What is ciclesonide? What is ciclesonide used for? Ciclesonide (Alvesco) is a man-made steroid for inhalation in the glucocorticoid family. It is related to the naturally-occurring steroid hormone, cortisol or hydrocortisone, produced by the adrenal glands. The body converts ciclesonide to des-ciclesonide, which is the active form of the drug. Glucocorticoid steroids have potent anti-inflammatory actions. When used as an...
asenapine (Saphris): Schizophrenia Drug Side Effects & Dosage
What is asenapine? What is asenapine used for? Asenapine is an atypical antipsychotic used to treat schizophrenia. Other atypical antipsychotic drugs include olanzapine (Zyprexa), quetiapine (Seroquel), ziprasidone (Geodon), iloperidone (Fanapt) and aripiprazole (Abilify). Atypical antipsychotics differ from typical antipsychotics because they cause a lesser degree of movement (extrapyramidal) side effects and constipation. The exact mechanism of action of asenapine is...
flunisolide nasal spray (Aerospan): Drug Facts, Side Effects, Dosage
What is flunisolide nasal spray, and how does it work (mechanism of action)? Flunisolide is a synthetic (man-made) corticosteroid. It is administered either as an oral metered-dose inhaler for the treatment of asthma (Aerobid) or as a nasal spray for treating allergic rhinitis. Corticosteroids are naturally- occurring hormones that prevent or suppress inflammation and immune responses. When given as an...
Diabetes: OTC Guide for Safe Drugs for Colds & Flu
What should I know about safe drugs to take for a cold or flu (influenza) if you have diabetes? Share Your Story Choosing OTC drugs and remedies can be confusing. People with type 1 or 2 diabetes who don't comply with their doctor's medications may have a difficult time fighting off colds and flu viruses when their immune system is...
Cramps but No Period: 12 Causes of Cramping When Not on Period
Why do I have cramps but no period? Several conditions can cause cramps but no period. Pelvic pain similar to a menstrual period can happen at times when no period is due or can occur because of conditions other than the monthly cycle. Sometimes it is hard to tell the exact reason for cramps that feel like a menstrual period....
Ketoconazole Cream (Nizoral) vs. Miconazole (Monistat)
Ketoconazole cream vs. miconazole: What’s the difference? Ketoconazole cream and miconazole are antifungal medications prescribed to treat fungal infections such as athlete's foot and ringworm. Ketoconazole cream is used to treat jock itch, dandruff, tinea versicolor, blastomycosis, histoplasmosis, and coccidiomycosis. Miconazole is also used to treat vaginal fungal infections. Brand names for ketoconazole include Nizoral, Nizoral A-D, Ketodan, Extina, Xolegel,...
Ketoconazole Cream vs. Nystatin: Antifungal Drug Uses & Side Effects
Ketoconazole cream vs. nystatin: What’s the difference? Ketoconazole cream and nystatin are antifungal medications prescribed to treat different types of fungal infections. Ketoconazole cream is a topical (for the skin) medication used to treat ringworm, jock itch, athlete's foot, dandruff, and tinea versicolor. Nystatin is an oral anti-fungal medication used to treat intestinal candidiasis. Brand names for ketoconazole include Nizoral,...
Tinea Versicolor Treatment, Causes & Symptoms
Tinea versicolor facts Readers Comments 64 Share Your Story Tinea versicolor is a common fungal skin infection affecting primarily healthy people caused by a fungus found on normal human skin. There seems to be a genetic predisposition to develop tinea versicolor, the nature of which is poorly understood. Doctor easily identify tinea versicolor by examining skin scrapings under the microscope....
Prazosin (Minipress) Uses, Side Effects & Dosage
What is prazosin-oral, and how does it work (mechanism of action)? Prazosin (Minipress) is an oral medicine used to treat high blood pressure. Prazosin is a competitive alpha-1 adrenergic receptor blocker. By blocking alpha-1 receptors on muscle cesll that surround blood vessels, prazosin causes vasodilation (widening) of the blood vessels, and consequently decreases the resistance of blood flow. The overall...
Montelukast (Singulair) Drug Facts, Side Effects & Dosage
What is montelukast, and how does it work (mechanism of action)? Montelukast is an oral leukotriene receptor antagonist that is used for the treatment of asthma and seasonal allergic rhinitis (hay fever). Leukotrienes are a group of naturally occurring chemicals in the body that promote inflammation in asthma and seasonal allergic rhinitis and in other diseases in which inflammation is...