What are the differences between Tazorac and isotretinoin? Tazorac (tazarotene) and isotretinoin are medications used to treat acne. Tazorac is also used to treat psoriasis. A difference is that Tazorac is a topical medication (applied to the skin) and isotretinoin is taken orally. Tazorac was withdrawn from the U.S. market, but it is available on a very limited basis for...
senna (sennosides; Senokot): Laxative Side Effects & Dosage
What is sennosides A&B-oral tablet, and how does it work (mechanism of action)? Senna is a natural medicine derived from the senna plant. Senna contains sennosides which acts as a stimulant laxative. It works by irritating and stimulating intestinal cells, producing contractions in intestines, water influx to the intestines and bowel movement. What brand names are available for sennosides A&B-oral...
risperidone (Risperdal): Anti-psychotic Drug Side Effects & Dosage
What is risperidone, and how does it work (mechanism of action)? Risperidone is an atypical antipsychotic drug that is used for treating schizophrenia, bipolar mania, and autism. Other atypical antipsychotic drugs include olanzapine (Zyprexa), quetiapine (Seroquel), ziprasidone (Geodon), aripiprazole (Abilify) and paliperidone (Invega). Atypical antipsychotics differ from typical antipsychotics because they cause a lesser degree of movement (extrapyramidal) side effects...
Dilaudid vs. Oxycodone: Differences Between Opioid Painkillers
Dilaudid vs. Oxycodone Dilaudid (hydromorphone hydrochloride) and oxycodone (OxyContin, Roxicodone, Oxecta, Oxaydo, Xtampza ER, and Roxybond) are both opioid narcotic pain relievers. Oxycodone is also used as a cough suppressant, and is often available in forms combined with other non-narcotic pain relievers such as acetaminophen (Tylenol) or aspirin. Side effects of Dilaudid and oxycodone that are similar and include: Lightheadedness...
valproic acid/divalproex (Depakote) Side Effects & Dosage
What is valproic acid, and how does it work (mechanism of action)? Valproic acid and its derivative, divalproex, are oral drugs that are used for the treatment of convulsions, migraines and bipolar disorder. The active ingredient in both products is valproic acid. Divalproex is converted to valproic acid in the stomach. Scientists do not know the mechanism of action of...
clobetasol (Cormax) Side Effects & Dosage
What is clobetasol scalp solution-topical, and how does it work (mechanism of action)? Clobetasol propionate is a man-made corticosteroid that is used on the skin (topically). It is available as foam, shampoo, cream, gel, lotion, ointment, solution, and spray. It is similar to alclometasone (Aclovate), hydrocortisone valerate (Westcort), halobetasol (Ultravate) and several others. Topical clobetasol is used to treat certain...
Vitamin A Supplement Benefits, Side Effects, Dosage & Uses
What is vitamin A-oral, and how does it work (mechanism of action)? Oral vitamin A is used to treat vitamin A deficiency. Carotene compounds (found, for example, in egg yolk, butter and cream) are gradually converted by the body to vitamin A (retinol). Vitamin A supports growth and bone development, vision, reproduction, and development and maintenance of skin tissue. It...
Ativan vs. Xanax: Side Effects, Withdrawal & Addiction Info
Ativan vs. Xanax review Ativan (lorazepam) and Xanax (alprazolam) are both members of the benzodiazepine family of drugs used mainly to treat anxiety and other psychiatric disorders. Researchers believe both Ativan and Xanax – like other benzodiazepines – work by enhancing the effects of a neurotransmitter that helps inhibit excess brain activity. Excessive activity of nerves in the brain may...
Adderall vs. Ritalin: Differences in Side Effects & Dosage
Adderall vs. Ritalin quick comparison of differences Ritalin (methylphenidate) and Adderall (amphetamine and dextroamphetamine) are central nervous system stimulants. Both medications are prescribed to treat attention deficit hyperactivity disorder (ADHD) and narcolepsy. Both drugs have the potential to cause addiction, and patients may have withdrawal effects if they stop taking the drugs suddenly. Both Ritalin and Adderall have some common side...
What Is Achondroplasia? Symptoms, Treatment & Genetics
Achondroplasia facts Achondroplasia is a genetic disorder of bone growth. Achondroplasia is the cause of the most common type of dwarfism (short-limbed disproportionate dwarfism) Achondroplasia is the most common cause of short stature with disproportionately short limbs. The appearance of the person with achondroplasia is characteristic. Intelligence is normal in people with achondroplasia. Complications of achondroplasia can affect the brain...