What is Aubagio and what is it used for? Aubagio is a prescription medicine used to treat relapsing forms of multiple sclerosis (MS). Aubagio can decrease the number of MS flare-ups (relapses). Aubagio does not cure MS, but it can help slow down the physical problems that MS causes. It is not known if Aubagio is safe and effective in children. Who...
Axumin (fluciclovine F 18) Injection for Prostate Cancer PET Scan
What is Axumin, and how does it work? Axumin is indicated for positron emission tomography (PET) in men with suspected prostate cancer recurrence based on elevated blood prostate specific antigen (PSA) levels following prior treatment. What are the side effects of Axumin? Because clinical trials are conducted under widely varying conditions, adverse reaction rates observed in the clinical trials of...
Cefdinir vs. Amoxicillin
What’s the Difference Between Cefdinir and Amoxicillin? Cefdinir and amoxicillin are antibiotics used to treat bacterial infections. The drugs are in different classes. Cefdinir is a cephalosporin antibiotic and amoxicillin is a penicillin-type antibiotic. Cefdinir is only available as a generic. The Omnicef brand has been discontinued and there are no other brand names available for cefdinir available in the...
amlodipine & valsartan (Exforge) Uses, Side Effects & Dosage
What is amlodipine and valsartan, and how does it work (mechanism of action)? Exforge is a combination of two drugs used for treating high blood pressure (hypertension), amlodipine and valsartan. The FDA approved Exforge in June 2007. Amlodipine belongs to a class of drugs called calcium channel blockers. These medications block the transport of calcium into the smooth muscle cells...
varenicline (Chantix): Quit Smoking Medication Side Effects & Dosage
What is varenicline (Chantix)? What is Chantix used for? Varenicline is an oral drug that is used to promote cessation of smoking. It competes with nicotine from cigarettes for binding to nicotine receptors in the brain. Although varenicline stimulates nicotine receptors like nicotine, it blocks the stronger stimulation by nicotine. Therefore, smokers do not experience the full effect of smoking...
Atomoxetine vs. Adderall: ADHD Drug Side Effects & Dosage
Atomoxetine vs. Adderall comparison Atomoxetine (Strattera) and Adderall (amphetamine and dextroamphetamine) are both used to treat attention deficit hyperactivity disorder ADHD (Adderall can also treat narcolepsy). Atomoxetine, however, is the first ADHD drug that is non-addictive, whereas Adderall and other ADHD drugs (like Ritalin) are stimulants with a high potential for abuse. Although it is not known precisely how atomoxetine...
Aspirin vs. Tylenol (acetaminophen): Side Effects & Uses for Pain Drugs
Aspirin vs. Tylenol (acetaminophen): What’s the difference? Aspirin and Tylenol (acetaminophen) are used to treat fever, and pain in the body. Aspirin is also used to prevent blood clots (antithrombotic). Aspirin and Tylenol belong to different drug classes. Aspirin is a nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drug (NSAID) and Tylenol is an analgesic (pain reliever) and antipyretic (fever reducer). Brand names for aspirin...
Arakoda (tafenoquine) Antimalarial Medication to Prevent Malaria
What is Arakoda, and how does it work? Arakoda is a prescription medicine used to help prevent malaria in people 18 years of age and older. Malaria is a serious disease of the blood that is spread by infected mosquitos. It is not known if Arakoda is safe and effective in children. What are the side effects of Arakoda? Arakoda...
Austedo (deutetrabenazine) for Huntington’s Disease: Dosage, Side Effects & Pregnancy Safety
What is Austedo (deutetrabenazine) and how is it used? Austedo is a prescription medicine that is used to treat: the involuntary movements (chorea) of Huntington's disease. Austedo does not cure the cause of the involuntary movements, and it does not treat other symptoms of Huntington's disease, such as problems with thinking or emotions. movements in the face, tongue, or other...
docusate, Correctol, Colace, Dulcolax Side Effects
What is docusate-oral, and how does it work (mechanism of action)? Docusate is a commonly used non-prescription (OTC or over-the-counter) stool softener used to treat or prevent constipation. Docusate is an anionic surfactant that helps lower the surface tension at the oil-water interface of the stool, and thus allows water and lipids or fats to enter the stool. Consequently, fecal...