What is isotretinoin, and how does it work (mechanism of action)? Isotretinoin is an oral drug used for the treatment and prevention of severe acne. Acne is caused by inflammation of the skin. It primarily affects teenagers, but it also affects adults. Severe acne causes permanent scarring of the skin. The inflammation is caused in...
Tag: skin
famciclovir, Famvir: Drug Facts, Side Effects and Dosing
What is famciclovir? What are the uses for famciclovir? Famciclovir is an antiviral drug which is active against the Herpes viruses, including herpes simplex 1 and 2 (cold sores and genital herpes) and varicella-zoster (shingles and chickenpox). It belongs to a class of drugs called nucleoside analogs that mimic one of the building blocks of...
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...
Lidocaine (Lidoderm) Patch Uses, Side Effects & Dosage
What is lidocaine patch-topical, and how does it work (mechanism of action)? Lidocaine is an amide-type, local anesthetic medication available in a patch form. Lidocaine, like other local anesthetics causes a loss of sensation by reducing the flow of sodium in and out nerves to decrease the initiation and transfer of nerve signals. The FDA...
Valtrex (valacyclovir) for Cold Sores: Side Effects & Dosage
What is Valtrex (valacyclovir)? What are its uses? Valtrex (valacyclovir) is an oral antiviral drug which is active against the herpes viruses. It is used to treat infections with: Shingles (herpes zoster) Genital herpes (herpes simplex genitalis) Cold sores (herpes labialis) What are the side effects of Valtrex (valacyclovir)? The side effect profile of Valtrex...
tacrolimus ointment (Protopic) Side Effects & Dosage
What is tacrolimus ointment, and how does it work (mechanism of action)? Tacrolimus ointment is a topical drug (a drug that is applied to the skin) that is used for the treatment of atopic dermatitis (eczema). Atopic dermatitis is a chronic (long-lasting) disease of skin in which the skin becomes inflamed, causing itchiness, redness, swelling,...
Hydrocortisone Valerate Cream Uses, Side Effects & Dosage
Is hydrocortisone valerate available as a generic drug? GENERIC AVAILABLE: Yes Do I need a prescription for hydrocortisone valerate? Yes What are the uses for hydrocortisone valerate? Hydrocortisone valerate is used for the relief of itching and inflammation caused by a wide variety of skin conditions (for example, insect bites, allergic reactions and eczema). What...
Tazorac vs. Accutane: Side Effects, Dosage & Interaction for Acne Drugs
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...
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...
Liposuction Risks and Recovery Time
Introduction to Liposuction Readers Comments 1 Share Your Story Liposuction is a cosmetic procedure that removes fat that you can't seem to get rid of through diet and exercise. A plastic or dermatologic surgeon usually does the procedure on your hips, belly, thighs, buttocks, back, arms, or face to improve their shape. But liposuction can...