Medications: Clear Guides to Drugs, Alternatives and Safe Use

Think all medicines that treat the same problem are interchangeable? Think again. This page gathers easy, practical guides on common prescriptions, what to expect, and real alternatives so you can make smarter choices with your clinician.

Each article breaks down a drug’s main benefits, common side effects, and who might want to try something else. You’ll find short comparisons, real-world tips for safer use, and plain-language advice for talking to your doctor. No fluff — just the facts you need.

Quick picks from our medicine guides

Want to skip to a topic? Here are short notes on recent posts so you can pick what matters to you.

Diclofenac Sodium for Gout: Explains how this NSAID eases pain and swelling during flares, what risks to watch for, and how to use it safely alongside other gout care.

Alternatives to Ventolin: Nine options for asthma control, from other rescue inhalers to newer biologics — practical pros and cons to help you discuss choices with your pulmonologist.

Seroquel Alternatives: Eight antipsychotic options explained so people dealing with side effects can see alternatives like Abilify or Risperdal and what trade-offs to expect.

Emtricitabine and Mental Health: A focused look at how this HIV medication can intersect with mood and anxiety, with coping tips and when to raise concerns with your care team.

Stromectol Alternatives (2025): Updated options for antiparasitic treatment — compares effectiveness, availability, and side effect profiles for today’s choices.

Priligy Alternatives (2025): Reviews six dapoxetine-containing options for treating premature ejaculation, comparing dose forms and practical pros and cons.

Lasix Alternatives: Breakdown of other diuretics like Torsemide, Bumetanide, and Chlorthalidone, plus when ARBs like Valsartan may be a better fit for blood pressure or heart failure.

How to use these guides

Start with the article that matches your question, then note three things: how the drug works, common side effects, and real alternatives. If you’re switching meds, ask your clinician about interactions, dosing changes, and monitoring. We include practical tips so you’re ready for that conversation.

If you need quick help choosing where to start: are you treating pain, breathing, mental health, infection, or fluid issues? Click the matching article, read the pros and cons, and use the simple questions in the piece when you talk to your prescriber.

We update guides as new options appear, but nothing here is a substitute for professional medical advice. Use these pages to learn, prepare questions, and make better decisions with your healthcare team.

Browse the list below to open any full article. If you can’t find what you need, use the search box to look for a specific drug or condition — or contact us for help locating reliable info.

Bile Acid Sequestrants and Other Medications: How to Time Them Right to Avoid Dangerous Interactions

Bile Acid Sequestrants and Other Medications: How to Time Them Right to Avoid Dangerous Interactions

Bile acid sequestrants lower cholesterol but can bind to other medications, reducing their effectiveness. Learn the exact timing rules to avoid dangerous interactions with warfarin, thyroid meds, birth control, and more.

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International Generic Drug Prices: How U.S. Costs Compare Globally

International Generic Drug Prices: How U.S. Costs Compare Globally

U.S. generic drug prices are lower than in most other wealthy nations, but brand-name drugs cost up to four times more. Learn why this gap exists and how it affects your pharmacy bills.

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FDA List of Authorized Generics: Where to Find and How to Use It

FDA List of Authorized Generics: Where to Find and How to Use It

Learn where to find the FDA's official list of authorized generics, how it differs from regular generics, and why it's not always reliable for finding low-cost drug options. Understand its strengths, limitations, and how to use it wisely.

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Why Doctors Recommend Generic Medications - And Why Patients Still Hesitate

Why Doctors Recommend Generic Medications - And Why Patients Still Hesitate

Generics work just as well as brand-name drugs - and save patients up to 90% on costs. Yet many doctors still prescribe brands, and patients refuse generics. Here’s why - and how to overcome the psychology behind the resistance.

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Batch Release Testing: Final Checks Before Pharmaceutical Distribution

Batch Release Testing: Final Checks Before Pharmaceutical Distribution

Batch release testing is the final safety check for every pharmaceutical batch before distribution. Learn how identity, potency, purity, and microbial tests ensure patient safety-and why even one failure can cost millions.

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How to Use Compounded Medications for Children Safely

How to Use Compounded Medications for Children Safely

Compounded medications for children can be lifesaving-but only if used safely. Learn how to verify doses, choose accredited pharmacies, and avoid deadly errors that come with unregulated custom drugs.

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Planning for Patent Expiry: What Patients and Healthcare Systems Need to Do Now

Planning for Patent Expiry: What Patients and Healthcare Systems Need to Do Now

Patent expiry means big savings on medications-but only if you're prepared. Learn how patients and healthcare systems can navigate the transition to generics and biosimilars to cut costs without risking care.

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Elderly Renal Impairment: How to Adjust Medication Dosing to Prevent Toxicity

Elderly Renal Impairment: How to Adjust Medication Dosing to Prevent Toxicity

Elderly patients with kidney impairment are at high risk of drug toxicity. Learn how to adjust medication doses using GFR, avoid dangerous errors, and use the latest guidelines to keep seniors safe.

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Medication-Induced Thrombotic Thrombocytopenic Purpura: A Life-Threatening Reaction You Need to Know

Medication-Induced Thrombotic Thrombocytopenic Purpura: A Life-Threatening Reaction You Need to Know

Drug-induced thrombotic thrombocytopenic purpura is a rare but deadly reaction to certain medications. Learn which drugs can trigger it, how it’s diagnosed, and why quick action saves lives.

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How to Manage Mild Side Effects Without Stopping a Medication

How to Manage Mild Side Effects Without Stopping a Medication

Learn how to handle common mild side effects like nausea, dry mouth, and fatigue without stopping your medication. Proven tips from pharmacists and clinical studies to help you stay on track and improve adherence.

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