USP DI-Volume II, Advice for the Patient: Drug Information in Lay Language articles from January 1 1997, page 9

USP DI-Volume II, Advice for the Patient: Drug Information in Lay Language archives from January 1 1997

Cysteamine (Systemic).
January 1, 1997... A commonly used brand name in the U.S. is Cystagon. Description Cysteamine (SIS-tee-a-meen) is used to prevent damage that may be caused by the buildup of cystine crystals in organs such as the kidneys. This medicine works by removing the...

Dirithromycin (Systemic).
January 1, 1997... A commonly used brand name in the U.S. is Dynabac. Description Dirithromycin (dye-RITH-roe-mye-sin) is used to treat bacterial infections in many different parts of the body. It works by killing bacteria or preventing their growth. However,...

Dorzolamide (Ophthalmic).
January 1, 1997... A commonly used brand name in the U.S. is Trusopt. Description Dorzolamide (dor-ZOLE-a-mide) is a carbonic anhydrase inhibitor that is used in the eye. It is used to treat increased pressure in the eye caused by open-angle glaucoma. It is...

Doxepin (Topical).
January 1, 1997... A commonly used brand name in the U.S. and Canada is Zonalon. Description Topical doxepin (DOX-e-pin) is used to relieve itching in patients with certain types of eczema. It appears to work by preventing the effects of histamine, which is a...

Dyphylline (Systemic).
January 1, 1997... Some commonly used brand names are: In the U.S. -- Dilor Dilor-400 Lufyllin Lufyllin-400 Generic name product may be available. Description Dyphylline (DYE-fi-lin) is used to treat and/or prevent the symptoms...

Gabapentin (Systemic).
January 1, 1997... A commonly used brand name in the U.S. and Canada is Neurontin. Another commonly used name is GBP. Description Gabapentin (GA-ba-pen-tin) is used to help control some types of seizures in the treatment of epilepsy. This medicine cannot...

Granisetron (Systemic).
January 1, 1997... A commonly used brand name in the U.S. is Kytril. Description Granisetron (gra-NI-se-tron) is used to prevent the nausea and vomiting that may occur after treatment with anticancer medicines (chemotherapy). Granisetron is to be given only...

Lamivudine (Systemic).
January 1, 1997... Some commonly used brand names are: In the U.S. -- Epivir In Canada -- 3TC Description Lamivudine (la-MI-vyoo-deen) is used in the treatment of the infection caused by the human immunodeficiency virus (HIV). HIV...

Lamotrigine (Systemic).
January 1, 1997... A commonly used brand name in the U.S. and Canada is Lamictal. Another commonly used name is LTG. Description Lamotrigine (la-MOE-tri-jeen) is used to help control some types of seizures in the treatment of epilepsy. This medicine cannot...

Lansoprazole (Systemic).
January 1, 1997... A commonly used brand name in the U.S. and Canada is Prevacid. Description Lansoprazole (lan-SOE-pra-zole) is used to treat certain conditions in which there is too much acid in the stomach. It is used to treat duodenal ulcers and...

Levomethadyl (Systemic).
January 1, 1997... A commonly used brand name in the U.S. is Orlaam. Other commonly used names are LAAM, LAM, levacetylmethadol, levo-alpha-acetylmethadol, levomethadyl acetate, and MK790. Description Levomethadyl (lee-voe-METH-a-dil) belongs to...

Losartan (Systemic).
January 1, 1997... A commonly used brand name in the U.S. is Cozaar. Description Losartan (loe-SAR-tan) is used to treat high blood pressure (hypertension). High blood pressure adds to the work load of the heart and arteries. If it continues for a long time,...

Masoprocol (Topical).
January 1, 1997... A commonly used brand name in the U.S. is Actinex. Description Masoprocol (ma-SOE-pro-kole) is applied to the skin to treat a condition called actinic keratoses, which can become cancerous if not treated. Masoprocol is available only with...

MRI contrast agents (Diagnostic).
January 1, 1997... This information applies to the following medicines: 1. Gadodiamide (gad-oh-DYE-a-mide) 2. Gadopentetate (gad-o-PEN-te-tate) (Not commercially available in Canada.) 3. Gadoteridol (gad-oh-TER-i-dol) (Not commercially available ...

Pilocarpine (Systemic).
January 1, 1997... A commonly used brand name in the U.S. is Salagen. Description Pilocarpine (pye-loe-KAR-peen) tablets are used to treat dryness of the mouth and throat caused by a decrease in the amount of saliva that may occur after radiation treatment for...

Pralidoxime (Systemic).
January 1, 1997... A commonly used brand name in the U.S. and Canada is Protopam Chloride. Generic name product may also be available in the U.S. Other commonly used names are 2-PAM and 2-PAM chloride. Description Pralidoxime (pra-li-DOX-eem)...

Racemethionine (Systemic).
January 1, 1997... Some commonly used brand names in the U.S. are: M-Caps; Pedameth; and Uracid. Generic name product may also be available. Other commonly used names are methionine and DL-methionine. Description Racemethionine...

Riluzole (Systemic).
January 1, 1997... A commonly used brand name in the U.S. is Rilutek. Description Riluzole (RIL-yoo-zole) is used to treat patients with amyotrophic lateral sclerosis (ALS), also known as Lou Gehrig's disease. Riluzole is not a cure for ALS, but it may extend...

Rimantadine (Systemic).
January 1, 1997... A commonly used brand name in the U.S. in Flumadine. Description Rimantadine (ri-MAN-ta-deen) is an antiviral. It is used to prevent or treat certain influenza (flu) infections (type A). It may be given alone or along with flu shots....

Risperidone (Systemic).
January 1, 1997... A commonly used brand name in the U.S. and Canada is Risperdal. Description Risperidone (ris-PER-i-done) is used to treat psychotic disorders, such as schizophrenia. Risperidone is available only with your doctor's prescription, in the...

Salmeterol (Inhalation).
January 1, 1997... A commonly used brand name in the U.S. and Canada is Serevent. Description Salmeterol (sal-ME-te-role) is used with anti-inflammatory medication to prevent asthma attacks. It is used by oral inhalation (breathed in through the mouth) to open...

Stavudine (Systemic).
January 1, 1997... A commonly used brand name in the U.S. is Zerit. Another commonly used name is d4T. Description Stavudine (STAV-yoo-deen) (also known as d4T) is used in the treatment of the infection caused by the human immunodeficiency virus (HIV). HIV...

Terbinafine (Systemic).
January 1, 1997... A commonly used brand name in Canada is Lamisil. Description Terbinafine (ter-BIN-a-feen) belongs to the group of medicines called antifungals. It is used to treat fungus infections of the scalp, body, groin (jock itch), feet (athlete's...

Torsemide (Systemic).
January 1, 1997... A commonly used brand name in the U.S. is Demadex. Description Torsemide (TORE-se-mide) belongs to the group of medicines called loop diuretics. Torsemide is given to help reduce the amount of water in the body in certain conditions, such as...

Tramadol (Systemic).
January 1, 1997... A commonly used brand name in the U.S. is Ultram. Description Tramadol (TRA-ma-dole) is used to relieve pain, including pain after surgery. The effects of tramadol are similar to those of narcotic analgesics. Although tramadol is not a...

Valacyclovir (Systemic).
January 1, 1997... A commonly used brand name in the U.S. is Valtrex. Description Valacyclovir (val-ay-SYE-kloe-veer) is used to treat the symptoms of herpes zoster (also known as shingles), a herpes virus infection of the skin. In your body, valacyclovir...

Venlafaxine (Systemic).
January 1, 1997... A commonly used brand name in the U.S. and Canada is Effexor. Description Venlafaxine (ven-la-FAX-een) is used to treat mental depression. This medicine is available only with your doctor's prescription, in the following dosage form: ...

Antidiabetic agents, sulfonylurea (Systemic).
January 1, 1997... Some commonly used brand names are: In the U.S. -- DiaBeta (Glyburide (GLYE-byoo-ride) (Generic name product may also be available in the U.S.)) Diabinese (Chlorpropamide (klor-PROE-pa-mide) (Generic name product...

Anti-inflammatory drugs, nonsteroidal (Systemic).
January 1, 1997... Some commonly used brand names are: In the U.S. -- Actron (Ketoprofen (kee-toe-PROE-fen) (Generic name product may also be available in the U.S.)) Advil (Ibuprofen (eye-byoo-PROE-fen) (Generic name product may also...

Antivenin, black widow spider (Systemic).
January 1, 1997... Description Black widow spider antivenin belongs to a group of medicines known as immunizing agents. It is used to treat patients with serious symptoms caused by the bites of the black widow spider. Black widow spider antivenin is to be used...

Antivenin, North American coral snake (Systemic).
January 1, 1997... Description North American coral snake antivenin belongs to a group of medicines known as immunizing agents. It is used for the treatment of poisoning caused by bites of North American coral snakes, such as the Eastern coral snake, the Texas...

Antivenin, pit viper (Systemic).
January 1, 1997... Description Pit viper antivenin belongs to a group of medicines known as immunizing agents. It is used to treat the bites of certain poisonous snakes called pit vipers (crotalids), which are native to Central, North, and South America. Pit...

Bacillus calmette-guerin (BCG) live (Systemic).
January 1, 1997... A commonly used brand name in the U.S. is TICE BCG Description Bacillus Calmette-Gu(')erin (Ba-SIL'es Kal-met Geh-rin) (BCG) vaccine is given by injection to help prevent tuberculosis (TB). TB is a serious disease that can cause severe...

Bronchodilators, theophylline (Systemic).
January 1, 1997... Some commonly used brand names are: In the U.S. -- Aerolate Sr (Theophylline (thee-OFF-i-lin) (Generic name product may also be available in the U.S.) (Generic name product may also be available in Canada.)) ...

Calamine (Topical).
January 1, 1997... Some commonly used brand names are: In the U.S. -- Calamox Generic name product may be available. In Canada -- Diaper Rash Ointment Onguent de Calamine Generic name product may be available....

Cholera vaccine (Systemic).
January 1, 1997... Description Cholera (KOL-era) is a serious disease that can cause death. It is caused by a germ called Vibrio cholerae, and is spread most often through infected food or water. If you are traveling to cholera-infected areas,...

Corticosteroids -- glucocorticoid effects (Systemic).
January 1, 1997... Some commonly used brand names are: In the U.S. -- A-hydroCort (Hydrocortisone (hye-droe-KOR-ti-sone)) AK-Dex (Dexamethasone (dex-a-METH-a-sone) (Generic name product may also be available in the U.S.) (Generic name...

Diethyltoluamide (Topical).
January 1, 1997... Some commonly used brand names are: In the U.S. -- Backwoods Cutter Cutter Pleasant Protection Deep Woods OFF! Deep Woods OFF! For Sportsmen Muskol OFF! OFF! For Maximum Protection OFF! Skintastic ...

Diphtheria and tetanus toxoids (Systemic).
January 1, 1997... This information applies to the following medicines: 1. Diphtheria and Tetanus Toxoids for Pediatric Use (dif-THEE-ree-a and TET-n-us) 2. Tetanus and Diphtheria Toxoids for Adult Use (TET-n-us and dif-THEE-ree-a) ...

Imiglucerase (Systemic).
January 1, 1997... A commonly used brand name in the U.S. is Cerezyme. Description Imiglucerase (im-i-GLOO-ser-ase) is used to treat Gaucher's disease caused by the lack of a certain enzyme, glucocerebrosidase, in the body. This enzyme is necessary for your...

Mesalamine (Oral).
January 1, 1997... Some commonly used brand names are: In the U.S. -- Asacol Pentasa In Canada -- Asacol Mesasal Pentasa Salofalk Other commonly used names are: 5-aminosalicylic acid, 5-ASA, and ...

Metformin (Systemic).
January 1, 1997... Some commonly used brand names are: In the U.S. -- Glucophage In Canada -- Glucophage Novo-Metformin Description Metformin (met-FOR-min) is used to treat a type of diabetes mellitus (sugar diabetes) called...

Plague vaccine (Systemic).
January 1, 1997... Description Plague vaccine is an active immunizing agent used to prevent infection by plague bacteria. It works by causing your body to produce its own protection (antibodies) against the disease. Plague is a serious disease that can cause...

Progestins -- for noncontraceptive use (Systemic).
January 1, 1997... Some commonly used brand names are: In the U.S. -- Amen (Medroxyprogesterone (me-DROX-ee-proe-JES-te-rone) (Generic name product may be available in the U.S.)) Aygestin (Norethindrone (nor-eth-IN-drone)) Curretab...

Progesterone intrauterine device (IUD)
January 1, 1997... A commonly used brand name in the U.S. is Progestasert. Description A progesterone intrauterine device (proe-JES-ter-one IN-tra-YOU-ta-rin de-VICE) (also called an IUD) is inserted by a health care professional into a woman's uterus as a...

Progestins -- for contraceptive use (Systemic).
January 1, 1997... Some commonly used brand names are: In the U.S. -- Depo-Provera Contraceptive Injection (Medroxyprogesterone (me-DROX-ee-proe-JES-te-rone) (Not commercially available in Canada.)) Micronor (Norethindrone...

Rifampin, isoniazid, and pyrazinamide (Systemic)
January 1, 1997... A commonly used brand name in the U.S. is Rifater. Description Rifampin (rif-AM-pin), isoniazid (eye-soe-NYE-a-zid), and pyrazinamide (peer-a-ZIN-a-mide) is a combination anti-infective medicine. It is used to treat tuberculosis (TB). It may...

Sevoflurane (Inhalation-Systemic).
January 1, 1997... Some commonly used brand names are: In the U.S. -- Ultane In Canada -- Sevorane Description Sevoflurane (see-voe-FLOO-rane) belongs to the group of medicines known as general anesthetics (an-ess-THET-iks)....

Silicone oil 5000 centistokes (Parenteral-Local).
January 1, 1997... A commonly used brand name in the U.S. is AdatoSil 5000. Another commonly used name is polydimethylsiloxane. Description Silicone (SIL-i-kone) oil 5000 centistokes (SEN-ti-stokes) is used during eye surgery to prevent or treat a very...

Sincalide (Diagnostic).
January 1, 1997... A commonly used brand name in the U.S. and Canada is Kinevac. Description Sincalide (SIN-ka-lide) belongs to the group of medicines known as diagnostic aids. Diagnostic aids are used to help diagnose certain medical problems. Sincalide is...

Spiramycin (Systemic).
January 1, 1997... Some commonly used brand names are: In Canada -- Rovamycine Other -- Provamicina Rovamycina Rovamycine Rovamycine 250 Rovamycine 500 Spiramycine Coquelus(')edal Description Spiramycin...

Sulfonamides and trimethoprim (Systemic).
January 1, 1997... Some commonly used brand names are: In the U.S. -- Bactrim (Sulfamethoxazole (sul-fa-meth-OX-a-zole) and Trimethoprim (Generic name product may also be available in the U.S.)) Bactrim DS (Sulfamethoxazole...

Sunscreen agents (Topical).
January 1, 1997... Some commonly used brand names are: In the U.S. -- A-Fil (Menthyl Anthranilate and Titanium Dioxide) Aquaderm Sunscreen Moisturizer (Octyl Methoxycinnamate and Oxybenzone) Aquaray Sunscreen (Octyl Methoxycinnamate,...

Tetracycline periodontal fibers (Dental).
January 1, 1997... A commonly used brand name in the U.S. is Actisite. Description Tetracycline periodontal fibers (tet-ra-SYE-kleen pare-ee-o-DON-tal FI-bers) are used to help treat periodontal disease (a disease of your gums). Periodontal disease is caused by...

Tuberculin, purified protein derivative (PPD) (Injection).
January 1, 1997... Some commonly used brand names are: In the U.S. -- Aplisol Aplitest Tuberculin PPD TINE TEST Tubersol In Canada -- Tubersol Description Tuberculin (too-BER-kyu-lin) purified protein derivative...

Typhoid vaccine inactivated (Systemic).
January 1, 1997... Description Typhoid (TYE-foid) fever is a serious disease that can cause death. It is caused by a germ called Salmonella typhi and is spread most often through infected food or water. Typhoid may also be spread by close person-to-person contact...

Typhoid Vi polysaccharide vaccine (Systemic).
January 1, 1997... A commonly used brand name in the U.S. is Typhim Vi. Description Typhoid (TYE-foid) fever is a serious disease that can cause death. It is caused by a germ called Salmonella typhi, and is spread most often through infected food or water....

Condoms.
January 1, 1997... Some commonly used brand names are: In the U.S. -- Beyond Seven (Latex Condoms) Beyond Seven Plus (Latex Condoms and Nonoxynol 9) Class Act Ribbed & Sensitive (Latex Condoms) Class Act Ultra Thin & Sensitive (Latex...

Cough/cold combinations (Systemic).
January 1, 1997... Some commonly used brand names are: In the U.S. -- Actagen-C Cough (Triprolidine (trye-PROE-li-deen), Pseudoephedrine, and Codeine) Actifed with Codeine Cough (Triprolidine (trye-PROE-li-deen), Pseudoephedrine and...