOIs were the first class of antidepressants to be developed. They fell out of favor because of concerns about interactions with certain foods and numerous drug interactions. MAOIs elevate the levels of norepinephrine, serotonin, and dopamine by inhibiting an enzyme called monoamine oxidase. Monoamine oxidase breaks down...
Lexapro (escitalopram) vs. Ativan (lorazepam) for Anxiety & Depression
What’s the Difference Between Lexapro and Ativan? Lexapro (escitalopram) and Ativan (lorazepam) are used to treat anxiety. Lexapro is also used to treat depression. Ativan is also used to treat insomnia and panic attacks, used along with other medications to prevent nausea and vomiting from chemotherapy, administered before anesthesia for sedation, used for prevention and treatment of alcohol withdrawal, and...
Lipitor (atorvastatin) vs. Zetia (ezetimibe): Cholesterol Drugs
Lipitor vs. Zetia: What’s the difference? Lipitor (atorvastatin) and Zetia (ezetimibe) are used to lower cholesterol levels in the blood. Lipitor and Zetia belong to different drug classes. Lipitor is an HMG-CoA reductase inhibitor (a “statin” drug) and Zetia is a cholesterol-lowering drug. Side effects of Lipitor and Zetia that are similar include diarrhea and joint pain. Side effects of Lipitor...
Intermezzo (zolpidem): Insomnia Drug Side Effects & Dosage
What is Intermezzo? What is zolpidem used for? Intermezzo contains a low dose of zolpidem, the same active ingredient in Ambien. Zolpidem belongs to a class of drugs called sedatives or hypnotics. Zolpidem shares some characteristics of a family of sedatives called benzodiazepines which includes diazepam (Valium). Benzodiazepines cause sedation, muscle relaxation, act as anticonvulsants (antiseizure medications), and reduce anxiety....
paliperidone palmitate (Invega Trinza): Side Effects & Dosage
What is paliperidone palmitate? What is paliperidone palmitate used for? Invega trinza (paliperidone palmitate) is an atypical antipsychotic used to treat schizophrenia. It is a longer acting form of Invega sustenna and Invega. Other atypical antipsychotic drugs include olanzapine (Zyprexa), quetiapine (Seroquel), ziprasidone (Geodon), asenapine (Saphris), iloperidone (Fanapt) and aripiprazole (Abilify). Atypical antipsychotics differ from typical antipsychotics because they cause...
Nefazodone (Serzone): Depression Drug Side Effects & Dosage
What is nefazodone, and how does it work (mechanism of action)? Nefazodone is an oral antidepressant drug. Nefazodone affects chemicals in the brain that nerves use to send messages to one another, called neurotransmitters. The neurotransmitters that are released by nerves are taken up again by the nerves that release them for reuse. Many experts believe that depression is caused...
Kisqali (ribociclib) for breast cancer: Dosage, Side Effects & Pregnancy Safety
What is Kisqali (ribociclib) and how is it used? Kisqali is a prescription medicine used in combination with: an aromatase inhibitor to treat pre/perimenopausal or postmenopausal women with hormone receptor (HR)-positive, human epidermal growth factor receptor 2 (HER2)-negative breast cancer that has spread to other parts of the body (metastatic), as the first endocrine based therapy; or fulvestrant to treat...
Intravenous (IV) Sodium Chloride Solution Side Effects & Warnings
What is sodium chloride solution-intravenous, and how does it work (mechanism of action)? Our body cells are bathed in a watery fluid that contains primary sodium and chloride ions. These molecules play a vital role in maintaining proper fluid balance and keeping our tissues hydrated. Additionally, sodium is involved in many cell processes such as muscle contraction, transmission of nerve...
Ketalar (ketamine): Anesthetic Uses, Addiction & Withdrawal
What is Ketalar (ketamine), and how does it work? Ketalar (ketamine hydrochloride) injection is indicated: as the sole anesthetic agent for diagnostic and surgical procedures that do not require skeletal muscle relaxation. for the induction of anesthesia prior to the administration of other general anesthetic agents. as a supplement to other anesthetic agents. What are the side effects of Ketalar?...