Ampicillin: Antibiotic Uses, Side Effects & Dosage

What is ampicillin? Ampicillin is an antibiotic used for treating bacterial infections. Is ampicillin available as a generic drug? Yes Why is ampicillin prescribed to patients? Ampicillin is used for treating infections of the middle ear, sinuses, stomach and intestines, bladder, and kidney caused by susceptible bacteria. It also is used for treating uncomplicated gonorrhea, meningitis, endocarditis and other serious...

Arcalyst Autoimmune Disorder Medication Side Effects & Dosage

Generic drug: rilonacept Brand name: Arcalyst What is Arcalyst (rilonacept), and how does it work? Arcalyst is a prescription medicine called an interleukin-1 (IL-1) blocker. Arcalyst is used to treat adults and children 12 years of age and older with Cryopyrin-Associated Periodic Syndromes (CAPS), including Familial Cold Auto-inflammatory Syndrome (FCAS) and Muckle Wells Syndrome (MWS). Arcalyst is used to maintain...

Anastrozole (Arimidex) vs. Letrozole (Femara): Side Effects of Breast Cancer Drugs

Anastrozole vs. Letrozole Anastrozole and letrozole are both aromatase inhibitors, anti-cancer medications used for treating postmenopausal women with breast cancer. The brand name for anastrozole is Arimidex and the brand name for letrozole is Femara. Both drugs are available in generic form. Side effects of anastrozole and letrozole that are similar include nausea, vomiting, and headache. Side effects of anastrozole...

mupirocin (Bactroban) Ointment Uses, Dosage & Side Effects

What is mupirocin? How does it work (mechanism of action)? Mupirocin is an antibiotic that is used topically (on the skin) for the treatment of impetigo, a bacterial disease of the skin caused by Staphylococcus aureus, beta-hemolytic streptococcus and Streptococcus pyogenes. It also is used intranasally (inside the nose) by patients and some people who work in healthcare centers to...

List of Nasal Decongestants Antihistamines & Side Effects

What are nasal decongestants? What are the uses of nasal decongestants? Nasal decongestants are used to treat nasal congestion. Nasal decongestants are applied to nasal passages to reduce congestion and discomfort due to allergies and the common cold. Decongestants cause blood vessels in the nasal passages to shrink (vasoconstrict). Vasoconstriction reduces nasal congestion by preventing fluid from draining from blood...

Testosterone Gel (Axiron): Male Hormone Side Effects & Dosage

What is testosterone gel (Axiron)? What is Axiron used for? Axiron is a solution of testosterone that is administered through the skin of the armpit for treatment of low testosterone levels. It belongs to a class of drugs called androgens. Other testosterone replacement products include Androderm, Androgel, Testim, and Fortesta. Testosterone is the major male sex hormone responsible for the...

Anectine (succinylcholine chloride): Side Effects & Dosage

Generic drug: succinylcholine chloride Brand name: Anectine What is Anectine (succinylcholine chloride), and how does it work? Anectine is a prescription medicine used to treat the symptoms of Neuromuscular Blockade. Anectine may be used alone or with other medications. Anectine belongs to a class of drugs called Neuromuscular Blockers, Depolarizing. What are the side effects of Anectine? WARNING RISK OF...

Alprazolam vs. Diazepam: Differences between Side Effects, Uses & Addiction

Alprazolam vs. diazepam quick comparison Diazepam (Valium) and alprazolam (Xanax XR, Niravam) are benzodiazepines used to treat anxiety. Both are available as generic drugs. Both drugs are in the same class as other benzodiazepines including clonazepam (Klonopin), lorazepam (Ativan), and flurazepam (Dalmane). Diazepam also is used for the treatment of agitation, tremors, delirium, seizures, and hallucinations resulting from alcohol withdrawal,...

Ridaura (auranofin): Drug Side Effects, Toxicity Signs, Dosage, Uses

What is auranofin, and how does it work (mechanism of action)? Auranofin is an oral, gold-containing chemical (salt) used for treating rheumatoid arthritis. Other gold salts available are injectable and include aurothioglucose (Solganal) and gold sodium thiomalate (Myochrysine). It is not well understood exactly how gold salts work. In patients with inflammatory arthritis, such as adult and juvenile rheumatoid arthritis,...

Atropine Eye Drops: Usage, Side Effects & Dosage

What is atropine, and how does it work (mechanism of action)? Atropine occurs naturally and is extracted from belladonna alkaloids contained in plants. Atropine blocks the action of acetylcholine, a neurotransmitter that causes the contraction of two types of muscle, smooth and cardiac muscles. It also has other neurological effects. Ophthalmic atropine is used during eye examinations to dilate the...