Axiron vs. Androgel comparison The active ingredient in both Axiron and Androgel is synthetic testosterone, and both medications consist of topical gel that allows the testosterone to absorb through the skin. Doctors prescribe these drugs to adult males who for some reason, whether a physical condition or a result of aging, are lacking normal testosterone levels. The only difference between...
Vitamin D Deficiency Symptoms & Supplement Side Effects
What is vitamin D-oral, and how does it work (mechanism of action)? Vitamin D is a necessary vitamin for the growth and development of bones. Vitamin D is commonly known as ergocalciferol (Vitamin D2) and cholecalciferol (Vitamin D3). Vitamin D2 and D3 are broken down to their active form, calcitriol, in the body. Calcitriol works by increasing absorption of calcium...
Cyanokit (hydroxocobalamin): Cyanide Antidote Dosage
What is Cyanokit (hydroxocobalamin)? Cyanokit is an injectable drug that reverses the effect of cyanide. It is an antidote used for treating cyanide poisoning. Cyanide is an extremely toxic poison. Cyanide poisoning can kill within minutes because it prevents cells in the body from using oxygen. What brand names are available for Cyanokit (hydroxocobalamin)? Cyanokit is the brand name available...
Avodart (dutasteride) Prostate Drug Side Effects & Dosage
What is dutaseride? How does it work (mechanism of action)? Dutasteride is a medication used for the treatment of benign prostatic hyperplasia (BPH) also known as an enlarged prostate. Dutasteride belongs to a class of medication called 5-alpa reductase inhibitors. Male hormone dihydrotestosterone (DHT) is primarily responsible for development and enlargement of the prostate gland. Testosterone is converted into DHT...
captopril & hydrochlorothiazide (Capozide) Side Effects & Dosage
What is captopril and hydrochlorothiazide, and what is it used for? Capozide is a combination of captopril (Capoten) and hydrochlorothiazide (HCTZ), an angiotensin converting enzyme (ACE) inhibitor and a diuretic (water pill), respectively, and is used in the treatment of high blood pressure. ACE is an enzyme in the body that causes the formation of angiotensin II. Angiotensin II causes...
azithromycin (Zithromax): Potential Combination Drug for COVID-19 Coronavirus?
What is azithromycin (Zithromax, Z-Pak)? Azithromycin is a semi-synthetic macrolide antibiotic chemically related to erythromycin and clarithromycin (Biaxin). Azithromycin is effective against susceptible bacteria causing: Otitis media (infection of the middle ear) Tonsillitis Laryngitis Bronchitis Pneumonia Sinusitis Uncomplicated skin and skin structure infections Mycobacterium avium complex Acute bacterial flare ups of chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD) It also is effective...
chlorpheniramine, pseudoephedrine (Deconamine discontinued): Side Effects, Dosage
What is chlorpheniramine, pseudoephedrine, and how does it work (mechanism of action)? Deconamine was a brand name medication that contains two different drugs, an antihistamine (chlorpheniramine) and a decongestant (pseudoephedrine). The antihistamine effects of chlorpheniramine account for its effect of reducing allergy symptoms. The decongestant action of pseudoephedrine is a result of blood vessel constriction in the nasal air passages,...
Angiotensin II Receptor Blockers (ARBs) vs. Calcium Channel Blockers (CCBs)
Angiotensin II receptor blockers vs. calcium channel blockers: What’s the difference? Angiotensin II receptor blockers (ARBs) and calcium channel blockers (CCBs) are used to treat high blood pressure. Angiotensin II receptor blockers (ARBs) are also used to prevent diabetes and reduce the risk of stroke in patients with high blood pressure and an enlarged heart, and they may also prevent...
Ativan (lorazepam) vs. Librium (chlordiazepoxide): Uses, Side Effects, Dosage
Ativan (lorazepam) vs. Librium (chlordiazepoxide): What’s the difference? Ativan (lorazepam) and Librium (chlordiazepoxide) are benzodiazepines used to manage anxiety disorders, before anesthesia for sedation, and to prevent and treat alcohol withdrawal. Ativan is also used for the short-term relief of symptoms of anxiety or anxiety associated with depression, to treat panic attacks, short-term and long-term treatment of insomnia, in combination...
List & Types of Bronchodilators: Side Effects & Uses
What are bronchodilators, and how do they work? Bronchodilators are medications that open (dilate) the airways (bronchial tubes) of the lung by relaxing bronchial muscles and allow people who have difficulty breathing to breath better. Bronchodilators are used for treating: Asthma Chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD Allergic reactions Related conditions that cause breathing problems Asthma is a breathing problem resulting...