Facts you should know about dislocated knees Share Your Story A dislocated knee causes severe pain. Knee dislocations are a result of significant force or trauma. With a dislocated knee, the relationship between the femur and tibia is lost and at least three of four ligaments that hold the knee stable must be torn. Fractures often accompany the dislocation. Surgeons...
Proton Pump Inhibitors (PPIs) vs. Zantac for Acid Reflux (GERD)
What’s the Difference between Proton Pump Inhibitors and Zantac? Proton pump inhibitors (PPIs) and Zantac (ranitidine) reduce the production of acid and are used to prevent and treat acid-related conditions including esophageal duodenal and stomach ulcers, NSAID-associated ulcers, ulcers, gastroesophageal reflux disease (GERD), and Zollinger-Ellison syndrome. Some proton pump inhibitors are available over-the-counter (OTC) and some require a prescription. Zantac...
Ranitidine (Zantac): Acid Reflux Medication Side Effects & Dosage
What is ranitidine, and how does it work (mechanism of action)? Ranitidine is an oral drug that blocks the production of acid by acid-producing cells in the stomach. It belongs to a class of drugs called H2 (histamine-2) blockers that also includes cimetidine (Tagamet), nizatidine (Axid), and famotidine (Pepcid). Histamine is a naturally occurring chemical that stimulates cells in the...
MSM Herbal Supplements Side Effects, Benefits, Uses & Dosage
What is MSM (methylsulfonylmethane ), and how does it work (mechanism of action)? Methylsulfonylmethane (MSM) is also called dimethyl sulfone, DMSO2, methyl sulfone, and many other names. MSM is an organic sulfur found in fruits, vegetables, grains, and milk as well as the urine of animals. It is an oxidation product of dimethyl sulfoxide (DMSO) and a source of sulfur...
Prilosec vs. Zantac for Heartburn & GERD: Side Effects & Dosage
What are the differences between Prilosec and Zantac? Prilosec (omeprazole) and Zantac (ranitidine) are used for the treatment of conditions such as ulcers and gastroesophageal reflux disease (GERD) caused by stomach acid. Both drugs work in different ways to reduce stomach acid. Prilosec and Zantac are both available over-the-counter (OTC). Prilosec is a proton pump inhibitor (PPI) that blocks the...
torsemide (Demadex) Diuretic Side Effects, Dosing, vs. furosemide
What is torsemide, and how does it work? Torsemide (Demadex) is a potent drug that's a diuretic (water pill). This medicine causes a profound increase in urine output (diuresis) by preventing the kidney from retaining water. Specifically, it blocks the reabsorption back into the blood of sodium and water that has been filtered out of the blood by the kidneys....
Topical Corticosteroids: Side Effects, Dosage & Uses
What are topical corticosteroids? Corticosteroid hormones are naturally occurring hormones produced by the adrenal glands within the body. Topical corticosteroids are synthetic (man-made) corticosteroid medications used for treating skin conditions such as rash, dermatitis, itching, eczema, and psoriasis. Topical corticosteroids have potent anti-inflammatory actions and also suppress the immune response. Topical corticosteroids are used based on their potency, the area...
Carisoprodol (Soma) Uses, Side Effects & Dosage
What is carisoprodol, and how does it work (mechanism of action)? Carisoprodol is an oral muscle relaxant. Its exact mechanism of action is unknown. It may work by altering communication among nerves in parts of the brain that control the sensation of pain and in the spinal cord. The FDA approved carisoprodol in April 1959. What are the uses for...
Orlistat (Xenical, Alli) for Weight Loss: Side Effects & Dosage
What are the uses for orlistat? Orlistat is combined with a reduced-calorie diet to promote weight loss. Orlistat also may be used to prevent weight gain after weight has been lost. Candidates for treatment with orlistat are patients who are obese with a body mass index (a measure of obesity) of more than 30 kg/m2. Candidates also include patients with...
Tofacitinib Citrate (Xeljanz) Uses, Side Effects & Dosage
What is Tofacitinib citrate (Xeljanz)? What is Xeljanz used for? Tofacitinib is an oral drug used for treating rheumatoid arthritis. It belongs to a class of drugs called Janus kinase (JAK) inhibitors. JAKs are enzymes (proteins) that regulate chemical signaling pathways that control biologic processes such as blood formation and the immune response that causes the pain, tenderness and swelling...