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sodium chloride, potassium chloride, sodium lactate and calcium (Lactated Ringer's Solution)0

lidocaine and prilocaine (DermacinRx, Prizopak, EMLA, Leva Set, Lidopril, Livixil Pak, LP Lite Pak)0

trimethoprim, Trimpex (Discontinued Brand), Proloprim (Discontinued Brand), Primsol 0

Melissa officinalis (Lemon Balm, balm, Melissa, sweet balm)0

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Briviact Approved for Epileptic Seizures 0

FRIDAY, Feb. 19, 2016 (HealthDay News) -- Briviact (brivaracetam) has been approved by the U.S. Food and Drug Administration to treat partial onset seizures in people aged 16 and older with epilepsy. Partial onset seizures describe those that ...

Doctors' Group Urges Greater Use of Generic Drugs 0

MONDAY, Nov. 23, 2015 (HealthDay News) -- Whenever possible, doctors should prescribe generic drugs for their patients, the American College of Physicians suggests. Doing so could help patients save money, and might increase the odds that ...

Doctors' Group Urges Greater Use of Generic Drugs 0

Ninlaro Approved for Multiple Myeloma 0

Multiple myeloma is a type of cancer that forms in infection-fighting white blood cells produced in bone marrow. Symptoms include a weakened immune system and bone and kidney problems. Ninlaro, from a class of drugs called proteasome ...

FDA Approves Nasal Spray to Reverse Narcotic Painkiller Overdose 0

The newly approved nasal spray (Narcan) contains the medication naloxone hydrochloride, which can stop or reverse the effects of a narcotic (also called opioid) drug overdose. Narcan is the first approved nasal spray version of the medication and ...

Can You Trust Your Dietary Supplement?0

By Brenda Goodman, MA Reviewed by Brunilda Nazario, MD Nov. 18, 2015 -- Seven federal agencies, including the Department of Justice and the FDA, held an extraordinary joint press conference Tuesday to announce the civil ...

Charges Filed Against Makers of Nutritional Supplements 0

WEDNESDAY, Nov. 18, 2015 (HealthDay News) -- Criminal charges and civil injunctions have been filed against 117 makers and/or distributors of potentially dangerous dietary supplements, U.S. government agencies announced Tuesday. One of the ...

When Antibiotics Are Needed 0

WEDNESDAY, Nov. 18, 2015 (HealthDay News) -- Overuse of antibiotics is one of the main causes of antibiotic resistance, a major public health threat in the United States. In an effort to combat the problem, the eighth annual "Get Smart About ...

sulfamethoxazole, Gantanol, Gantanol DS 0

DRUG CLASS AND MECHANISM: Sulfamethoxazole is an anti- bacterial sulfonamide. It prevents the formation of dihydrofolic acid, a compound that bacteria must be able to make in order to survive. Although it was once a very useful antibiotic, it is ...

promethazine, Phenergan, Phenadoz, Promethegan 0

DRUG CLASS AND MECHANISM: Promethazine is a phenothiazine in the same drug class as chlorpromazine (Thorazine) and trifluoperazine (Stelazine). However, unlike the other drugs in this class, promethazine is not used as an anti-psychotic. It used as an ...

Drug Interactions 0

Medical and Pharmacy Editor: William C. Shiel Jr., MD, FACP, FACR William C. Shiel Jr., MD, FACP, FACR Dr. Shiel received a Bachelor of Science degree with honors from the University of Notre Dame. There he was involved in ...

trimethoprim, Trimpex (Discontinued Brand), Proloprim (Discontinued Brand), Primsol 0

DRUG CLASS AND MECHANISM: Trimethoprim is a synthetic (man-made) antibiotic that interferes with the production of tetrahydrofolic acid, a chemical that is necessary in order for bacteria and human cells to produce proteins. Trimethoprim inhibits ...

cefuroxime, Ceftin, Zinacef 0

DRUG CLASS AND MECHANISM: Cefuroxime is a semisynthetic cephalosporin antibiotic, chemically similar to penicillin. Cephalosporins stop or slow the growth of bacterial cells by preventing bacteria from forming the cell wall that surrounds each cell. ...

sodium polystyrene sulfonate (Kalexate, Kayexalate, Kionex, SP)0

DRUG CLASS AND MECHANISM: Sodium polystyrene sulfonate is a cation-exchange resin taken orally that is used to reduce high levels of potassium in the blood (hyperkalemia). Sodium polystyrene sulfonate removes potassium by exchanging sodium ions for ...

Drug Interactions: Know Ingredients, Consult Your Physician 0

Medical Author: Dennis Lee, M.D.Medical Editor: Jay M. Marks, M.D. John is a gentleman with a delightful sense of humor, a successful businessman, a loving husband, and a proud father of two beautiful children. I first met him more than 10 ...

Prescription Drug Abuse 0

Medical Author: Melissa Conrad StÃ¶ppler, MDMedical Editor: William C. Shiel, Jr. FACP, FACR In 2010, around 7 million people in the U.S. were "nonmedical" users of prescription drugs. This amounts to about 2.7% of the total population. ...

How To Reduce Your Medication Costs 0

Medical Author: Omudhome Ogbru, Pharm.D.Medical Editor: Jay Marks, M.D. Introduction How do I eliminate unnecessary medications? What about the use of combination products? Are generic drugs as good as brand names? Can I cut my pills? Does ...

What to Do in a Drug Recall 0

Medical Author: Melissa Conrad StÃ¶ppler, MDMedical Editor: William C. Shiel Jr., MD, FACP, FACR On Apr. 30, 2010, Johnson & Johnson's McNeil Consumer Healthcare division issued a recall of certain liquid medications for children and ...

Drugs: Buying Prescription Drugs Online Safely 0

Medical Author: Melissa Stoppler, M.D.Medical Editor: William C. Shiel, Jr, MD, FACP, FACR Hundreds of Web sites offer prescription drugs for sale, and the number of online pharmacies is growing daily. While legitimate pharmacy sites can ...

Medication Disposal - What to Do with Old or Unusable Medication 0

Medical Author: Benjamin C. Wedro, MD, FAAEm, FACEPMedical Editor: William C. Shiel, Jr., MD, FACP, FACR There are many axioms that remind us about how unfair life can be. It always rains after you wash the car. The car noise disappears the ...

Drugs: Why Drugs Cost So Much 0

Anyone who has purchased prescription medications has probably wondered why they cost so much. The media has reported on the issue of drug costs a few times with the slant usually being that drug companies are greedy, selfish, and uncaring. Therefore, ...

Pharmacy Visit, How To Get The Most Out of Your Visit 0

Medical Author: Omudhome Ogbru, Pharm.D.Medical Editor: Jay Marks, M.D. Although most people have visited a pharmacy, very few people are aware of all of the services that pharmacists can provide. What goes on behind the pharmacy's glass ...

Indications for Drugs: Approved vs. Non-approved 0

Pharmacy Author: Omudhome Ogbru, Pharm.D.Medical Editor: Jay Marks, M.D. In medical terminology, an "indication" for a drug refers to the use of that drug for treating a particular disease. For example, diabetes is an indication for insulin. ...

Generic Drugs, Are They as Good as Brand-Names?0

Medical Author: Melissa Stoppler, M.D.Medical Editor: Barbara K. Hecht, Ph.D. Generic drugs are copies of brand-name drugs that have exactly the same dosage, intended use, effects, side effects, route of administration, risks, safety, and ...

Drugs: What You Should Know About Your Drugs 0

Recalled Supplements Linger on U.S. Store Shelves, Study Finds 0

WEDNESDAY, Oct. 22, 2014 (HealthDay News) -- Two-thirds of dietary supplements recalled by the U.S. Food and Drug Administration (FDA) because they contained banned ingredients remained on store shelves at least six months after they were recalled, a ...

Akynzeo Approved for Side Effects of Chemotherapy 0

Akynzeo contains a new anti-nausea drug, netupitant, and palonosetron, which was approved to treat nausea and vomiting in 2008. The combination drug's effectiveness was evaluated in two clinical studies involving 1,720 people. The trials ...

Anesthesia Complications Drop by Half, Study Finds 0

SUNDAY, Oct. 12, 2014 (HealthDay News) -- Anesthesia-related complications in the United States have fallen by more than half, while the overall death rate has remained the same, a new study indicates. Researchers analyzed data from more than ...

Your Family's Germs May Move With You 0

THURSDAY, Aug. 28, 2014 (HealthDay News) -- Your family carries its own unique population of bacteria that accompany you when you move to a new home, a new study finds. Over the course of six weeks, seven families -- with a total of 18 people, ...

cosyntropin (Cortrosyn)0

DRUG CLASS AND MECHANISM: Cosyntropin is a manufactured version of the body's natural adrenocorticotropin hormone (ACTH). ACTH is produced by the pituitary gland in the brain. It stimulates the adrenal gland to release steroids including ...

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pygeum (Pygeum africanum)0

DRUG CLASS AND MECHANISM: Prunus africanum is a natural herbal supplement. Prunus africanum contains triterpenes, ferulic acid and phytosterols. Ferulic acid lowers prostatic cholesterol levels and phytosterols block prostaglandin ...

passion flower (Passiflora incarnata, Apricot Vine, Passion Vine, Water Lemon, and many others)0

DRUG CLASS AND MECHANISM: Passion flower is plant used for making medicine to treat several conditions. Passion flower may have effects that are similar to benzodiazepines (for example diazepam [Valium]) and monoamine oxidase inhibitors or MAOIs (for ...

guarana (Paullinia cupana, Brazilian cocoa, Zoom)0

DRUG CLASS AND MECHANISM: Guarana is a natural herbal supplement. The exact mechanism of how guarana works is not known. Guarana contains more than 2.5% to 5% caffeine by weight. Caffeine is a stimulant and is most likely responsible for most of ...

albumin human (Albuked-5, Albuked-25, Albuminar-5, Albuminar-25, Alburx, Albutein, Buminate)0

DRUG CLASS AND MECHANISM: Albumin is a naturally occurring transport protein found in the body. Albumin binds to many substances including bilirubin, fatty acids, hormones, enzymes, drugs, dyes, and trace elements. Albumin is responsible for 70% to ...

bupivacaine (Marcaine; Sensorcaine)0

DRUG CLASS AND MECHANISM: Bupivacaine is a local anesthetic that is similar to lidocaine and mepivacaine (amide type). Bupivacaine, like other local anesthetics reduces the flow of sodium in and out of nerves. This decreases the initiation and ...

lidocaine and prilocaine (EMLA)0

DRUG CLASS AND MECHANISM: Lidocaine and prilocaine is a topical anesthetic cream. Lidocaine and prilocaine enter through the skin and block pain receptors in nerve endings. Lidocaine and prilocaine reduce conduction of nerve impulses by interrupting ...

sodium chloride, potassium chloride, sodium lactate and calcium (Lactated Ringer's Solution)0

DRUG CLASS AND MECHANISM: Lactated Ringer's is a sterile solution for fluid and electrolyte replenishment. It restores fluid and electrolyte balances, produces diuresis, and acts as alkalizing agent (reduces acidity). The FDA approved Ringer's ...

Melissa officinalis (Lemon Balm)0

DRUG CLASS AND MECHANISM: Lemon balm is a plant used as an herbal supplement. It may have antiviral activity against some viruses, for example, the herpes virus as well as calming effects. It active compounds in lemon balm are caffeic acid and ...

dextrose monohydrate solution 0

DRUG CLASS AND MECHANISM: Dextrose monohydrate is sterile intravenous solution for fluid replenishment. Intravenous administration of dextrose solution provides a source of water and glucose ( sugar), giving patients fluid and ...

arnica (arnica montana, Arnicare, Arniflora)0

DRUG CLASS AND MECHANISM: Arnica montana is a homeopathic topical pain relief agent. Its mechanism of action is not well known. Arnica preparations have shown wound healing, antiseptic, anti-inflammatory, and pain relieving properties. Arnica's ...

Herbs: Toxicities And Drug Interactions 0

Any conventional medication can have side effects. These side effects are described and reported after drug trials and research studies have been conducted. Side effects are further reported and evaluated after the marketing of the medication. ...

Illegal Online Meds Targeted in Worldwide Crackdown, FDA Says 0

THURSDAY, May 22, 2014 (HealthDay News) -- Illegal online pharmacies that sell unapproved and potentially dangerous prescription drugs to Americans were targeted this week in a worldwide operation, the U.S. Food and Drug Administration said ...

Saturday Is National Drug Take-Back Day 0

FRIDAY, April 25, 2014 (HealthDay News) -- If you have expired, unused or unwanted drugs in your medicine cabinet, you can safely dispose of them on National Drug Take-Back Day this Saturday. The free and anonymous service is offered from 10 ...

Biological Therapy 0

Biological therapy is treatment designed to stimulate or restore the ability of the body's immune (natural internal defense) system to fight infection and disease. Biological therapy is also called biotherapy or immunotherapy. Medically ...

IV Drug Infusion FAQs 0

Medical Author: Maureen Welker, MSN, NPc, CCRN Maureen Welker, MSN, NPc, CCRN Maureen Welker received a Bachelor of Science degree from California State University, Long Beach (CSULB) and also obtained a Public Health Nurse ...

Hetlioz Approved for Sleep Disorder in Blind People 0

FRIDAY, Jan. 31, 2014 (HealthDay News) -- Hetlioz (tasimelteon) has been approved by the U.S. Food and Drug Administration to treat a sleep condition caused by a completely blind person's inability to regulate the body clock by recognizing light from ...

Steroid Drug Withdrawal 0

Medical Author: David S. Kaminstein, MD Doctor Kaminstein is a Board Certified Gastroenterologist, who is presently not in active medical practice due to disability. Before disability, Dr. Kaminstein practiced Gastroenterology/Hepatology in ...

Thalidomide May Help Kids With Crohn's Disease 0

TUESDAY, Nov. 26, 2013 (HealthDay News) -- Thalidomide, a drug made infamous after it caused devastating birth defects in the 1950s, may help treat children with Crohn's disease who haven't responded to other medications, new research ...

Informed Patients Can Help Stem Antibiotic Overuse 0

FRIDAY, Sept. 13 (HealthDay News) -- A local, low-cost information campaign that was primarily aimed at patients -- although involving doctors and pharmacists as well -- helped reduce antibiotic prescribing, according to a new study from ...

Top 10 Drugs Prescribed in the U.S.0

Medical Author: Omudhome Ogbru, PharmD Omudhome Ogbru, PharmD Dr. Ogbru received his Doctorate in Pharmacy from the University of the Pacific School of Pharmacy in 1995. He completed a Pharmacy Practice Residency at the University ...

Xgeva Approved for Rare, Non-Malignant Tumor 0

The tumor usually affects adults between ages 20 and 40, although it may also develop in adolescents, the FDA said Thursday in a news release. It typically doesn't spread, although in rare cases it can become cancerous and travel to the ...

Metformin Won't Aid Breast Cancer Survival in Diabetics 0

Previous research has found that metformin was associated with an up to 30 percent reduction in new cancers in breast cancer patients without diabetes, noted study author Dr. Iliana Lega, a research fellow at Women's College Hospital in Toronto. ...

Combo Drug Therapy May Work Best to Strengthen Bones: Study 0

TUESDAY, May 14 (HealthDay News) -- A new combination drug therapy for osteoporosis appears to increase bone density more effectively than any treatment now on the market, according to the results of a small clinical trial. Researchers found ...

Prescription Drug Take-Back Day Set for Saturday 0

FRIDAY, April 26 (HealthDay News) -- If old prescription medications are gathering dust in your medicine cabinet, it's time to scoop them up and get rid of them safely. The U.S. Drug Enforcement Administration (DEA) has teamed up with local ...

FDA Approves 'Abuse-Deterrent' Label for New Oxycontin 0

TUESDAY, April 16 (HealthDay News) -- In an effort to help curb the epidemic of prescription painkiller abuse, the U.S. Food and Drug Administration on Tuesday said it is approving new labeling for a reformulated version of Oxycontin that its maker ...