Facts on benzodiazepines vs. cyclobenzaprine Benzodiazepines and cyclobenzaprine are used to treat muscle spasms. Benzodiazepines are also used to treat insomnia, seizures, anxiety disorders, nervousness, panic disorders, alcohol withdrawal, status epilepticus, premenstrual syndrome, and as sedation during surgery. Benzodiazepines are central nervous system depressants that cause drowsiness and cyclobenzaprine is a muscle relaxant. Common benzodiazepines include diazepam (Valium), alprazolam (Xanax),...
Beta Blockers vs. Valium (Diazepam)
What Is the Difference Between Beta Blockers and Valium? Beta blockers and Valium (diazepam) are used to treat anxiety. A difference is beta blockers are usually used to treat high blood pressure and heart problems, and they are prescribed off-label for anxiety. Valium belongs to a different drug class called benzodiazepines that are often prescribed for anxiety. Taking a beta-blocker...
Cystografin (diatrizoate meglumine) for bladder X-ray: Side Effects & Warnings
What is Cystografin, and how does it work? Cystografin (diatrizoate meglumine injection 30%) is a radiopaque contrast agent indicated for retrograde cystourethrography. Cystografin is injected into a urinary catheter during an X-ray in order to view the female bladder and uretha. What are the side effects of Cystografin? Common side effects of Cystografin include: injection site reactions, cough, changes in...
Propoxyphene (Darvon): Opioid Uses Side Effects & Dosage
What is propoxyphene? What is propoxyphene used for? Propoxyphene is indicated for the relief of mild to moderate pain. It is a narcotic pain-reliever and cough suppressant but is weaker than morphine, codeine, and hydrocodone. The precise mechanism of action is not known but may involve stimulation of opioid (narcotic) receptors in the brain. Propoxyphene increases pain tolerance and decreases...
Benzodiazepines vs. Ambien: Insomnia Medication Side Effects & Addiction
Facts on Benzodiazepines vs. Ambien Benzodiazepines and Ambien (zolpidem) are used to treat insomnia. Benzodiazepines are also used to treat seizures, anxiety disorders, nervousness, panic disorders, muscle spasms, alcohol withdrawal, status epilepticus, premenstrual syndrome, and as sedation during surgery. Benzodiazepines are a drug class of central nervous system depressants that cause drowsiness. Ambien belongs to a different drug class called...
Hydrocortisone Foam (Anusol-HC) Uses, Side Effects & Dosage
What is hydrocortisone-rectal foam, and how does it work (mechanism of action)? Hydrocortisone is a natural corticosteroid produced by the adrenal glands that are located adjacent to the kidneys. Corticosteroids have potent anti-inflammatory properties and are used in a wide variety of inflammatory conditions such as arthritis, colitis, asthma, bronchitis, certain skin rashes, and allergic or inflammatory conditions of the...
Cipro (ciprofloxacin) vs. Keflex (cephalexin) Side Effects & Uses
Cipro, XR (ciprofloxacin) vs. Keflex (cephalexin) differences Cipro (ciprofloxacin) and Keflex (cephalexin) are antibiotics used to treat bacterial infections. Keflex and Cipro are in different drug classes. Keflex is a cephalosporin antibiotic, and Cipro is a fluoroquinolone antibiotic. Cipro and Keflex are used to treat middle ear, skin, bone, and urinary tract infections (UTIs) caused by certain bacteria. Cipro also...
diphenhydramine, (Benadryl), Antihistamine, Side Effects, Dosing, Uses
What is diphenhydramine, and how does it work (mechanism of action)? Diphenhydramine is an antihistamine used for treating allergic reactions. Histamine is released by the body during several types of allergic reactions and–to a lesser extent–during some viral infections, such as the common cold. When histamine binds to receptors on cells, it stimulates changes within the cells that lead to...
Claritin vs. Zyrtec: Antihistamine Allergy Drug Comparison
Claritin vs. Zyrtec comparison Claritin (loratadine) and Zyrtec (cetirizine) are part of a family of second-generation antihistamines used for treatment of hay fever allergies and hives. This group of drugs also includes fexofenadine (Allegra) and azelastine (Astelin) The advantage of Claritin and Zyrtec is they cause less drowsiness than older anti-allergy drugs like Benadryl or hydroxyzine. Cetirizine and loratadine are...
Paroxetine (Brisdelle) for Hot Flashes: Dosage & Side Effects
What is paroxetine (Brisdelle)? What is paroxetine used for? Brisdelle (paroxetine) is a prescription medicine used to treat moderate to severe hot flashes associated with menopause. Brisdelle is a non-hormonal treatment for this condition. Paroxetine, the medicine in Brisdelle, is a selective serotonin reuptake inhibitor (SSRI). Brisdelle contains a low dose of paroxetine that is especially formulated to treat hot...