Digestive enzymes vs. omeprazole (Prilosec): What’s the difference? Pancreatic enzyme products (PEPs) and omeprazole (Prilosec) are used to treat different types of gastrointestinal problems. Pancreatic enzyme products are used when the pancreas is unable to produce enough digestive enzymes to treat people with pancreatic diseases, such as cystic fibrosis, Shwachman-Diamond syndrome, chronic pancreatitis, pancreatic cancer or tumors, and removal of...
Lexapro (escitalopram): SSRI Side Effects, Dosage & Withdrawal
What is Lexapro (escitalopram)? How does it work? Escitalopram is an oral drug that is used for treating depression and generalized anxiety disorder. Chemically, escitalopram is similar to citalopram (Celexa). Both are in a class of drugs called selective serotonin reuptake inhibitors (SSRIs), a class that also includes fluoxetine (Prozac), paroxetine (Paxil) and sertraline (Zoloft). SSRIs work by affecting neurotransmitters...
Topicort (desoximetasone cream) for Psoriasis Side Effects & Uses
What is topical desoximetasone, and how does it work (mechanism of action)? Desoximetasone is a synthetic (man-made) corticosteroid that is used on the skin (topically). The naturally occurring corticosteroid is cortisol or hydrocortisone produced by the adrenal gland. Corticosteroids have potent anti-inflammatory actions and also suppress the immune response. The FDA approved desoximetasone in March 1982. What brand names are...
Gabapentin Enacarbil (Horizant, Gralise, Neurontin) Side Effects
What is gabapentin enacarbil? How is gabapentin enacarbil used? Gabapentin enacarbil is used for treating restless leg syndrome (RLS) and postherpetic neuralgia. It is a prodrug of the anticonvulsant gabapentin, which means it is first converted to gabapentin in the body before it can have its effects. The mechanism of action of gabapentin in treating restless leg syndrome (RLS) or...
Elbasvir, elbasvir and grazoprevir Side Effects & Uses
What is Zepatier, and how does it work? Zepatier is an oral tablet containing two drugs used for the treatment of chronic infection with the hepatitis C virus (HCV), genotype 1 and 4 in adults. The components belong to a class of drugs called direct-acting antiviral agents. Similar drugs include: boceprevir (Victrelis) sofosbuvir (Sovaldi) simeprevir (Olysio) telaprevir (Incivek), Viekira Pak...
Diflucan vs. Itraconazole: Antifungal Drug Uses & Side Effects
Diflucan vs. itraconazole Diflucan (fluconazole) and itraconazole are anti-fungal medications used to treat fungal infections caused by Candida. Diflucan is used to treat vaginal, oral, and esophageal fungal infections caused by Candida; urinary tract infections, peritonitis, pneumonia and disseminated infections caused by Candida; cryptococcal meningitis; and to prevent Candida infections in patients treated with chemotherapy or radiation after bone marrow...
Pirfenidone (Esbriet) Uses, Side Effects & Dosage
What is pirfenidone (Esbriet)? What is pirfenidone used for? Pirfenidone (Esbriet) is a prescription medicine used to prevent and improve lung function in idiopathic pulmonary fibrosis, a type of serious lung disease in which the lung progressively develops scar tissue. The mechanism of action of pirfenidone is not understood. Scientists believe that pirfenidone prevents lung damage by inhibiting the production...
Diflucan (fluconazole) vs. Lamisil (terbinafine): Antifungal Drugs
Diflucan vs. Lamisil: What’s the difference? Diflucan (fluconazole) and Lamisil (terbinafine) are anti-fungal medications used to treat different types of fungal infections. Diflucan is used to treat vaginal, oral, and esophageal fungal infections caused by Candida; urinary tract infections, peritonitis, pneumonia and disseminated infections caused by Candida; cryptococcal meningitis; and to prevent Candida infections in patients treated with chemotherapy or...
Fotivda (tivozanib) for Kidney Cancer: Side Effects & Dosage
Generic drug: tivozanib Brand name: Fotivda What is Fotivda (tivozanib), and how does it work? Fotivda (tivozanib) is a prescription medicine used to treat adults with advanced kidney cancer (advanced renal cell carcinoma or RCC) that has been treated with 2 or more prior medicines and has come back or did not respond to treatment. It is not known if...
Efinaconazole (Jublia): Antifungal Drug Uses, Side Effects & Dosage
What is efinaconazole Jublia, and how does it work (mechanism of action)? Efinaconazole is a topical (applied to the skin) antifungal used for the local treatment of fungal infections of the toenails. Efinaconazole destroys fungal cells by inhibiting fungal lanosterol 14α-demethylase, an enzyme required to make ergosterol, an important fungal cell wall component. Without cell walls fungus cannot survive. Efinaconazole...