What is diabetes? Diabetes is a set of related diseases in which the body cannot regulate the amount of sugar (specifically, glucose) in the blood. What are the types of diabetes? The related diseases of diabetes include: Type 1 diabetes Type 2 diabetes Gestational diabetes Prediabetes Metabolic syndrome (syndrome X) Insulin resistance (a condition that precedes the development of type...
pramoxine/hydrocortisone Side Effects, Uses & Dosage
What is pramoxine-hydrocortisone lotion? How does it work (mechanism of action)? Pramoxine-hydrocortisone products are used to treat pain and inflammation caused by various skin conditions. Hydrocortisone 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...
Cefdinir Antibiotic Side Effects, Uses (Strep, Middle Ear) & Dosage
What is cefdinir? Cefdinir is a semi-synthetic (partially man-made) oral antibiotic in the cephalosporin family of antibiotics. The cephalosporin family includes: cephalexin (Keflex) cefaclor (Ceclor) cefuroxime (Zinacef) cefpodoxime (Vantin) cefixime (Suprax), cefprozil (Cefzil) Many injectable antibiotics What brand names are available for cefdinir? Omnicef brand has been discontinued and there are no other brand names available for cefdinir available in...
Calcium Carbonate (Caltrate 600) Uses, Side Effects & Formula
What is calcium carbonate? Why is it used? Most people know that calcium is needed for strong bones, but it's also needed to help blood vessels and muscles contract and expand, to send messages through the nervous system, and to secrete hormones and enzymes. This is the most abundant mineral in your body and makes up 1%-2% of adult human...
Cephalexin vs. Amoxicillin
What’s the Difference Between Cephalexin and Amoxicillin? Cephalexin and amoxicillin are antibiotics used for treating a variety of bacterial infections. The drugs belong to different classes. Cephalexin is a cephalosporin antibiotic and amoxicillin is a penicillin-type antibiotic. Brand names for cephalexin include Keflex and Daxbia. Brand names for amoxicillin include Amoxil, Moxatag, and Larotid. Side effects of cephalexin and amoxicillin...
Carbaglu (carglumic acid) Side Effects, Dosage, & Interactions
Generic drug: carglumic acid Brand name: Carbaglu What is Carbaglu (carglumic acid), and how does it work? Carbaglu (carglumic acid) is a man-made form of a liver enzyme used to treat hyperammonemia, a urea cycle disorder caused by lack of a certain liver enzyme. Carbaglu is usually given with other medications to treat this lifelong disorder. What are the side...
Aspirin vs. Aleve (naproxen): Side Effect & Uses of NSAID Painkillers
Aspirin vs. Aleve (naproxen): What’s the difference? Aspirin and Aleve (naproxen) are nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drugs (NSAIDs) used to treat fever, pain, and inflammation in the body. Aspirin is also used to prevent blood clots (it is antithrombotic). Brand names for aspirin include Bayer Aspirin, Ecotrin, and E.C. Prin. Both aspirin and Aleve are available over-the-counter (OTC) and as generics. Side...
calcitriol (Rocaltrol) Uses, Side Effects & Dosage
What is calcitriol, and how does it work (mechanism of action)? Calcitriol is a synthetic (man-made) active form of vitamin D3 (cholecalciferol). It is used to treat and prevent low levels of calcium in the blood of patients who have kidney disease or problems with their parathyroid gland, the gland that controls the amount of calcium in blood through its...
nizatidine, Axid, Axid AR: Drug Facts, Side Effects and Dosing
What is nizatidine, and how does it work (mechanism of action)? Nizatidine is an oral drug that blocks the action of histamine on stomach cells and reduces their production of acid. It belongs to a class of drugs called H2 blockers that also includes cimetidine (Tagamet), ranitidine (Zantac), and famotidine (Pepcid). Histamine is a naturally-occurring chemical that stimulates stomach cells...
chlorpheniramine/hydrocodone (Tussionex) Side Effects & Dosage
What is chlorpheniramine and hydrocodone, and how does it work (mechanism of action)? Tussionex is a combination of an antihistamine that blocks allergic reactions and reduces the production of mucus (chlorpheniramine), and a narcotic that relieves pain and cough (hydrocodone). Tussionex is a liquid that slowly releases the chlorpheniramine and hydrocodone after it is ingested. What brand names are available...