What is sulfamethoxazole, and how does it work (mechanism of action)? Sulfamethoxazole is an anti- bacterial sulfonamide. It prevents the formation of dihydrofolic acid, a compound that bacteria must be able to make in order to survive. Although it was once a very useful antibiotic, it is almost obsolete as a single agent today due...
What is Elelyso (taliglucerase alfa), and how does it work? Generic drug: taliglucerase alfa Brand name: Elelyso Elelyso (taliglucerase alfa) for injection is a hydrolytic lysosomal glucocerebroside-specific enzyme indicated for long-term enzyme replacement therapy (ERT) for adults with a confirmed diagnosis of type 1 Gaucher disease. What are the side effects of Elelyso? Common side effects of...
What is Dificid (fidaxomicin), and how is it used? Dificid is a macrolide antibacterial drug indicated in adults (≥18 years of age) for treatment of Clostridium difficile-associated diarrhea (CDAD). To reduce the development of drug-resistant bacteria and maintain the effectiveness of Dificid and other antibacterial drugs, Dificid should be used only to treat infections that...
What is the difference between codeine and Vicodin? Both codeine and Vicodin (acetaminophen and hydrocodone) are narcotic analgesics. Vicodin contains an additional ingredient, acetaminophen, which is a non-narcotic pain reliever. These narcotics are indicated for moderate to severe pain. One difference is that codeine is also prescribed as a cough suppressant. Codeine is a generic...
What is the difference between Breo and albuterol? Breo Ellipta (fluticasone furoate and vilanterol inhalation powder) and albuterol sulfate are both used to treat asthma and chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD). Breo Ellipta is a combination of fluticasone, a glucocorticoid, and vilanterol, a bronchodilator of the beta-2 agonist type. Albuterol is a bronchodilator. Brand names...
Corticosteroids vs. NSAIDs facts Corticosteroids are a type of hormone, and NSAIDs (nonsteroidal anti-inflammatories) are non-narcotic pain relievers. Both medications are prescribed to reduce inflammation in the body. NSAIDs are also used to treat pain and reduce fever. Common corticosteroids include prednisone, cortisone, and methylprednisolone. Examples of NSAIDs include ibuprofen (Advil, Motrin), naproxen (Aleve), celecoxib...
Generic drug: phenylephrine hydrochloride Brand name: Biorphen What is Biorphen (phenylephrine hydrochloride), and how does it work? Biorphen (phenylephrine hydrochloride) is an alpha-1 adrenergic receptor agonist used to treat clinically important low blood pressure (hypotension) resulting primarily from vasodilation in the setting of anesthesia. What are the side effects of Biorphen? Side effects of Biorphen...
Facts on benzodiazepines vs. cyclobenzaprine Benzodiazepines and cyclobenzaprine are used to treat muscle spasms. Benzodiazepines are also used to treat insomnia, seizures, anxiety disorders, nervousness, panic disorders, alcohol withdrawal, status epilepticus, premenstrual syndrome, and as sedation during surgery. Benzodiazepines are central nervous system depressants that cause drowsiness and cyclobenzaprine is a muscle relaxant. Common benzodiazepines...
What is Cystografin, and how does it work? Cystografin (diatrizoate meglumine injection 30%) is a radiopaque contrast agent indicated for retrograde cystourethrography. Cystografin is injected into a urinary catheter during an X-ray in order to view the female bladder and uretha. What are the side effects of Cystografin? Common side effects of Cystografin include: injection...
Buspirone vs. Xanax differences between side effects and uses Buspirone and Xanax (alprazolam) are medications used to treat anxiety. Xanax is in the benzodiazepine class of drugs, while buspirone is not chemically related to benzodiazepines and works differently than other anxiolytics. The brand name of buspirone called BuSpar is discontinued in the U.S. Buspirone is...