What is dandelion (Taraxacum officinale), and how does it work (mechanism of action)? Taraxacum officinale is a plant. The above ground parts are used as natural herbal supplements and for many conditions. There is little evidence that it is effective for any condition. Taraxacum officinale contains chemicals that may increase urine production and decrease pain and swelling. Check with your...
probenecid (Benemid brand no longer available) Side Effects, Dosage
What is probenecid, and how does it work (mechanism of action)? Probenecid is an oral drug used for reducing blood uric acid levels in patients with hyperuricemia (high uric acid) and/or. High uric acid can cause attacks of gout and kidney stones. Probenecid prevents attacks of gout by reducing uric acid levels in the blood. It does this by preventing...
Cialis (tadalafil): Cialis vs Viagra; Dosage & Sid Effects
What is tadalafil, and how does it work (mechanism of action)? Tadalafil is an oral drug that is used for treating impotence (the inability to attain or maintain a penile erection) and benign prostatic hyperplasia (BPH). It is in a class of drugs called phosphodiesterase-5 (PDE5) inhibitors that also includes sildenafil (Viagra) and vardenafil (Levitra). Erection of the penis is...
Complera: HIV Medication Side Effects, Dosage & Warnings
Generic drug: emtricitabine, rilpivirine, tenofovir disoproxil fumarate Brand name: Complera What is Complera, and how does it work? Complera is a prescription medicine that is used to treat Human Immunodeficiency Virus-1 (HIV-1) in people weighing at least 77 lb (35 kg) who: have never taken HIV-1 medicines before, and who have an amount of HIV-1 in their blood (this is...
benazepril (Lotensin) Uses, Side Effects & Dosage
What is benazepril, and how does it work (mechanism of action)? Benazepril is an ACE (angiotensin converting enzyme) inhibitor used for treating high blood pressure. Other ACE inhibitors include enalapril (Vasotec), quinapril (Accupril), captopril (Capoten), fosinopril (Monopril), ramipril (Altace), moexipril (Univasc) and trandolapril (Mavik). ACE is an enzyme in the body that causes the formation of angiotensin II. Angiotensin II...
Birth Control Pills vs. the Patch (Norelgestromin/ethinyl estradiol, Ortho Evra)
Birth Control Pills vs. Patch: What’s the difference? Birth control pills (oral contraceptives) and norelgestromin/ethinyl estradiol transdermal patches (Ortho Evra) are methods of birth control used to prevent pregnancy. Side effects of birth control pills and the patch that are similar include nausea, headache, breast tenderness/enlargement, missed/irregular bleeding, and breakthrough bleeding (spotting). Side effects of birth control pills that are...
Bactrim vs. Cefdinir: What’s the Difference Between Antibiotics?
What’s the Difference Between Bactrim and Cefdinir? Bactrim and cefdinir are antibiotics used to treat a variety of infections. Bactrim and cefdinir belong to different antibiotic drug classes. Bactrim is a combination of an anti-bacterial sulfonamide (a "sulfa" drug) and a folic acid inhibitor. Cefdinir is a cephalosporin antibiotic The brand name for cefdinir called Omnicef is discontinued in the...
Copaxone (glatiramer acetate) for multiple sclerosis: Dosage, Side Effects & Pregnancy Safety
What is Copaxone, and what is it used for? Copaxone is a prescription medicine that is used to treat relapsing forms of multiple sclerosis (MS), to include clinically isolated syndrome, relapsing-remitting disease, and active secondary progressive disease, in adults. It is not known if Copaxone is safe and effective in children under 18 years of age. Who should not use Copaxone? Do...
Crixivan (indinavir): Drug Information, Side Effects and Dosage
What is indinavir, and how does it work (mechanism of action)? Indinavir 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 ritonavir (Norvir), nelfinavir (Viracept) and saquinavir (Invirase, Fortovase). During infection with HIV, the HIV virus multiplies within the body's...
dasatinib, Sprycel: Drug Facts, Side Effects and Dosing
What is dasatinib, and how does it work (mechanism of action)? : Dasatinib is an oral medication used for treating chronic myeloid leukemia and acute lymphoblastic leukemia. It is classified as a kinase inhibitor. Kinase inhibitors include Erlotinib (Tarceva), gefitinib (Iressa), imatinib (Gleevec), nilotinib (Tasigna), pazopanib (Votrient), sunitinib (Sutent), and vandetanib (Caprelsa). Kinase inhibitors prevent the growth of tumors by...