Allergy
Allegra(Fexofenadine HCL) contains an
antihistamine and decongestant used to relieve allergy symptoms such as
itchy, red eyes, stuffy nose and throat irritation.
Zyrtec Zyrtec is an antihistamine used to treat hay
fever and other allergic conditions such as watery eyes, runny nose,
itching eyes, and sneezing.
Claritin
Claritin ( Loratadine ) is a very popular
medicine used to relieve the symptoms of seasonal allergies and hives
in adults and children 12 years of age or older.
Allergies
Allergies are abnormal immune system
reactions to things that are typically harmless to most people. When
you're allergic to something, your immune system mistakenly believes
that this substance is harmful to your body. ( Substances that cause
allergic reactions, such as certain foods, dust, plant pollen, or
medicines, are known as allergens. ) In an attempt to protect the body,
the immune system produces IgE antibodies to that allergen. Those
antibodies then cause certain cells in the body to release chemicals
into the bloodstream, one of which is histamine ( pronounced:
his-tuh-meen ). The histamine then acts on a person's eyes, nose,
throat, lungs, skin, or gastrointestinal tract and causes the symptoms
of the allergic reaction. Future exposure to that same allergen will
trigger this antibody response again. This means that every time you
come into contact with that allergen, you'll have an allergic reaction.
Allergic reactions can be mild, like a runny nose, or they can
be severe, like difficulty breathing. An asthma attack, for example, is
often an allergic reaction to something that is breathed into the lungs
in a person who is susceptible.
Some types of allergies produce multiple symptoms, and in rare cases,
an allergic reaction can become very severe - this severe reaction is
called anaphylaxis ( pronounced: ah-nuh-fuh-lak-sis ). Some of the
signs of anaphylaxis are difficulty breathing, difficulty swallowing,
swelling of the lips, tongue, and throat or other parts of the body,
and dizziness or loss of consciousness. Anaphylaxis usually occurs
minutes after exposure to a triggering substance, such as a peanut, but
some reactions may be delayed by as long as 4 hours. Luckily,
anaphylactic reactions don't occur often, and they can be treated
successfully if proper medical procedures are followed.
Anti-Depressants
Escitalopram (Generic Lexapro®) is used to treat depression and generalized
anxiety disorder (excessive worrying that is difficult to control).
Escitalopram is in a class of antidepressants called selective
serotonin reuptake inhibitors (SSRIs). It works by increasing the
amount of serotonin, a natural substance in the brain that helps
maintain mental balance.Escitalopram comes as a 20mg tablet to take by mouth. It is usually
taken once a day with or without food. To help you remember to take
escitalopram, take it around the same time every day, in the morning or
in the evening. Follow the directions carefully, and ask your doctor or
pharmacist to explain any part you do not understand. Take escitalopram
exactly as directed. Do not take more or less of it or take it more
often than prescribed by your doctor.Your doctor may start you on a low dose of escitalopram and increase your dose after 1 week.
It may take 1-4 weeks or longer before you feel the full benefit of
escitalopram. Continue to take escitalopram even if you feel well. Do
not stop taking escitalopram without talking to your doctor, especially
if you have taken large doses for a long time. Your doctor will
probably decrease your dose gradually.
Fluoxetine hydrochloride (Generic Prozac®) is used to treat depression, some
eating disorders, and panic attacks (sudden, unexpected attacks of
extreme fear and worry about these attacks). Fluoxetine is used to relieve the symptoms of premenstrual dysphoric
disorder, including mood swings, irritability, bloating, and breast
tenderness. Fluoxetine is in a class of medications called selective
serotonin reuptake inhibitors (SSRIs). It works by increasing the
amount of serotonin, a natural substance in the brain that helps
maintain mental balance.Fluoxetine (Prozac®)comes as a 10mg tablet to take by mouth.
Fluoxetine may be taken with or without food. Fluoxetine is usually
taken once a day, either every day of the month or on certain days of
the month. To help you remember to take fluoxetine, take it around the
same time every day. Follow your doctor’s directions, and ask your
doctor to explain any part you do not understand. Take fluoxetine exactly as directed. Do not take more or less of it or take it more often than prescribed by your doctor.
Sertraline (Generic Zoloft®) is used to treat depression, obsessive-compulsive
disorder (bothersome thoughts that wont go away and the need to perform
certain actions over and over), panic attacks (sudden, unexpected
attacks of extreme fear and worry about these attacks), posttraumatic
stress disorder (disturbing psychological symptoms that develop after a
frightening experience), and social anxiety disorder (extreme fear of
interacting with others or performing in front of others that
interferes with normal life). It is also used to relieve the symptoms
of premenstrual dysphoric disorder, including mood swings,
irritability, bloating, and breast tenderness. Sertraline is in a class
of antidepressants called selective serotonin reuptake inhibitors
(SSRIs). It works by increasing the amounts of serotonin, a natural
substance in the brain that helps maintain mental balance. Sertraline comes as a 50mg tablet to take by mouth. It is usually
taken once daily in the morning or evening. To treat premenstrual
dysphoric disorder, sertraline is taken once a day, either every day of
the month or on certain days of the month. To help you remember to take
sertraline, take it around the same time every day. Follow the
directions carefully, and ask your doctornbsp; to explain any part you
do not understand. Take sertraline exactly as directed. Do not take
more or less of it or take it more often than prescribed by your doctor.
Your doctor may start you on a low dose of sertraline and gradually increase your dose, not more than once a week.It
may take a few weeks or longer before you feel the full benefit of
sertraline. Continue to take sertraline even if you feel well. Do not
stop taking sertraline without talking to your doctor.
Cholesterol
Atorvastatin(Generic Lipitor®) is used as an adjunct to diet to reduce elevated
total cholesterol, LDL-cholesterol, apo B and triglyceride levels in
patients with primary hypercholesterolemia (heterozygous familial and
non familial) and mixed dyslipidemia (Fredrickson Types IIa and IIb).
Ezetimibe(Generic Zetia®) is used together with lifestyle changes (diet,
weight-loss, exercise) to reduce the amount of cholesterol (a fat-like
substance) and other fatty substances in the blood. It may be used
alone or in combination with a HMG-CoA reductase inhibitor (statin).
Ezetimibe is in a class of medications called cholesterol-lowering
medications. It works by preventing the absorption of cholesterol in
the intestine.Buildup of cholesterol and fats along the walls of the blood vessels
(a process known as atherosclerosis) decreases blood flow and,
therefore, the oxygen supply to the heart, brain, and other parts of
the body. Lowering blood levels of cholesterol and fats may help to
decrease your chances of getting heart disease, angina (chest pain),
strokes, and heart attacks. In addition to taking a
cholesterol-lowering medication, making certain changes in your daily
habits can also lower your cholesterol blood levels. You should eat a
diet that is low in saturated fat and cholesterol, exercise 30 minutes
on most, if not all days, and lose weight if you are overweight.
Ezetimibe comes as a 10mg tablet to take by mouth. It is usually
taken once a day with or without food. To help you remember to take
ezetimibe, take it around the same time every day. Follow the
directions and ask your doctor to explain any part you do not
understand. Take ezetimibe exactly as directed. Do not take more or
less of it or take it more often than prescribed by your doctor.
Simvastatin(Generic Zocor®) is indicated in patients with coronary heart disease
and hypercholesterolaemia, to reduce the risk of total mortality by
reducing coronary death, to reduce the risk of non-fatal myocardial
infarction and to reduce the risk for undergoing myocardial
revascularization procedures
Diabetic
Gliclazide Generic Diamicron ® is an oral antidiabetic agent for treatment of type 2 diabetes.
Gliclazide stimulates insulin secretion from functional pancreatic and increases the
sensitivity of the cells to a glucose stimulus some residual function is therefore necessary.
Gliclazide restores the diminished first-phase of insulin secretion noted in non-insulin dependant
diabetes mellitus.
Metformin (Generic Glucophage ®) is an oral medication used along with a diet and exercise program to control
high blood sugar in patients with type 2 diabetes. With Type 2 diabetes, insulin produced by the pancreas is
not able to get sugar into the cells of the body where it can work properly . Metformin does not help patients
who have insulin-dependent or type 1 diabetes because they cannot produce insulin from their pancreas gland.
Their blood glucose is best controlled by insulin injections.
Metformin works by helping restore your body's proper response to the insulin you naturally produce, and by
decreasing the amount of sugar that your liver makes and that your stomach/intestines absorb. Controlling high
blood sugar helps prevent heart disease, strokes, kidney disease, blindness, circulation problems, and sexual
function problems.
Nateglinide (Generic Starlix®) is an oral antidiabetic agent is used alone or in combination with other
medications to treat type 2 (noninsulin-dependent) diabetes (formerly called adult-onset) in people whose
diabetes cannot be controlled by diet and exercise alone. Nateglinide belongs to a class of drugs called
meglitinides. Nateglinide helps your body regulate the amount of glucose (sugar) in your blood. It decreases
the amount of glucose by stimulating the pancreas to release insulin.
Pioglitazone Hydrochloride (Generic Actos®) is an oral antidiabetic agent for treatment of type 2 diabetes.
Pioglitazone effectively reduces insulin resistance, fasting insulin levels, and blood glucose,
along with healthy eating and physical activity, works by helping the body use its naturally produced
insulin, or administered insulin in type 2 diabetes, to help use glucose as a fuel and reduce the
harmful buildup of glucose.
Rosiglitazone maleate (Generic Avandia®) is an oral antidiabetic agent for treatment of type 2 diabetes.
Rosiglitazone maleate is an insulin-sensitizing drug called— a TZD.
TZDs target a special "receptor site" at the center of certain cells.
This decreases the cells' resistance to insulin and allows more sugar to enter.
As more sugar enters the cells, sugar and insulin levels in the bloodstream drop.
This results in lower blood sugar levels.
Gout
Allopurinol (Generic Aloprim®) is used to treat gout, high levels of uric acid in the body caused by certain
cancer medications, and kidney stones. Allopurinol is in a class of medications called xanthine oxidase
inhibitors. It works by reducing the production of uric acid in the body. High levels of uric acid may cause
gout attacks or kidney stones. Allopurinol is used to prevent gout attacks, not to treat them once they occur.
Allopurinol comes as a 300mg tablet to take by mouth. It is usually taken once or twice a day, preferably
after a meal. Take allopurinol exactly as directed. Do not take more or less of it or take it more often than
prescribed by your doctor.
Finasteride (Generic Propecia®) is U.S. FDA (United States Food and Drug Administration) approved for the
treatment of male pattern hair loss on the vertex (top of head) and the anterior mid-scalp area. When
prescribed as an anti-baldness medication, Finasteride may be taken orally. The dosage necessary to produce
significant hair restoration benefits is a 1-milligram tablet, taken daily.
Treatment of male pattern hair loss for MEN ONLY.
Heart and Chest
Amlodipine besylate (Generic Norvasc ®) is used in the treatment of hypertension, Chronic Stable Angina and
Vasospastic Angina (Prinzmetal's or Variant Angina). Amlodipine besylate may be used as monotherapy or in
combination with other antianginal drugs.
Atenolol (Generic Tenormin®) is used in the treatment of hypertension, angina pectoris and post-myocardial
infarction.
Clopidogrel Bisulfate (Generic PLAVIX) is a medication that, when taken daily, can help reduce your risk of
having a future heart attack or stroke. Clopidogrel is in a class of medications called antiplatelet drugs. It
helps keep platelets in the blood from sticking together and thus works to prevent the formation of harmful
blood clots. This helps protect you from a future heart attack or stroke. It is recommended for people who
have suffered from a recent heart attack or recent stroke, or who have peripheral artery disease (P.A.D.)-poor
circulation in the legs that may cause pain during exercise, such as walking, and may be relieved by rest.
Clopidogrel Bisulfate (Generic PLAVIX), taken with aspirin, is also recommended for people who have been
hospitalized with heart-related chest pain or had a certain type of heart attack-conditions doctors call acute
coronary syndrome (ACS).
Metoprolol (Generic Toprol XL®)belongs to a group of medicines is known as beta-adrenergic blocking agents, beta-blocking agents, or, more
commonly, beta-blockers. Beta-blockers are used in the treatment of high blood pressure (hypertension). Some
beta-blockers are also used to relieve angina (chest pain) and in heart attack patients to help prevent
additional heart attacks. Beta-blockers are also used to correct irregular heartbeat, prevent migraine
headaches, and treat tremors. They may also be used for other conditions as determined by your doctor.
Beta-blockers work by affecting the response to some nerve impulses in certain parts of the body. As a result,
they decrease the heart's need for blood and oxygen by reducing its workload. They also help the heart to beat
more regularly.
Propranolol Hydrochloride (Generic Inderal®) is used in the management of hypertension, angina pectoris due to
coronary atherosclerosis, cardiac arrhythmias, post-myocardial infarction, migraine, essential tremor,
hypertrophic subaortic stenosis and pheochromocytoma.
Herpes
Acyclovir (Generic Zorvirax®) When acyclovir is taken as episodic treatment, it can reduce the severity of outbreaks of genital herpes, shorten their
duration, an shortens the time during which the herpes virus is detected on skin surfaces, in a similar way to valacyclovir. As episodic treatment,
acyclovir should be taken five times a day.
Please consult your doctor for your specific dosage.
Insomnia
Zaleplon Sonata®
When it comes to sleep aids, one size does not fit all. Different people have different sleep needs.
Some people find that a prescription sleep aid works best for them. Even if you go to sleep late and need to
wake up early, generic Sonata® (Zaleplon) is a sleep medicine that may be right for you. Generic Sonata®
(Zaleplon) helps you fall asleep fast. And, because of the way generic Sonata® (Zaleplon) works, you can take
generic Sonata® (Zaleplon) late, even after you’ve tried to go to sleep on your own. As long as you have four
hours to sleep, you don’t have to worry about waking up groggy the next day. When it’s too late for other
sleep aids, it’s not too late for generic Sonata® (Zaleplon).
Ambien® (zolpidem tartrate), can be very effective in the
short-term treatment of insomnia. While natural sleep is best, zolpidem can help you fall asleep, stay asleep,
and not awaken prematurely giving you the good night's sleep your body demands without lingering drowsiness
the following day.
Whilst zolpidem is classified as a hypnotic agent it’s chemical structure is unrelated to benzodiazepines,
barbiturates, or other drugs with known hypnotic properties.
In general, sleep agents should be taken for no more than 7 to 10 days, and re-evaluation is recommended if
they are taken for more than 2 to 3 weeks. The most commonly observed side effects in controlled clinical
trials were drowsiness (2%), dizziness (1%), and diarrhea (1%). While taking zolpidem, do not use alcohol.
All people taking sleep medicines have some risk of becoming dependent on the medicine.
Mens Health
Sildenafil Citrate (Generic Viagra®) Erectile Dysfunction, (Impotence), is the persistent inability to achieve
and maintain an erection sufficient to complete sexual intercourse. Sildenafil is taken orally as needed
between four hours and one-half hour before sexual activity (about one hour before is most effective). Take
only as directed, usually once daily as needed. Sildenafil works along with sexual stimulation to help achieve
an erection.
Sildenafil Citrate (Generic Viagra®) Erectile Dysfunction, (Impotence), is the persistent inability to achieve
and maintain an erection sufficient to complete sexual intercourse. Sildenafil Citrate (the active ingredient
in Viagra®) Soft Tabs are chewed under the tongue as needed approximately 20 minutes before sexual activity
(compared with 60 minutes for a Viagra® pill). Sildenafil works along with sexual stimulation to help achieve
an erection.
This application allows quicker absorption of the active ingredient and results in a fast acting effect which
allows you to have more control over when and how you decide to have sex. The efficacy of Soft Tabs may
persist up to 6 hours after the pill is taken.
Tadalafil (Generic Cialis®) Erectile Dysfunction, (Impotence), is the persistent inability to achieve and
maintain an erection sufficient to complete sexual intercourse. Tadalafil is taken orally as needed prior to
sexual activity (about one hour before is most effective). Tadalafil works along with sexual stimulation to
help achieve an erection. Your results may vary, but for some men, Cialis® (tadalafil) often works within 30
minutes and stays effective for up to 36 hours.
Migraine
Sumatriptan (Generic Imigran® / Generic Imitrex®), taken at the beginning of a migraine headache, may
reduce the severity of the headache. It is not effective in preventing migraines. It can also stop the upset
stomach, vomiting, and sensitivity to light and noise associated with migraine headaches. This medication is
not to be used for other types of headaches.
Other
Fluconazole (Generic Diflucan®) is used to treat fungal infections, including yeast
infections of the vagina, mouth, throat, esophagus (tube leading from the mouth to the stomach), abdomen (area
between the chest and waist), lungs, blood, and other organs. Fluconazole is in a class of antifungals called
triazoles. It works by slowing the growth of fungi that cause infection.
Fluconazole comes as a 150mg tablet to take by mouth. It is usually taken once a day. You may need to take
only one dose of fluconazole, or you may need to take fluconazole for several weeks or longer. The length of
your treatment depends on your condition and on how well you respond to fluconazole. Follow the directions
carefully, and ask your doctor to explain any part you do not understand. Take fluconazole exactly as
directed. Do not take more or less of it or take it more often than prescribed by your doctor. Your doctor may
tell you to take a double dose of fluconazole on the first day of your treatment. Follow these directions
carefully.
Continue to take fluconazole until your doctor tells you that you should stop, even if you feel better. Do not
stop taking fluconazole without talking to your doctor. If you stop taking fluconazole too soon, your
infection may come back after a short time.
Tolterodine tartrate (Generic Detrol®) is used to relieve urinary difficulties, including frequent urination and inability to control
urination. Tolterodine is in a class of medications called antimuscarinics. It works by preventing bladder
contraction.
Tolterodine (Generic Detrol®) comes as a 4mg tablet to take by mouth. The tablet is usually taken twice a
day.nbsp; Follow your doctor’s directions carefully, and ask your doctor or pharmacist to explain any part you
do not understand. Take tolterodine exactly as directed. Do not take more or less of it or take it more often
than prescribed by your doctor.
Carisoprodol,(Generic Soma®) (kar eye soe proe' dole) is a muscle relaxant, is used with rest, physical therapy,
and other measures to relax muscles and relieve pain and discomfort caused by strains, sprains, and other muscle injuries.
This medication is sometimes prescribed for other uses; ask your doctor for more information
Carisoprodol comes as a 350mg tablet to take by mouth. It usually is taken three times daily and at bedtime.
It may be taken with or without food. Take carisoprodol exactly as directed. Do not take more or less of it or
take it more often than prescribed by your doctor.
Celecoxib(Generic Celebrex®) is a nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drug (NSAID) used to relieve the symptoms of
osteoarthritis and rheumatoid arthritis in adults. It may also be used to treat other conditions as determined
by your doctor.
Sumatriptan (Generic Imigran® / Generic Imitrex®), taken at the beginning of a migraine headache,
may reduce the severity of the headache. It is not effective in
preventing migraines. It can also stop the upset stomach, vomiting, and sensitivity to light and noise
associated with migraine headaches. This medication is not to be used for other types of headaches.
Tramadol (Generic Ultram®) is a new type of non-narcotic oral pain
medication that can be prescribed to treat low back pain. Tramadol acts centrally (in the brain) to modulate
the sensation of pain and has no anti-inflammatory effect. It is a stronger pain reliever than acetaminophen,
but probably not as strong as the narcotic agents. Tramadol is often a good option for treatment of low back
pain because patients do not build up a tolerance with extended usage and there is a very low incidence of
addiction. The regularly prescribed dose is one to two 50mg tablets every four to six hours, not to exceed
eight pills a day. Exceeding the prescribed dose may lead to respiratory depression or seizures.
Ulcers
Lansoprazole (Prevacid®) is used to treat ulcers; gastroesophageal reflux disease (GERD),
a condition in which backward flow of acid from the stomach causes
heartburn and injury of the food pipe (esophagus); and conditions where the stomach produces too much acid,
such as Zollinger-Ellison syndrome. Lansoprazole is used in combination with other medications to eliminate H.
pylori, a bacteria that causes ulcers. Lansoprazole is in a class of medications called proton-pump
inhibitors. It works by decreasing the amount of acid made in the stomach.
Lansoprazole comes as a 30mg sustained-release (long-acting) capsule to take by mouth. Lansoprazole is usually
taken once a day, before eating. When taken in combination with other medications to eliminate H. pylori,
lansoprazole is taken twice a day (every 12 hours) or three times a day (every 8 hours) for 10 to 14 days. To
help you remember to take lansoprazole, take it around the same time every day. Follow the directions on your
prescription label carefully, and ask your doctornbsp; to explain any part you do not understand.
Take lansoprazole exactly as directed. Do not take more or less of it or take it more often than prescribed by
your doctor.
The capsule should be swallowed whole. If you have difficulty swallowing capsules, lansoprazole capsules can
be opened, and the granules can be sprinkled on 1 tablespoon of applesauce, cottage cheese, yogurt, or
strained pears and swallowed immediately. The granules should not be chewed or crushed. The capsules can also
be emptied into 2 ounces of orange juice or tomato juice, mixed briefly, and swallowed immediately. Rinse the
glass with some additional juice and drink immediately.
Continue to take lansoprazole even if you feel well. Do not stop taking lansoprazole without talking to your
doctor.
Misoprostol (Generic Cytotec®) is taken to prevent stomach ulcers in patients taking anti-inflammatory drugs,
including aspirin. Misoprostol may also be used for other conditions as determined by your doctor. Misoprostol
helps the stomach protect itself against acid damage. It also decreases the amount of acid produced by the
stomach. Misoprostol must not be used during pregnancy . It has been shown to cause contractions and bleeding
of the uterus. Misoprostol may also cause miscarriage. Patients must be advised of the abortifacient property.
Omeprazole (Generic Prilosec®) (Om-ep-raz-oll) is used to treat ulcers; gastroesophageal reflux disease (GERD),
a condition in which backward flow of acid from the stomach causes heartburn and injury of the food pipe (esophagus);
and conditions where the stomach produces too much acid, such as Zollinger-Ellison syndrome.
Omeprazole is used in combination with other medications to eliminate H. pylori, a bacteria that causes ulcers.
Omeprazole is in a class of medications called proton-pump inhibitors. It works by decreasing the amount of acid made in the stomach.
Omeprazole comes in Plain Capsules of 40 mg and as a sustained-release (long-acting) capsule of 20 and 40 mg.
It is usually taken once a day before a meal. When taken in combination with other medications to eliminate H.
pylori, omeprazole is taken once a day or twice a day (every 12 hours) for 10 to 14 days.
Use only under your Doctor’s recommendation Ranitidine hydrochloride (Generic Zantac®, Generic Tagamet®) is used to reduce the amount of acid produced by the
stomach, both during the day and at night, when the amount of stomach acid tends to be highest. It is often
prescribed for people with an acid-related problem called acid reflux disease (gastroesophageal reflux
disease.) Ranitidine differs from antacids, which help to neutralize excess stomach acid that has already been
produced
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