Facts on benzodiazepines vs. narcotics (opioids) Benzodiazepines are central nervous system depressants that cause drowsiness and are used to treat insomnia, seizures, anxiety disorders, nervousness, panic disorders, muscle spasms, alcohol withdrawal, status epilepticus, premenstrual syndrome, and as sedation during surgery. Narcotic (opioid) analgesics are used to treat moderate to severe pain. Both benzodiazepines and narcotics (opioids) are common drugs of...
Beta Blockers: Drug List, OTC, Brands, and Side Effects
What are beta blockers and how do they work? Beta blockers, also known as beta-adrenergic blocking agents, are drugs that block norepinephrine and epinephrine (adrenaline) from binding to beta receptors on nerves. Norepinephrine and epinephrine are produced by nerves throughout the body as well as by the adrenal gland. They serve as neurotransmitters (chemicals that nerves use to communicate with...
Codeine vs. Vicodin: The Differences Between Opioid Pain Killers
What is the difference between codeine and Vicodin? Both codeine and Vicodin (acetaminophen and hydrocodone) are narcotic analgesics. Vicodin contains an additional ingredient, acetaminophen, which is a non-narcotic pain reliever. These narcotics are indicated for moderate to severe pain. One difference is that codeine is also prescribed as a cough suppressant. Codeine is a generic brand while Vicodin is a...
Breo Ellipta vs. Albuterol: Facts on COPD & Asthma Inhalers
What is the difference between Breo and albuterol? Breo Ellipta (fluticasone furoate and vilanterol inhalation powder) and albuterol sulfate are both used to treat asthma and chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD). Breo Ellipta is a combination of fluticasone, a glucocorticoid, and vilanterol, a bronchodilator of the beta-2 agonist type. Albuterol is a bronchodilator. Brand names of albuterol include ProAir HFA,...
Lotrisone for Fungal Infections: Side Effects, Dosage, & Uses
What is clotrimazole and betamethasone (Lotrisone)? Lotrisone is a cream or lotion consisting of a combination of the drugs clotrimazole and betamethasone. Clotrimazole is an antifungal drug related to: fluconazole (Diflucan) ketoconazole (Nizoral) itraconazole (Sporanox) miconazole (Micatin, Monistat) Betamethasone is a corticosteroid used for the relief of inflammatory and itchy skin conditions in patients 13 years of age or older....
Corlopam (fenoldopam mesylate) for Emergency Reduction of Blood Pressure
What is Corlopam, and how does it work? Corlopam (fenoldopam mesylate) Injection is a dopamine receptor agonist (vasodilator) used for in-hospital, short-term (up to 48 hours) management of severe high blood pressure (hypertension) when rapid, but quickly reversible, emergency reduction of blood pressure is indicated. Corlopam is available in generic form. What are the side effects of Corlopam? Common side...
Definity (perflutren lipid microsphere) for Echocardiogram: Side Effects & Dosage
What is Definity, and how does it work? Definity (perflutren lipid microsphere) Injectable Suspension is a contrast agent used to brighten and clarify images of the heart during echocardiograms. What are the side effects of Definity? Common side effects of Definity include: injection site reactions, back and chest pain, headache, dizziness, nausea, flushing, fatigue, fever, hot flashes, fainting, fast or...
daclatasvir (Daklinza): Hep C Drug Side Effects & Dosage
What is daclatasvir (Daklinza)? Daclatasvir (Daklinza) is an oral tablet used for the treatment of chronic infection with the hepatitis C virus (HCV), genotype 1 or 3. It belongs to a class of drugs called direct-acting antiviral agents (DAAs). Similar drugs include: boceprevir (Victrelis) sofosbuvir (Sovaldi) simeprevir (Olysio) telaprevir (Incivek) Viekira Pak (ombitasvir, paritaprevir, ritonavir, dasabuvir) ledipasvir and sofosbuvir (Harvoni)...
Corticosteroids vs. NSAIDs: Types, Side Effects & Interactions
Corticosteroids vs. NSAIDs facts Corticosteroids are a type of hormone, and NSAIDs (nonsteroidal anti-inflammatories) are non-narcotic pain relievers. Both medications are prescribed to reduce inflammation in the body. NSAIDs are also used to treat pain and reduce fever. Common corticosteroids include prednisone, cortisone, and methylprednisolone. Examples of NSAIDs include ibuprofen (Advil, Motrin), naproxen (Aleve), celecoxib (Celebrex), diclofenac (Cataflam, Voltaren), indomethacin...
Bismuth (Pepto Bismol, Kaopectate) Side Effects & Dosage
What is bismuth subsalicylate-oral, and how does it work (mechanism of action)? Bismuth subsalicylate (BSS) is a commonly used over the counter medicine used to treat: diarrhea, upset stomach, nausea, indigestion, and heartburn. Bismuth subsalicylate is also used to prevent traveler’s diarrhea and to treat Helicobacter pylori (H. pylori) infection as part of a quadruple-drug therapy that also includes two...