American Medical Association Family Medical Guide - American Medical Association [826]
latanoprost Prostaglandin. Increases the outflow of fluid from the eye, which lowers pressure inside the eyeball. Used to treat eye disorders (including glaucoma and ocular hypertension) in which increased pressure can lead to a gradual loss of vision.
levofloxacin Antibiotic. Helps fight bacterial infections in many different parts of the body. Used to treat some types of sinus infections, pneumonia, chronic bronchitis, bladder infections, acute kidney infections, bacterial eye infections, and some skin infections.
levonorgestrel and ethinyl estradiol Combination drug. Oral contraceptive. A combination of estrogens and progestins that blocks ovulation (the release of an egg from an ovary), preventing pregnancy.
levothyroxine Thyroid hormone drug. Used to treat hypothyroidism, congenital hypothyroidism, and goiter.
lisinopril Angiotensin-converting enzyme inhibitor. Used to treat high blood pressure and congestive heart failure, and to improve a person’s chances of survival when taken within 24 hours of a heart attack.
lisinopril and hydrochlorothiazide Combination drug. Angiotensin-converting enzyme inhibitor (lisinopril), and diuretic (hydrochlorothiazide). Improves blood flow, reduces blood volume, decreases blood pressure, and reduces the heart’s workload. Used to treat high blood pressure and edema (swelling) caused by a variety of conditions, including heart disease.
loratadine Antihistamine; H1 (histamine) blocker. Used to relieve hay fever and allergy symptoms including hives, sneezing, runny nose, and red, itchy, watery eyes. May cause less drowsiness than other antihistamines.
loratadine and pseudoephedrine Combination drug. Antihistamine and H1 (histamine) blocker (loratadine), and decongestant (pseudoephedrine). Used to relieve symptoms of colds and hay fever such as sneezing, nasal congestion, and itchy, watery eyes.
lorazepam Antianxiety drug; benzodiazepine. Used for short-term relief of anxiety symptoms and to treat insomnia, seizures, and nausea. May be addictive.
losartan Angiotensin II receptor antagonist. Widens narrowed blood vessels, improves blood flow, reduces blood volume, decreases blood pressure, and reduces the heart’s workload. Used to treat high blood pressure.
losartan and hydrochlorothiazide Combination drug. Angiotensin II receptor antagonist (losartan), and diuretic (hydrochlorothiazide). Widens narrowed blood vessels, improves blood flow, reduces blood volume, decreases blood pressure, reduces the heart’s workload, and helps eliminate excess water and sodium from the body. Used to treat high blood pressure.
M
meclizine Antihistamine; antiemetic; H1 (histamine) blocker. Used to treat nausea and vomiting caused by vertigo or motion sickness.
medroxyprogesterone Hormone drug. Used to treat menstrual disorders, some types of kidney cancer, and endometrial cancer.
medroxyprogesterone and ethinyl estradiol Oral contraceptive. Prevents ovulation (the release of an egg from an ovary), preventing pregnancy.
metaxalone Muscle relaxant. Used to relieve the pain and discomfort of strains, sprains, and other muscle injuries.
metformin Antidiabetic drug. Slows the absorption of glucose in the small intestine, prevents the liver from converting stored glucose into blood glucose, and helps the body use insulin more efficiently. Used to treat type 2 diabetes.
methocarbamol Muscle relaxant. Used to relax muscles and relieve discomfort and pain caused by strains, sprains, and other muscle injuries and, in an injection, to treat tetanus.
methylphenidate Amphetamine; central nervous system stimulant. Alters the levels of specific chemicals in the brain. Used to treat attention deficit disorders and the sleep disorder narcolepsy.
methylprednisolone Corticosteroid; hormone drug; anti-inflammatory; immunosuppressant. Similar to a natural hormone produced by the adrenal glands.