Prescription Drugs

In 2005, and again in 2007, the U.S. Food and Drug Administration (FDA) issued public health advisories on the risk of overmedication from the fentanyl patch. They warned that in some patients,...

Seroquel is the brand name of an anti-psychotic drug used to treat schizophrenia and bipolar disorder. Its generic name is quetiapine, and it is manufactured by Astra Zeneca. Seroquel works by...

Lexapro, the brand name for escitalopram oxalate, is a prescription drug meant to treat severe cases of anxiety, depression and bipolar disorder in patients older than the 12. It can also be used...

Ketoprofen is a prescription non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drug that is sold under the Actron, Orudis and Oruvail brand names. This drug is used to treat inflammation and pain caused by...

Augmentin is a penicillin antibiotic prescription drug that contains amoxicillin and clavulanate potassium. This drug is used to treat persistent sinus infections, ear infections and other...

Taking multiple birth control pills is a suggested course of action when one or two doses has been missed. However, taking more birth control pills than recommended, even after missing doses, can...

Keflex is a brand name for the cephalexin prescription antibiotic drug. This drug is used to treat urinary tract infections and other bacterial infections. Keflex will not effectively treat a...

The fentanyl patch (Duragesic) delivers a steady transdermal dose of a powerful narcotic to the wearer. The U.S. Food and Drug Administration has issued numerous warnings underscoring the...

Reserpine is a generic rauwolfia alkaloid drug that is used to treat high blood pressure (hypertension). This drug is also used to treat agitation that occurs with mental problems such as...

Percoset pain medication (also spelled "Percocet") is used to treat moderate to severe pain. This narcotic analgesic contains oxycodone and acetaminophen. This drug can cause psychological and...

The drug heparin is a preventive measure used for dangerous clots that can form in the blood. This anticoagulant, or blood thinner, does not affect clots that have already formed but helps prevent...

Arnica is a prescription drug that is used to relieve the irritation caused by soreness and minor bruising of the skin. The drug is a counterirritant. Arnica is prescribed for external use only.

Plaquenil is also by the generic name Hydroxychloroquine sulfate. It is commonly used to treat malaria and rheumatoid arthritis but can be used to treat other conditions. Some users of Plaquenil...

Lodine is a prescription drug primarily used to treat pain and inflammation caused by arthritis. It can also treat pain and inflammation for other medical conditions.

Clomid is a fertility drug that is used to aid ovulation by stimulating the necessary hormones. It is sometimes used for other purposes. Some users of Clomid have reported side effects.

Triamterene is a generic drug marketed under the trade name Dyrenium. A diuretic, it's primarily prescribed to alleviate edema (fluid build-up in the body) by eliminating excess sodium and water...

Zegerid (generic name Omeprazole) is a proton pump inhibitor used to treat conditions such as acid reflux and Gastroesophageal Reflux Disease (GERD). Side effects have been reported by some users...

Hydrocodone is a highly addictive drug that is used for pain relief. It is a narcotic that carries various side effects, but it has been known to be very helpful for pain management. Hydrocodone...

Accutane, a medicine generally prescribed to treat severe nodular acne, is a form of Vitamin A that increases the skin's ability to renew itself in addition to lessening the amount of sebum (oil)...

Omeprazole is the generic name of the brand-name medications Prilosec, Prilosec OTC and Zegerid. Available in 10, 20 and 40 milligram tablets, it's prescribed to treat conditions related to...

Urso, also known as ursodiol, is a bile acid and is used to treat and prevent gallstones. It is also used to reduce other biles in the liver. Some users of Urso have experienced side effects.

Levlen is a type of birth control that is also know as ethinyl estradiol. It works by preventing ovulation in order to prevent pregnancy. Some users of Levlen have reported side effects.

Illegal narcotics are not the only drugs that can be damaging to the human body. The abuse of common prescription drugs can also have significant effects on the brain.

Focalin is also known by the generic name dexmethylphenidate and is used to treat attention deficit hyperactivity disorder. It works by stimulating the central nervous system.

Amoxicillin is a strong antibiotic. in the penicillin family. It is also known as Amoxil. Amoxicillin is used to treat infections caused by bacteria such as ear and bladder infections.

Tamoxifen is used to treat breast cancer and has been used since 1979. It works by interfering with the production of estrogen in the body. It is included in the grouping of Selective Estrogen...

Clarinex-D is a combination of desloratadine and pseudoephedrine and is used to treat allergies. It works by reducing histamine in the body which eases itching, watery eyes, sneezing and runny nose.

Imiquimod is a topical prescription drug that is sold under the Aldara brand name. This drug is used to treat external warts around the rectal and genital areas. This medication also treats...

Zetia is also known by the generic name ezetimibe. It is used to treat high cholesterol and works by reducing the absorbed amount of cholesterol and other sterols by your body. Some patients have...

Singulair is used to treat asthma and allergies. The generic name of Singulair is montelukast. It works by blocking the chemicals that cause swelling in your lungs and the tightening of the...

Clonazapam is a common misspelling of Clonazepam. It is the generic name of Klonopin, a prescription medication used to treat seizure and anxiety disorders. Clonazepam works by balancing chemicals...

Cyclobenzaprine works by blocking nerve impulses and pain sensations. It is a muscle relaxer and is available under the brand name Amrix. It is used to treat muscle injuries and other conditions.

Detrol is prescribed for overactive bladder. The generic name of Detrol is Tolterodine. It works by reducing spasms of the bladder muscles. It may also be prescribed for other conditions.

Verapamil treats angina, hypertension and other heart rhythm problems. It is commonly known as Calan. Verapamil works by relaxing the hearts muscles and blood vessels.

Octicaine is commonly known Benzocaine Octic and is used as a local numbing agent. It is mainly used to treat pain, itching and irritation of the ear. It may also be used for other conditions.

Pamprin is a combination of acetaminophen, pamabrom and pyrilamine. It is used to treat the symptoms of premenstrual syndrome. It is also known as Midol and Premesyn, and is sold over-the-counter.

Hydrochlorothiazide is used to treat fluid retention by preventing the body from absorbing too much salt. It is also known as Aquazide H. It can also be used to treat high blood pressure.

Ativan, or Adavan, is used to treat anxiety disorders. Lorazepam is its generic form. It can also be used for other illnesses other than anxiety at a doctor's discretion.

Fentanyl is the generic name for Duragesic. It is a narcotic analgesic that is used to treat patients with chronic pain. It is given in a patch and can be habit forming.

Dilacor (sometimes spelled incorrectly as Dilicor) is a prescription medication used to treat high blood pressure, chest pain and some heart rhythm disorders. It is a calcium channel blocker and...

Enoxaparin (Lovenox) is a blood thinner primarily used to prevent blood clots, often referred to as deep vein thrombosis (DVT). Post-surgical and immobilized patients are at an increased risk for...

Metformin is a medication available by prescription only. It is used to treat the condition of Type 2 diabetes. Metformin is typically prescribed for Type 2 diabetics who are not dependent upon...

Berocca is a dietary supplement used to correct vitamin deficiencies to offset poor nutrition and enhance metabolism and growth. Berocca contains vitamins and minerals such as water-soluble...

Somatropin (Genotropin) is a synthetic growth hormone used to treat growth failure in children and adults, chronic kidney failure, short bowel syndrome and to prevent weight loss in AIDS patients....

Omeprazole is a medication available by prescription only. It is administered in tablet form for oral consumption, typically in once-per-day doses of 20 mg. Omeprazole is used to treat the...

Adderall is a prescription medication which is used to treat the condition of Attention Deficit Hyperactivity Disorder (ADHD). Adderall is also used to treat sleep conditions such as Narcolepsy....

Omeprazole is a prescription medication used to treat heartburn and gastroesophageal reflux disease. While there are no damaging effects to the body from using Omeprazole over long term periods,...

Heparin is a blood-thinning drug with anticoagulant properties manufactured by the pharmaceutical company Baxter Healthcare. However, some recent events, including several overdoses and deaths may...

Ambien is a sedative, also called a hypnotic, used to treat insomnia by helping you fall asleep. It works by affecting chemicals in the brain that may lead to insomnia when the chemicals are...

Atenolol (sometimes spelled incorrectly as Attenolol) is a medication mainly used for the treatment of high blood pressure, angina, and to increase the survival rate after a heart attack. It is a...