What is atropine, and how does it work (mechanism of action)? Atropine belongs to a class of medications known as anticholinergics or antimuscarinics. Atropine occurs naturally and is extracted from the belladonna alkaloid plant. Atropine works by blocking the actions of a chemical called acetylcholine. Atropine has numerous uses in clinical medicine and is available in several dosage forms including...
atorvastatin (Lipitor) vs. simvastatin (Zocor): Dosage & Side Effects
Atorvastatin vs. simvastatin comparison Atorvastatin (Lipitor) and simvastatin (Zocor) are parts of a group of drugs called statins that revolutionized cholesterol management and heart disease prevention. Atorvastatin and simvastatin both target the same chemical in the body to reduce drastically the bloodstream levels of LDL (low-density lipoprotein, or “bad cholesterol”), which lowers the risk it will clog up arteries, a...
Aralen (chloroquine): Possible Treatment for COVID-19
What is Aralen (chloroquine), and how does it work (mechanism of action)? Chloroquine (Aralen) and its sister drug hydroxychloroquine (Plaquenil) are under investigation for treatment of the COVID-19 coronavirus disease Korean doctors used these anti-malaria drugs to treat COVID-19 with some success, according to a paper filed with Elsevier in March 2020. A tiny French study also suggested the drugs...
Alprazolam (Xanax) vs. Temazepam (Restoril): Side Effects & Dosage
Alprazolam (Xanax) vs. temazepam (Restoril): What’s the difference? Alprazolam and temazepam are benzodiazepines used to treat anxiety disorders. Alprazolam is also used to treat panic attacks. Temazepam is also used to treat insomnia. Brand names for alprazolam include Xanax and Niravam. A brand name for temazepam is Restoril. Side effects of alprazolam and temazepam that are similar include drowsiness, fatigue,...
Avycaz (ceftazidime-avibactam) Antibiotic Side Effects & Dosage
Generic drug: ceftazidime-avibactam Brand name: Avycaz What is Avycaz (ceftazidime-avibactam), and how does it work? Avycaz (ceftazidime-avibactam) is an antibacterial combination drug used to treat complicated intra-abdominal infections (cIAI), used in combination with metronidazole; and complicated urinary tract infections (cUTI), including pyelonephritis. What are the side effects of Avycaz? Common side effects include: headache, dizziness, vomiting, nausea, abdominal pain, diarrhea,...
Anabolic Steroids Types, Side Effects, Examples, Dosing & Abuse
What are oral anabolic steroids, and how do they work? Anabolic steroids are orally-ingested, synthetic (man-made) drugs that act like testosterone. They cause growth and development of male sexual organs, secondary sex characteristics, and increases in muscle size and strength. What are the uses for these drugs? This class of drugs are used for the treatment of: Delayed puberty in...
Asparlas (calaspargase pegol – mknl) Leukemia Drug Side Effects
What is Asparlas (calaspargase pegol – mknl), and how does it work? Generic drug: calaspargase pegol – mknl Brand name: Asparlas Asparlas (calaspargase pegol – mknl) is an asparagine specific enzyme indicated as a component of a multi-agent chemotherapeutic regimen for the treatment of acute lymphoblastic leukemia in pediatric and young adult patients age 1 month to 21 years. What are the...
Cholinesterase Inhibitors for Alzheimer’s, Side Effects, and Uses
What are cholinesterase inhibitors (ChEIs)? How do they work? Cholinesterase inhibitors or acetylcholinesterase inhibitors are medications that prevent the breakdown of acetylcholine in the body. Cholinesterase inhibitors block the action of acetylcholinesterase. Acetylcholinesterase is an enzyme that breaks down acetylcholine to an inactive form. This reduces nerve cell communications in your body that use acetylcholine to help transmit cell to...
Carafate (sucralfate) for Ulcers: Side Effects & Dosage
What is Carafate (sucralfate)? Carafate is a unique oral drug that is used for treating ulcers of the upper gastrointestinal tract. Is Carafate (sucralfate) available as a generic drug? Yes Do I need a prescription for Carafate (sucralfate)? Yes What are the uses for Carafate (sucralfate)? Carafate is used for the treatment of peptic ulcer disease and to prevent recurrent...
Aspirin vs. Warfarin (Coumadin, Jantoven) Side Effects & Dosages
Aspirin vs. warfarin (Coumadin, Jantoven) Aspirin and warfarin (Coumadin, Jantoven) are used to prevent blood clots. Aspirin is also used to treat fever, pain, and inflammation in the body. Aspirin and warfarin belong to different drug classes. Aspirin is a nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drug (NSAID) and warfarin is an anticoagulant. Brand names for aspirin include Bayer Aspirin, Ecotrin, and E.C. Prin....