Drugs & Medications A to Z

Generic name: acyclovir (oral) [ a-sye-klo-veer ] Drug class: Purine nucleosides Availability: Prescription only Pregnancy & Lactation: Risk data available Brand names: Zovirax , Sitavig , Acyclovir (systemic) (monograph) , Acyclovir (injection) What is Acyclovir? Acyclovir is an antiviral drug. It slows the growth and spread of the herpes virus in the body. Acyclovir will not cure herpes, but it can lessen the symptoms of the infection. Acyclovir is used to treat infections caused by herpes viruses, such as genital herpes, cold sores, shingles, and chicken pox. Sitavig buccal tabets are for use in treating only cold sores on the lips. Sitavig will not treat genital herpes. Acyclovir may also be used for purposes not listed in this medication guide. ...

Generic name: fremanezumab-vfrm Drug class: CGRP inhibitors Dosage form: injection / autoinjector Availability: Prescription only Pregnancy & Lactation: Risk data available Brand names: Fremanezumab What is Ajovy? Ajovy is an injectable prescription medicine used to prevent migraine headaches in adults. Ajovy works by blocking the activity of calcitonin gene-related peptide (CGRP). Ajovy may also be used for purposes not listed in this medication guide. Warnings Follow all directions on your medicine label and package. Tell each of your healthcare providers about all your medical conditions, allergies, and all medicines you use. ...

Generic name: allopurinol (oral/injection) [ al-oh-pure-i-nol ] Drug class: Antigout agents , Antihyperuricemic agents Availability: Prescription only Pregnancy & Lactation: Risk data available What is Allopurinol? Allopurinol belongs to 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 treat gout (a type of arthritis in which uric acid, a naturally occurring substance in the body, builds up in the joints and causes sudden attacks of redness, swelling, pain, and heat in one or more joints). Allopurinol is used to prevent gout attacks, not to treat them once they occur. Allopurinol is also used to treat high levels of uric acid that builds up in the blo...

Generic name: amlodipine [ am-loe-di-peen ] Drug class: Calcium channel blocking agents Availability: Prescription only Pregnancy & Lactation: Risk data available Brand names: Norvasc , Katerzia , Norliqva What is Amlodipine? Amlodipine belongs to a class of medications called calcium channel blockers. It lowers blood pressure by relaxing the blood vessels so the heart does not have to pump as hard. Amlodipine is used to treat certain types of angina (chest pain) and other conditions caused by coronary artery disease (narrowing of the blood vessels that supply blood to the heart). Amlodipine controls chest pain by increasing the supply of blood to the heart. If taken regularly, this medicine controls chest pain, but it does not stop chest pain once it starts. Your doctor may prescribe a differen...

Generic name: donepezil (oral) [ doe-nep-e-zil ] Drug class: Cholinesterase inhibitors Dosage form: Oral Solution Availability: Prescription only Pregnancy & Lactation: Risk data available Brand names: Donepezil , Aricept odt , Adlarity What is Aricept? Aricept improves the function of nerve cells in the brain. It works by preventing the breakdown of a chemical called acetylcholine (ah SEET il KOE leen). People with dementia usually have lower levels of this chemical, which is important for the processes of memory, thinking, and reasoning. Aricept is used to treat mild to moderate dementia caused by Alzheimer's disease. Aricept is not a cure for Alzheimer's disease. This condition will progress over time, even in people who take donepezil. ...

Generic name: lorazepam [ lor-a-ze-pam ] Drug class: Benzodiazepine anticonvulsants , Benzodiazepines , Miscellaneous antiemetics Dosage form: injection Availability: Prescription only Pregnancy & Lactation: Risk data available Brand names: Ativan (injection) , Lorazepam intensol , Loreev xr , Lorazepam , Lorazepam (injection) What is Ativan? Ativan (lorazepam) belongs to a class of medications called benzodiazepines. It is thought that benzodiazepines work by enhancing the activity of certain neurotransmitters in the brain. Ativan is used in adults and children at least 12 years old to treat anxiety disorders. Ativan is also used to treat insomnia caused by anxiety or temporary situational stress. Ativan is sometimes used to treat nausea and vomiting...