methyldopa (Aldomet): Hypertension Drug Side Effects & Dosage

What is methyldopa? What is methyldopa used for? Methyldopa is an oral medication used to lower blood pressure. Although the exact mechanism of action is not yet understood, methyldopa is thought to lower blood pressure by activating receptors (alpha-2 receptors) in the central nervous system and by reducing the concentration of epinephrine, norepinephrine, dopamine, and serotonin. Epinephrine, norepinephrine, dopamine, and...

allopurinol (Zyloprim, Aloprim): Gout Drug Side Effects & Dosage

What is allopurinol, and how does it work (mechanism of action)? Allopurinol is used for treating gout caused by excessive levels of uric acid in the blood (hyperuricemia). It is a xanthine oxidase inhibitor and is similar to febuxostat (Uloric). Uric acid is a by product from the breakdown of certain proteins (purines) in the body by enzymes called xanthine...

How to Get Rid of a Sore Throat: 27 Remedies for Pain & Cures

What should you know about sore throat treatments? Readers Comments 3 Share Your Story Why Your Throat Hurts and How to Cure a Sore Throat Various natural sore throat remedies can be used at home to help soothe sore throat pain and other symptoms. Some of these may be familiar, like drinking warm liquids with honey and lemon juice or...

Is the Stomach Flu Contagious? 5 Ways it’s Spread & Remedies

What is the stomach flu (gastroenteritis)? Readers Comments 1 Share Your Story Stomach flu or gastroenteritis is a general term for a number of inflammatory problems that occur in the gastrointestinal tract. Gastroenteritis is a better term because when some individuals use the term "stomach flu," they get the term confused with the flu (influenza) and the viruses that cause...

Cyclobenzaprine vs. Norco (hydrocodone acetaminophen)

Cyclobenzaprine vs. Norco: What’s the Difference? Cyclobenzaprine and Norco (hydrocodone acetaminophen) are used to treat pain. Cyclobenzaprine is mainly used with rest and physical therapy for short-term relief of muscle spasms associated with acute painful muscle and skeletal conditions. Norco is prescribed for moderate to moderately severe pain of various causes. Brand names for cyclobenzaprine include Flexeril, Amrix, and Fexmid....

Cyclobenzaprine (Flexeril) vs. carisoprodol (Soma): Side Effects, Dosage

Cyclobenzaprine (Flexeril) vs. carisoprodol (Soma): What’s the difference? Cyclobenzaprine and carisoprodol are muscle relaxants used with rest and physical therapy for short-term relief of muscle spasms associated with acute painful muscle and skeletal conditions. Brand names for cyclobenzaprine include Flexeril, Amrix, and Fexmid. A brand name for carisoprodol is Soma. Side effects of cyclobenzaprine and carisoprodol that are similar include...

Cyclobenzaprine (Flexeril) vs. naproxen (Aleve): Side Effects, Dosage

Cyclobenzaprine (Flexeril) vs. naproxen (Aleve): What’s the difference? Cyclobenzaprine and naproxen are used to treat different types of pain in different ways. Cyclobenzaprine is a muscle relaxant used with rest and physical therapy for short-term relief of muscle spasms associated with acute painful muscle and skeletal conditions. Naproxen is used to relieve mild to moderate pain, inflammation, and fever from...

Cyclobenzaprine (Flexeril) vs. amitriptyline (Elavil): Side Effects, Dosage

Cyclobenzaprine (Flexeril) vs. amitriptyline (Elavil): What’s the difference? Cyclobenzaprine and amitriptyline are used to treat different types of pain from different causes. Cyclobenzaprine is used with rest and physical therapy for short-term relief of muscle spasms associated with acute painful muscle and skeletal conditions. Amitriptyline may be used to treat nerve pain, but it is primarily used to treat depression....

Cyclobenzaprine vs. Norco (hydrocodone acetaminophen)

Cyclobenzaprine vs. Norco: What’s the Difference? Cyclobenzaprine and Norco (hydrocodone acetaminophen) are used to treat pain. Cyclobenzaprine is mainly used with rest and physical therapy for short-term relief of muscle spasms associated with acute painful muscle and skeletal conditions. Norco is prescribed for moderate to moderately severe pain of various causes. Brand names for cyclobenzaprine include Flexeril, Amrix, and Fexmid....

Phentermine (Adipex-P) Weight Loss Drug Side Effects & Dosage

What is phentermine? Phentermine is a drug that suppresses appetite. Why is phentermine prescribed to patients? Phentermine is combined with diet and exercise for the short-term treatment of obesity in individuals with a body mass index greater than or equal to 30 kg/m2 or greater than or equal to 27 kg/m2 with risk factors for heart disease. Phentermine should not...