What is cimetidine, and how does it work (mechanism of action)? Cimetidine is a drug that blocks the production of acid by acid-producing cells in the stomach and can be administered orally, IM or IV. It belongs to a class of drugs called H2 (histamine-2) blockers that also includes ranitidine (Zantac), nizatidine (Axid), and famotidine (Pepcid). Histamine is a naturally-occurring...
Gardasil (HPV Vaccine): Drug Facts, Side Effects and Dosing
What is Gardasil Vaccine (HPV), and how does it work (mechanism of action)? Gardasil is a human papillomavirus (HPV) vaccine. Gardasil is a sterile preparation for intramuscular injection and contains purified inactive proteins from HPV types 6, 11, 16, and 18. The proteins in Gardasil are structural, virus-like proteins (VLP) that resemble the HPV virus. The proteins can activate the...
diclofenac, Voltaren, Cataflam, Cambia: Side Effects & Dosing
What is diclofenac, and how does it work (mechanism of action)? Diclofenac belongs to a class of drugs called nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drugs (NSAIDs) that are used for the treatment of mild to moderate pain, fever, and inflammation. Other members of this class include ibuprofen (Motrin), indomethacin (Indocin), nabumetone (Relafen), naproxen (Aleve) and several others. NSAIDs work by reducing the production...
Ketoconazole Cream vs. Lamisil (terbinafine): Antifungal Cream
Ketoconazole cream vs. Lamisil: What’s the difference? Ketoconazole cream and Lamisil (terbinafine) are antifungal medications used to treat fungal infections such as jock itch and athlete's foot. Ketoconazole cream is also used to treat ringworm, dandruff, and tinea versicolor. Brand names for ketoconazole include Nizoral, Nizoral A-D, Ketodan, Extina, Xolegel, and Kuric. Lamisil is available as a generic and over-the-counter...
Calcium Channel Blockers (CCBs) vs. ACE Inhibitors
Calcium channel blockers vs. ACE inhibitors: What’s the difference? Calcium channel blockers (CCBs) and angiotensin-converting enzyme (ACE) inhibitors are used to treat high blood pressure. Calcium channel blockers (CCBs) are also used to relieve or prevent angina (chest pain), to treat certain abnormal heart rhythms, and to treat migraine headaches. ACE inhibitors are also used to treat left ventricular dysfunction...
Hydroxyzine (Vistaril) vs. buspirone (Buspar)
Hydroxyzine vs. buspirone: What’s the difference? Hydroxyzine and buspirone are used to treat anxiety. Hydroxyzine is also used to treat itching caused by allergic reactions, to induce sedation prior to or after anesthesia, and to treat nausea, vomiting, and alcohol withdrawal. Buspirone may also help improve symptoms of depression in patients with generalized anxiety disorder. A brand name for hydroxyzine...
furosemide (Lasix): Diuretic Uses, Side Effects & Dosage
What is furosemide, and what is it used for? Furosemide (Lasix) is a potent diuretic (water pill) that is used to eliminate water and salt from the body. In the kidneys, salt (composed of sodium and chloride), water, and other small molecules normally are filtered out of the blood and into the tubules of the kidney. The filtered fluid ultimately...
Cefpodoxime proxetil (Vantin, Bantan): Antibiotic Side Effects & Dosage
What is cefpodoxime proxetil, and how does it work (mechanism of action)? Cefpodoxime proxetil (Vantin, Banan) is an oral antibiotic prescription drug in the cephalosporin family of antibiotics. The cephalosporin family includes: Cephalexin (Keflex) Cefaclor (Ceclor) Cefuroxime (Zinacef) Cefprozil (Cefzil) Many injectable forms Cefpodoxime proxetil is converted to cefpodoxime, its active form, in the body. Like other cephalosporins, cefpodoxime stops...
Trigger Finger Symptoms, Treatment, Causes & Home Remedies
What is trigger finger? Trigger finger can cause any digits of the hand to lock when opening or closing. Trigger finger is a "snapping" or "locking" condition of any of the digits of the hand when opening or closing. Stenosing tenosynovitis is the medical term for trigger finger. What causes trigger finger? Local swelling from inflammation or scarring of the...
6 Low Testosterone (Low-T) Symptoms (Depression), Treatment
What is the definition of low testosterone (low-T)? Readers Comments 4 Share Your Story An underproduction of testosterone causes low-T in men and women. Testosterone is a hormone required for male development and sexual function and is produced primarily in the testicles. Testosterone is responsible for building muscle and bone mass, sperm production, and sex drive. Testosterone influences male pattern...