What is miconazole, and how does it work (mechanism of action)? Miconazole is an antifungal medication related to fluconazole (Diflucan), ketoconazole (Nizoral), itraconazole (Sporanox), and clotrimazole (Lotrimin, Mycelex). It is used either on the skin or vaginally for fungal infections. Miconazole was approved by the FDA in 1974. What brand names are available for miconazole?...
What is nafarelin, and how does it work (mechanism of action)? Nafarelin is a synthetic (man-made) protein that blocks the effects of the natural gonadotropin-releasing hormone (GnRH), a hormone that regulates the output of gonadotropins (a class of hormones) by the pituitary gland (a small gland located at the base of the brain). Gonadotropins (follicle...
Diflucan vs. itraconazole Diflucan (fluconazole) and itraconazole are anti-fungal medications used to treat fungal infections caused by Candida. Diflucan is used to treat vaginal, oral, and esophageal fungal infections caused by Candida; urinary tract infections, peritonitis, pneumonia and disseminated infections caused by Candida; cryptococcal meningitis; and to prevent Candida infections in patients treated with chemotherapy...
What is eflornithine, and how does it work (mechanism of action)? Eflornithine is the first topical drug (used on the skin) for the treatment of unwanted facial and chin hair. It does not remove the hair but rather slows its growth. The cells surrounding the base of each hair (called the hair follicle) undergo rapid...
What is teriparatide, and how does it work (mechanism of action)? Teriparatide (Forteo) is a prescription medicine used to treat osteoporosis, a bone disease that over time causes bones to become fragile and more likely to break. Teriparatide is similar to human parathyroid hormone (PTH) and is made using recombinant DNA (rDNA) technology. PTH is...
What is ofloxacin? How does it work? Ofloxacin is an antibiotic that is used to treat bacterial infections. It belongs to the fluoroquinolone class of antibiotics which includes levofloxacin (Levaquin), ciprofloxacin (Cipro), gatifloxacin (Tequin), norfloxacin (Noroxin), moxifloxacin (Avelox), trovafloxacin (Trovan) and others. Ofloxacin stops the multiplication of bacteria by inhibiting the reproduction and repair of...
What is Diclegis, and how does it work? Diclegis is a prescription medicine used to treat nausea and vomiting of pregnancy in women who have not improved with change in diet or other non-medicine treatments. It is not known if Diclegis is safe and effective in women with severe nausea and vomiting of pregnancy, a...
Birth Control Pills vs. Patch: What’s the difference? Birth control pills (oral contraceptives) and norelgestromin/ethinyl estradiol transdermal patches (Ortho Evra) are methods of birth control used to prevent pregnancy. Side effects of birth control pills and the patch that are similar include nausea, headache, breast tenderness/enlargement, missed/irregular bleeding, and breakthrough bleeding (spotting). Side effects of...
Birth control pills vs. Plan B: What’s the difference? Birth control pills (oral contraceptives) and Plan B (levonorgestrel) are methods of birth control used to prevent pregnancy. Birth control pills are taken regularly to prevent pregnancy, while Plan B is emergency contraception (“the morning after pill”) used as backup contraception to prevent pregnancy when taken...
What is progesterone vaginal gel? What is progesterone gel used for? Intravaginal progesterone gel is used for supplementing or replacing progesterone in infertile women with progesterone deficiency who are receiving treatment utilizing assisted reproductive technology (ART).Progesterone intravaginal gel is also used for the treatment of secondary amenorrhea (absence of menses). Progesterone is a female hormone...