What is Hetlioz (tasimelteon)? Hetlioz is indicated for the treatment of Non-24-Hour Sleep-Wake Disorder (Non-24). The precise mechanism by which tasimelteon exerts its therapeutic effect in patients with Non24 is not known. Tasimelteon is an agonist at melatonin MT1 and MT2 receptors. These receptors are thought to be involved in the control of circadian rhythms. What are the side effects...
Mucinex & Robitussin: Ingredients, Pregnancy Safety & Dosage
What is Mucinex DM? Guaifenesin/dextromethorphan is a combination medication that is an expectorant and cough suppressant. Is Mucinex DM available as a generic drug? Yes Do I need a prescription for Mucinex DM? No What brand names are available for Mucinex DM? Robitussin DM Maximum Strength (liquid), Robitussin DM Maximum Strength (capsules), Mucinex DM, Mucinex DM Maximum Strength, Mucinex Fast-Max...
Ketorolac vs. Diclofenac: Uses, Dosage, Side Effects, Differences
Ketorolac vs. diclofenac: What’s the difference? Ketorolac and diclofenac are nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drugs (NSAIDs) used to treat varying levels of pain. Ketorolac is used for short-term management (up to 5 days) of moderately severe acute pain that otherwise would require narcotics. Diclofenac is used to treat mild to moderate pain, fever, and inflammation caused by conditions such as rheumatoid arthritis,...
Ketoconazole Cream vs. Clotrimazole Cream: Dosage, Side Effects
Ketoconazole cream vs. clotrimazole cream: What’s the difference? Ketoconazole cream and clotrimazole antifungal medications are prescribed to treat fungal infections such as jock itch, athlete's foot, ringworm, and tinea versicolor. Brand names for ketoconazole include Nizoral, Nizoral A-D, Ketodan, Extina, Xolegel, and Kuric. Brand names for clotrimazole include Lotrimin AF, Gyne-Lotrimin, Alevazol, and Desenex. Side effects of ketoconazole and clotrimazole...
leuprolide (Lupron) Uses, Side Effects & Dosage
What is leuprolide, and how does it work (mechanism of action)? Leuprolide is an injectable, man-made hormone that is used for treating prostate cancer, endometriosis, central precocious puberty (early onset of puberty), and fibroids. It is similar to but stronger than human gonadotropin releasing hormone (GnRH). GnRH is made in the hypothalamus (a part of the brain) and travels to...
ixekizumab (Taltz): Psoriasis Drug Side Effects & Dosage
What is ixekizumab, and how does it work? Ixekizumab is an injectable biologic drug that suppresses the immune system and is used for the treatment of psoriasis. It is an antibody that binds to interleukin 17A (IL-17A), a chemical produced by cells in the body that stimulates immune reactions. Scientists believe that psoriasis is caused by an increase in the...
Lexapro vs. Paxil: Facts on SSRIs for Depression & Anxiety
Lexapro vs. Paxil Lexapro (escitalopram) and Paxil (paroxetine) are selective serotonin reuptake inhibitor (SSRI) antidepressants used to treat depression. Lexapro is also used to treat anxiety disorders. Side effects of Lexapro and Paxil that are similar include nausea, headaches, diarrhea, difficulty sleeping (insomnia), drowsiness, dry mouth, increased sweating, and changes in appetite. Antidepressants such as Lexapro and Paxil may also...
Klonopin (clonazepam) vs. Ambien (zolpidem)
Clonazepam vs. Ambien: What’s the difference? Clonazepam and Ambien (zolpidem) are used to treat insomnia. Clonazepam is primarily used for treating panic disorder and preventing certain types of seizures, treating Lennox-Gastaut syndrome, and providing short-term relief of anxiety symptoms. A brand name for clonazepam is Klonopin. Clonazepam and Ambien belong to different drug classes. Clonazepam is a benzodiazepine, which include...
Givlaari (givosiran): Liver Disease Treatment Side Effects & Warnings
Generic drug: givosiran Brand name: Givlaari What is Givlaari (givosiran), and how does it work? Givlaari (givosiran) is an aminolevulinate synthase 1-directed small interfering RNA indicated for the treatment of adults with acute hepatic porphyria (AHP). What are the side effects of Givlaari? Advise patients of the potential risks of Givlaari treatment: Anaphylactic Reaction Inform patients about the risk and...
hydroxychloroquine (Plaquenil): Possible COVID-19 Coronavirus Treatment
What is hydroxychloroquine (Plaquenil), and what is it used for? Hydroxychloroquine (Plaquenil) and its sister drug chloroquine (Aralen) are under investigation for treatment of the COVID-19 coronavirus disease Korean doctors used these anti-malaria drugs to treat COVID-19 with some success, according to a paper filed with Elsevier in March 2020, but effectiveness is unproven. Hydroxychloroquine is classified as an anti-malarial...