What is enalapril, and how does it work (mechanism of action)? Enalapril is a drug that is used for treating high blood pressure. It is in a class of drugs called angiotensin converting enzyme (ACE) inhibitors. ACE is an enzyme in the body that causes the formation of angiotensin II. Angiotensin II causes the arteries in the body to narrow,...
Epclusa (sofosbuvir & velpatasvir) for Hepatitis C: Side Effects & Dosage
What is sofosbuvir and velpatasvir? What is sofosbuvir and velpatasvir used for? Epclusa is an oral tablet containing two drugs used for the treatment of chronic infection with the hepatitis C virus (HCV), genotype 1,2,3,4, 5, or 6 in adults. The components belong to a class of drugs called direct-acting antiviral agents. Similar drugs include boceprevir (Victrelis), sofosbuvir (Sovaldi), simeprevir...
Ecoza (econazole nitrate) for Athlete’s Foot: Drug Warnings
Generic drug: econazole nitrate Brand name: Ecoza What is Ecoza (econazole nitrate), and how does it work? Ecoza (econazole nitrate) topical foam is indicated for the treatment of interdigital tinea pedis (athlete's foot) caused by Trichophyton rubrum, Trichophyton mentagrophytes, and Epidermophyton floccosum in patients 12 years of age and older. What are the side effects of Ecoza? No information provided...
saquinavir, Invirase: Drug Facts, Side Effects and Dosing
What is saquinavir? How does it work (mechanism of action)? Saquinavir is an oral medication that is used for treating infections with the human immunodeficiency virus (HIV). It is in a class of drugs called protease inhibitors which also includes indinavir (Crixivan), nelfinavir (Viracept) and ritonavir (Norvir). During infection with HIV, the HIV virus multiplies within the body's cells. Viruses...
valsartan (Diovan): Drug Facts, Side Effects and Dosage
What is valsartan, and how does it work (mechanism of action)? WARNING [update 10/15/2019]: Today, the U.S. Food and Drug Administration posted a warning letter to Torrent Pharmaceuticals in Ahmedabad, Gujarat, India. Torrent manufactures losartan potassium tablets and has been one subject of an ongoing global investigation into nitrosamine impurities in angiotensin II receptor blockers (ARBs) such as valsartan, losartan...
Flagyl (metronidazole) Side Effects, Pregnancy Use & Dosage
What is metronidazole (Flagyl, Flagyl ER), and how does it work? Flagyl is an antibiotic effective against anaerobic bacteria and certain parasites. Anaerobic bacteria are single-celled, living organisms that thrive in environments in which there is little oxygen (anaerobic environments). Anaerobic bacteria can cause disease in the abdomen (bacterial peritonitis), liver (liver abscess), and pelvis (abscess of the ovaries and...
desipramine, Norpramin: Drug Facts, Side Effects and Dosing
What is desipramine, and how does it work (mechanism of action)? Desipramine is an oral antidepressant, a member of the tricyclic antidepressant (TCA) family which also includes amitriptyline (Elavil, Endep), and imipramine (Tofranil). Depression is an all-pervasive sense of sadness and gloom. It is believed that in some patients with depression, abnormal levels of neurotransmitters (chemicals that nerves use to...
Gralise (gabapentin) vs. Cymbalta (duloxetine): Side Effects & Dosage
Gabapentin vs. Cymbalta: What’s the difference? Gabapentin and Cymbalta (duloxetine) are used to treat different types of neuralgia (nerve pain). Gabapentin is used postherpetic neuralgia from herpes zoster (nerve damage from shingles) and to treat seizure disorders. Cymbalta is used to treat pain associated with diabetic peripheral neuropathy, depression, generalized anxiety disorder, fibromyalgia, and chronic musculoskeletal pain. Gabapentin and Cymbalta...
eflornithine (Vaniqa) Uses, Side Effects & Dosage
What is eflornithine, and how does it work (mechanism of action)? Eflornithine is the first topical drug (used on the skin) for the treatment of unwanted facial and chin hair. It does not remove the hair but rather slows its growth. The cells surrounding the base of each hair (called the hair follicle) undergo rapid growth and maturation as they...
Lovenox (enoxaparin) for DVT Side Effects, Pregnancy, Injection
What brand names are available for enoxaparin? Lovenox Is enoxaparin available as a generic drug? GENERIC AVAILABLE: Yes Do I need a prescription for enoxaparin? Yes What are the uses for enoxaparin? Lovenox is used for preventing deep vein thrombosis after abdominal surgery, or hip or knee replacement surgeries, and in patients with reduced mobility due to illness. It is...