Aspirin vs. Xarelto: What’s the difference? Aspirin and Xarelto (rivaroxaban) are anticoagulants used to prevent blood clots (antithrombotics). Aspirin is also used to treat fever, pain, and inflammation in the body. Aspirin is a nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drug (NSAID) and Xarelto is an anticoagulant (blood thinner). Brand names for aspirin include Bayer Aspirin, Ecotrin, and E.C. Prin. Aspirin is available over-the-counter...
Angiotensin II Receptor Blockers (ARBs) Drug Facts, Side Effects and Dosing
What are angiotensin receptor blockers (ARBs? How do they work (mechanism of action)? Angiotensin II is a very potent chemical formed in the blood that causes muscles surrounding blood vessels to contract, thereby narrowing the vessels. This narrowing increases the pressure within the vessels and can cause high blood pressure (hypertension). Angiotensin II receptor blockers (ARBs) are medications that block...
Amoxicillin vs. Ceftin: Antibiotic Uses, Dosage & Side Effects
Amoxicillin vs. Ceftin: What’s the difference? Amoxicillin and Ceftin (cefuroxime) are antibiotics used to treat bacterial infections of the middle ear, tonsils, throat, larynx (laryngitis), bronchi (bronchitis), lungs (pneumonia), urinary tract, and skin. Amoxicillin and Ceftin are also used to treat gonorrhea. Brand names of amoxicillin include Moxatag and Amoxil. Amoxicillin and Ceftin are different types of antibiotics. Amoxicillin is...
Lotrel (amlodipine/benazepril) Uses, Side Effects & Dosage
What are the uses for amlodipine and benazepril? Lotrel is used for treating high blood pressure (hypertension) when blood pressure is not adequately controlled with either of its constituent drugs alone. What brand names are available for amlodipine and benazepril? Lotrel Is amlodipine and benazepril available as a generic drug? Yes Do I need a prescription for amlodipine and benazepril?...
Irbesartan (Avapro) Facts, Side Effects & Dose
What is irbesartan, and how does it work (mechanism of action)? Irbesartan is an oral medication that is used to treat high blood pressure (hypertension) and diabetic nephropathy or kidney disease. It belongs to a class of drugs called angiotensin receptor blockers (ARBs) which also includes valsartan (Diovan), losartan (Cozaar), and candesartan (Atacand). Angiotensin, formed in the blood by the...
brimonidine (Alphagan) Uses, Side Effects & Dosage
What is brimonidine, and how does it work (mechanism of action)? Brimonidine is is an ophthalmic solution used for the treatment of one type of glaucoma, open-angle glaucoma. In this type of glaucoma, too much fluid (aqueous humor) is made within the eye and causes high pressures within the eye. The pressure damages the nerves in the eye responsible for...
moxifloxacin (Avelox)
What is moxifloxacin? What is moxifloxacin used for? Moxifloxacin is a fluoroquinolone antibiotic. Other fluoroquinolones include ciprofloxacin (Cipro), norfloxacin (Noroxin), and ofloxacin (Floxin). Moxifloxacin works by blocking DNA gyrase enzyme, which is responsible for production and repair of bacterial DNA. Blocking of DNA gyrase leads to bacteria death and prevents worsening of infection. Moxifloxacin treats infections caused by gram-positive and...
Cardiogen-82 (rubidium Rb 82 generator)
What is Cardiogen-82, and how does it work? CardioGen-82 is a closed system used to produce rubidium Rb 82 chloride injection for intravenous administration. Rubidium Rb 82 chloride injection is indicated for Positron Emission Tomography (PET) imaging of the myocardium under rest or pharmacologic stress conditions to evaluate regional myocardial perfusion in adult patients with suspected or existing coronary artery...
Hemabate (carboprost tromethamine): Uses, Side Effects & Dosage
What is carboprost tromethamine? Carboprost (Hemabate) is a man-made oxytocic medication that mimics the action of a naturally occurring chemical called prostaglandin F2 alpha. It treats bleeding in new mothers immediately after delivery. Is carboprost tromethamine available as a generic drug? No What is carboprost tromethamine used for? Carboprost is used to abort pregnancy during the second trimester and to...
Cetirizine (Zyrtec) vs. loratadine (Claritin): Allergy Drug Uses & Side Effects
What is the difference between cetirizine and loratadine? Cetirizine and loratadine are non-sedating antihistamines used to treat symptoms of allergic reaction such as symptoms of seasonal hay fever (allergic rhinitis) such as sneezing, runny nose, red/watery/itchy eyes, hives, and allergic skin rash. Brand names for Cetirizine include Zyrtec, Zyrtec Allergy, and Zyrtec Hives Relief. Brand names for loratadine include Claritin,...