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famotidine (Pepcid AC)

famotidine (Pepcid AC)

What is famotidine, and how does it work (mechanism of action)? Famotidine 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 ranitidine (Zantac). Histamine is a naturally-occurring chemical that […]

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lactulose laxative (Enulose, Generlac)

lactulose laxative (Enulose, Generlac)

What is lactulose, and how does it work (mechanism of action)? Lactulose is a man-made sugar that contains two naturally occurring sugars, galactose and fructose. It is not digested in the intestine like other sugars so that it reaches the colon where bacteria digest it and thereby alter the composition of the stool. Lactulose is […]

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diphenoxylate and atropine (Lomotil)

diphenoxylate and atropine (Lomotil)

What is diphenoxylate and atropine, and how does it work (mechanism of action)? Lomotil is a combination of two drugs, diphenoxylate and atropine. It is used to treat acute diarrhea (diarrhea of limited duration). Diphenoxylate is a man-made narcotic chemically related to meperidine (Demerol). Like other narcotics, diphenoxylate reduces diarrhea by interfering with the propulsion […]

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esomeprazole (Nexium)

esomeprazole (Nexium)

What is esomeprazole, and how does it work (mechanism of action)? Esomeprazole is in a class of drugs called proton pump inhibitors (PPIs) which block the production of acid by the stomach. Other drugs in the same class include omeprazole (Prilosec), lansoprazole (Prevacid), rabeprazole (Aciphex) and pantoprazole (Protonix). Chemically, esomeprazole is very similar to omeprazole. […]

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Carafate (sucralfate)

Carafate (sucralfate)

Do I need a prescription for Carafate (sucralfate)? Yes What are the uses for Carafate (sucralfate)? Carafate is used for the treatment of peptic ulcer disease and to prevent recurrent ulcers after healing of the ulcer has been achieved. Carafate also has been used to relieve or prevent ulcers caused by nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drugs (NSAIDs), […]

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ranitidine, Zantac

ranitidine, Zantac

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 […]

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metronidazole (Flagyl, Flagyl ER) Antibiotic

metronidazole (Flagyl, Flagyl ER) Antibiotic

Summary Metronidazole (Flagyl, Flagyl ER) is a prescription antibiotic medication prescribed for the treatment of a variety of parasitic and bacterial infections of the vagina, gynecological area, skin, intra-abdominal cavity, blood, bone, joint, nervous system, and heart. For example: Research has shown that Flagyl causes cancer in mice and rats. Only take this drug as […]

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Proton Pump Inhibitors (PPIs) Drug Class

Proton Pump Inhibitors (PPIs) Drug Class

What are proton pump inhibitors (PPIs), and how do they work (mechanism of action)? Proton pump inhibitors (PPIs) reduce the production of acid by blocking the enzyme in the wall of the stomach that produces acid. Acid is necessary for the formation of most ulcers in the esophagus, stomach, and duodenum, and the reduction of […]

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Health Tip: Steer Clear of Heartburn by Avoiding These Foods

Health Tip: Steer Clear of Heartburn by Avoiding These Foods

(HealthDay News) — More than 60 million Americans have heartburn each month, the American College of Gastroenterology says. The fiery burning sensation is caused by stomach acid backing up in the esophagus. Steering clear of certain foods can help you avoid the problem. Latest Digestion News Limit your intake of these foods to lessen your […]