Print
EmailHealthline's Premium Tools
Symptom Search
Discover possible causes based on the symptoms you enter.
It's fast, convenient and easy to use.
Discover possible causes based on the symptoms you enter.
It's fast, convenient and easy to use.
Healthline Part D Plan Selector
Medicare's drug plans are subsidized by the US federal government and offered through insurers.
Advertisement
Marketplace
Drugs A to Z
Select any letter to display the medications available then choose one to learn more about the side effects, dosing, interactions and the most important information about its use.
P
Oral forms of procainamide (tablets and capsules) are no longer marketed in the U.S.
Paclitaxel is a cancer medication that interferes with the growth of cancer cells and slows
their growth and spread in the body.
Paclitaxel protein-bound is a cancer (antineoplastic) medication. Paclitaxel protein-bound
interferes with the growth of cancer cells and slows their growth and spread in the body.
Palifermin is a human keratinocyte growth factor (KGF) produced by recombinant DNA
technology.
Paliperidone is an antipsychotic medication. It works by changing the effects of chemicals
in the brain.
Palivizumab is a man-made antibody to respiratory syncytial virus (RSV), a virus that can cause
serious illness in children. Palivizumab inhibits the actions of RSV and helps to prevent the disease.
Palonosetron blocks the actions of chemicals in the body that can trigger nausea and
vomiting.
Pamabrom is a diuretic (water pill). It works by increasing urination.
Pamidronate is in a group of medicines called bisphosphonates (bis FOS fo nayts). It
alters the cycle of bone formation and breakdown in the body.
Pancreatin is a combination of digestive enzymes (proteins). These enzymes are
normally produced by the pancreas and are important in the digestion of fats, proteins, and
sugars.
Pancrelipase is a combination of three enzymes (proteins): lipase, protease, and amylase.
These enzymes are normally produced by the pancreas and are important in the digestion of fats,
proteins, and sugars.
Panitumumab is a cancer medication. It interferes with the growth of cancer cells and
slows their growth and spread in your body.
Pantoprazole is in a group of drugs called proton pump inhibitors. It decreases the
amount of acid produced in the stomach.
Pantothenate is vitamin B5. Vitamins are naturally occurring substances necessary
for many processes in the body. Pantothenate is important for the breakdown of the foods
we eat into substances the body can use. Pantothenate is also important in the creation of
hormones and other substances in the body.
Papain is a substance from the papaya fruit. Papain breaks down certain proteins.
Papaverine is in a class of drugs called vasodilators. Papaverine relaxes veins and arteries,
which makes them wider and allows blood to pass through them more easily. These actions may
help to increase the amount of oxygen-rich blood in your brain, heart, and muscles.
Paramethadione is a seizure medication. The exact way that it works is unknown.
Paricalcitol is a man-made form of vitamin D. Vitamin D is important for the absorption
of calcium from the stomach and for the functioning of calcium in the body.
Paromomycin is an antibiotic.
Paroxetine is an antidepressant in a group of drugs called selective serotonin reuptake
inhibitors (SSRIs). Paroxetine affects chemicals in the brain that may become unbalanced.
Pegademase bovine is the enzyme called adenosine deaminase (ADA). Without ADA, certain
proteins accumulate that harm white blood cells. White blood cells are important for protecting the
body from infection.
Pegaptanib decreases the level of a protein that affects the cells of the eye. This protein
can cause swelling and blood vessel changes that lead to macular degeneration and blindness.
Pegaspargase is a cancer medication that interferes with the growth of cancer cells and
slows their growth and spread in the body.
Pegfilgrastim is a colony stimulating factor. It is a man-made form of a protein that
stimulates the growth of white blood cells called neutrophils in your body. White blood cells help
your body fight against infection.
Peginterferon alfa-2a is made from human proteins that help the body fight viral
infections.
Peginterferon alfa-2b is a long acting interferon. Interferons are proteins released in the body
in response to viral infections. Interferons are important for fighting viruses in the body, for
regulating reproduction of cells, and for regulating the immune system.
Pegvisomant is a manufactured protein similar to human growth hormone (GH). Pegvisomant
binds to the same receptor in the body as growth hormone, and blocks the effects of growth hormone.
Pemetrexed is a cancer medication that interferes with the growth of cancer cells and
slows their growth and spread in the body.
Pemirolast is an anti-allergic medication. It inhibits processes in the body that cause
allergic symptoms after exposure to an allergen.
Pemoline was withdrawn from the U.S. market in 2005.
Penbutolol is in a group of drugs called beta-blockers. Beta-blockers affect the heart and
circulation (blood flow through arteries and veins).
Penciclovir is an antiviral medication.
Penicillamine is a chelating agent. It attaches to other chemicals in the body, which aids in their
removal.
Penicillin G potassium is an antibiotic that fights bacteria in your body.
Penicillin V is an antibiotic in the penicillin group of drugs. It fights bacteria in your
body.
Pentamidine is a type of antibiotic that fights protozoa in the body.
Pentobarbital is in a class of drugs called barbiturates (bar bi TURE ates). Pentobarbital
depresses the activity of your brain and nervous system.
Pentosan polysulfate sodium works like an anticoagulant (blood thinner) that prevents the
formation of blood clots. However, it is used to treat bladder pain and discomfort caused by
cystitis (bladder inflammation or irritation).
Pentostatin is a cancer (antineoplastic) medication. Pentostatin interferes with the growth of
cancer cells and slows their growth and spread in the body.
Pentoxifylline changes the shape of red blood cells in your blood. This makes it easier for these
blood cells to fit into small arteries (blood vessels).
Pergolide was withdrawn from the U.S. market on March 29, 2007.
Perindopril is in a group of drugs called ACE inhibitors. ACE stands for angiotensin
converting enzyme.
Permethrin is a pediculicide and a scabicide. It affects the nervous system of the parasites.
Perphenazine is in a class of drugs called phenothiazines. It works by changing the
actions of chemicals in your brain.
Phenazopyridine is a pain reliever that affects the lower part of your urinary tract (bladder
and urethra).
Phendimetrazine is a sympathomimetic amine, which is similar to an amphetamine. It is
also known as an "anorectic" or "anorexigenic" drug. Phendimetrazine stimulates the central
nervous system (nerves and brain), which increases your heart rate and blood pressure and
decreases your appetite.
Phenelzine is a monoamine oxidase inhibitor (MAOI) that works by increasing the levels
of certain chemicals in the brain.
Phenindamine is an antihistamine. Phenindamine blocks the effects of the naturally
occurring chemical histamine in your body.
Pheniramine and pyrilamine are antihistamines. They block the effects of the naturally occurring
chemical histamine in the body. Pheniramine and pyrilamine prevent sneezing; itchy, watery eyes and
nose; and other symptoms of allergies and hay fever.
Pheniramine, pyrilamine, and phenyltoloxamine are antihistamines. They block the effects of the
naturally occurring chemical histamine in the body. Pheniramine, pyrilamine, and phenyltoloxamine
prevent sneezing; itchy, watery eyes and nose; and other symptoms of allergies and hay fever.
Phenobarbital is in a group of drugs called barbiturates (bar-BIT-chur-ates). Phenobarbital
slows the activity of your brain and nervous system.
Phenoxybenzamine lowers blood pressure. It is used to treat episodes of high blood
pressure and sweating associated with pheochromocytoma.
Phentermine is a stimulant that is similar to an amphetamine. Phentermine is an appetite
suppressant that affects the central nervous system.
Phenylephrine is a decongestant that shrinks blood vessels in the nasal passages. Dilated
blood vessels can cause nasal congestion (stuffy nose).
Phenylephrine is a decongestant. It works by constricting (shrinking) blood vessels (veins
and arteries) in the sinuses and nose to decrease congestion.
Phenylephrine is a decongestant. It works by constricting (shrinking) blood vessels (veins
and arteries). Constriction of blood vessels in the sinuses, nose, and chest allows drainage of
these areas, which decreases congestion. Constriction of blood vessels also affects blood
pressure.
Phenylephrine is a decongestant. It works by constricting (shrinking) blood vessels (veins
and arteries). The nasal formulation acts directly on the blood vessels in the nasal tissues.
Constriction of the blood vessels in the nose and sinuses leads to drainage of these areas and
decreases congestion.
Phenylephrine ophthalmic causes constriction of blood vessels in the eyes. It also enlarges the
pupils, reduces the production of fluid in the eyes, and increases the amount of fluid that drains from
the eyes.
Phenylephrine ophthalmic causes decongestion in the eye by constricting blood vessels in the
eye.
Phenylpropanolamine is a decongestant. It works by constricting (shrinking) blood
vessels (veins and arteries) in your body. Constriction of blood vessels in your sinuses, nose, and
chest allows drainage of those areas, which decreases congestion.
Phenytoin is an anti-epileptic drug, also called an anticonvulsant. It works by slowing
down impulses in the brain that cause seizures.
Phosphorus is a naturally occurring substance that is important in every cell in the body.
The majority of phosphorus in the body is found in the bones. The potassium and sodium salt
forms of phosphorus are called phosphates.
Physostigmine ophthalmic reduces pressure in the eye by increasing the amount of fluid that
drains from the eye. Physostigmine ophthalmic also causes the pupil to become smaller and reduces
its response to light or dark conditions.
Phytonadione is a man-made form of vitamin K. Phytonadione is important in the production
of substances that cause the blood to clot.
Pilocarpine is an agent that affects the nervous system. Pilocarpine increases saliva secretion in
the mouth.
Pilocarpine reduces the amount of fluid in the eye, which decreases pressure inside the
eye.
Pimecrolimus is an immunosuppressant. It works by decreasing your body's immune
system to help slow down the growth of atopic dermatitis (eczema) on your skin.
Pimozide is an antipsychotic medication. It works by changing the actions of chemicals in the
brain.
Pindolol is in a group of drugs called beta-blockers. Beta-blockers affect the heart and
circulation (blood flow through arteries and veins).
Pioglitazone is an oral diabetes medicine that help control blood sugar levels.
Piperacillin is an antibiotic in a group of drugs called penicillins. Piperacillin fights
bacteria in the body.
Piperonyl butoxide and pyrethrins are insecticide chemicals.
Pirbuterol is a bronchodilator. It works by relaxing muscles in the airways to improve
breathing.
Piroxicam is in a group of drugs called nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drugs (NSAIDs).
Piroxicam works by reducing hormones that cause inflammation and pain in the body.
Pitcher plant is also known as Eve's Cup, Fly Catcher, Huntsman's Cup, Water Cup and
others.
Plicamycin is a cancer (antineoplastic) medication. Plicamycin interferes with the growth of
cancer cells and slows their growth and spread in the body.
Pneumococcal disease is a serious disease caused by a bacteria. Pneumococcal
polysaccharide vaccine (PPV) exposes the individual to a small dose of the bacteria (or a protein
from the bacteria) and causes the body to develop immunity to the disease.
Pneumococcal disease is a serious infection caused by a bacteria. Pneumococcal bacteria
can infect the sinuses and inner ear. It can also infect the lungs, blood, and brain and these
conditions can be fatal.
Pneumococcal disease is a serious infection caused by a bacteria. Pneumococcal bacteria
can infect the sinuses and inner ear. It can also infect the lungs, blood, and brain, and these
conditions can be fatal.
Podofilox topical is a skin medication used to remove genital warts. The exact way that
podofilox topical works is not known.
Podophyllum resin topical is a skin medication made from a powdered mixture of extracts
from a plant called Mandrake, or May apple.
Polio affects the central nervous system and spinal cord. It can cause muscle weakness
and paralysis. Polio is a life-threatening condition because it can paralyze the muscles that help
you breathe.
Polycarbophil is a bulk-forming laxative that increases the amount of water in your stools
to help make them softer and easier to pass.
Polyethylene glycol 3350 is a laxative solution that increases the amount of water in the
intestinal tract to stimulate bowel movements.
Polyethylene glycol electrolyte solution is a laxative solution that increases the amount of
water in the intestinal tract to stimulate bowel movements. This medication also contains
potassium, sodium, and other minerals to replace electrolytes that are passed from the body in the
stool.
Polymyxin B and trimethoprim are antibiotics that fight bacteria in the body.
Polymyxin B is an antibiotic. It is used to treat bacterial infections.
Porfimer increases the sensitivity of tissues to the effects of light. Porfimer is used before the
administration of laser light to cancerous tumors to decrease tumor size.
Posaconazole is an antifungal antibiotic that fights certain infections cause by fungus.
Potassium aminobenzoate is a form of Vitamin B, which supports many important body
functions.
Potassium iodide is the potassium salt form of iodide, a naturally occurring substance.
Potassium is a mineral that is found in many foods and is needed for several functions of
your body, especially the beating of your heart.
Potassium is a mineral that is found in many foods and is needed for several functions of
your body, especially the beating of your heart.
Potassium is a mineral that is found in many foods and is needed for several functions of
your body, especially the beating of your heart.
Potassium is a mineral that is found in many foods and is needed for several functions of
your body, especially the beating of your heart.
Potassium is a mineral that is found in many foods and is needed for several functions of
your body, especially the beating of your heart.
Potassium is a mineral that is found naturally in foods and is necessary for many normal
functions of your body, especially the beating of your heart.
Potassium is a mineral that is found naturally in foods and is necessary for many normal
functions of your body, especially the beating of your heart.
Pralidoxime reverses muscle weakness or paralysis caused by a poison or certain drug
overdose.
Pramipexole has some of the same effects as a chemical called dopamine, which occurs
naturally in your body. Low levels of dopamine in the brain are associated with Parkinson's
disease.
Pramlintide is an injectable medicine for adults with type 1 and type 2 diabetes to control blood
sugar.
Pramoxine is a topical (applied to the skin) anesthetic. It works by interfering with pain
signals sent from the nerves to the brain.
Pravastatin is a cholesterol-lowering medication that blocks the production of cholesterol
(a type of fat) in the body.
Praziquantel is an "antihelmintic," or anti-worm, medication. It prevents worms from
growing or multiplying in your body.
Prazosin is in a class of drugs called alpha-adrenergic blockers. Prazosin causes the blood
vessels (veins and arteries) to relax and expand, which allows blood to pass more easily through
them.
Prednicarbate is a topical (for the skin) steroid. It reduces the actions of chemicals in the
body that cause inflammation, redness, and swelling.
Prednisolone is in a class of drugs called corticosteroids. It inhibits processes in the body that
cause inflammation. Therefore, the swelling and pain of inflammatory conditions is decreased.
Prednisolone is in a class of drugs called steroids. Prednisolone prevents the release of
substances in the body that cause inflammation.
Prednisone is in a class of drugs called steroids. Prednisone prevents the release of
substances in the body that cause inflammation.
Pregabalin is an anti-epileptic drug, also called an anticonvulsant. It works by slowing
down impulses in the brain that cause seizures. Pregabalin also affects chemicals in the brain
that send pain signals across the nervous system.
Prenatal vitamins are a combination of many different vitamins that are normally found in
foods and other natural sources.
Primaquine is an antimalarial drug. The exact way that primaquine works is unknown.
Primidone is an anti-epileptic drug, also called an anticonvulsant.
Probenecid helps your body pass uric acid out through the urine, which lowers the levels
of uric acid in the body.
Procaine is a local anesthetic. Procaine causes loss of feeling (numbness) of skin and mucous
membranes.
Procarbazine is a cancer (antineoplastic) medication. Procarbazine interferes with the growth of
cancer cells and slows their growth and spread in the body.
Prochlorperazine is in a class of drugs called phenothiazines.
Procyclidine reduces the effects of certain chemicals in your body that may become
unbalanced as a result of disease (such as Parkinson's disease), drug therapy, or other
causes.
Progesterone is a female hormone important for ovulation and menstruation. Progesterone
causes changes in the lining of your uterus, making it easier for a fertilized egg to attach to the
uterus at the beginning of pregnancy. Progesterone then helps your body maintain the pregnancy.
Progesterone is a female hormone important for the regulation of ovulation and
menstruation.
Promethazine is an antihistamine. It blocks the effects of the naturally occurring chemical
histamine in your body.
Promethazine is in a group of drugs called phenothiazines (feen-oh-THYE-oh-zeens).
Promethazine oral is an antihistamine. It blocks the effects of the naturally occurring
chemical histamine in your body.
Propafenone is in a group of drugs called Class IC anti-arrhythmics. It affects the way
your heart beats.
Propantheline reduces the secretions of certain organs in the body.
Propoxyphene is in a group of drugs called narcotic pain relievers.
Propranolol is in a group of drugs called beta-blockers. Beta-blockers affect the heart and
circulation (blood flow through arteries and veins).
Propylthiouracil prevents the thyroid gland from producing too much thyroid hormone.
Protriptyline is in a group of drugs called tricyclic antidepressants. Protriptyline affects
chemicals in the brain that may become unbalanced.
Prussian blue was originally developed as a dye for use in paints and ink. It is used in
medicine to help speed up the body's elimination of certain metals or chemical elements. It
works by binding to the metals in the digestive tract to keep the body from absorbing them.
Pseudoephedrine is a decongestant that shrinks blood vessels in the nasal passages.
Dilated blood vessels can cause nasal congestion (stuffy nose).
Psyllium is a bulk-forming laxative. It absorbs liquid in the intestines and makes a bulky, softer
stool which is easier to pass.
Pyrantel is an "antihelmintic," or anti-worm, medication. It prevents worms from growing
or multiplying in your body.
Pyrazinamide is an antibiotic. The exact way that pyrazinamide works is unknown.
Pyridostigmine affects chemicals in the body that are involved in the communciation
between nerve impulses and muscle movement.
Pyridoxine is vitamin B6. Vitamins are naturally occurring substances necessary for
many processes in the body. Pyridoxine is important for the breakdown of protein, fats, and
carbohydrates (sugars) in the foods we eat.
Pyrimethamine is an antiparasitic drug. It prevents the growth and reproduction of
parasites.
Pyrimethamine is an antiparasitic drug. It prevents the growth and reproduction of parasites.
The use of pennyroyal in cultural and traditional settings may differ from concepts accepted by
current Western medicine. When considering the use of herbal supplements, consultation with a primary
health care professional is advisable. Additionally, consultation with a practitioner trained in the uses of
herbal/health supplements may be beneficial, and coordination of treatment among all health care
providers involved may be advantageous.
The use of peppermint in cultural and traditional settings may differ from concepts accepted by
current Western medicine. When considering the use of herbal supplements, consultation with a primary
health care professional is advisable. Additionally, consultation with a practitioner trained in the uses of
herbal/health supplements may be beneficial, and coordination of treatment among all health care
providers involved may be advantageous.
Papaverine injection is a vasodilator that works by relaxing smooth muscles in your blood
vessels to help them dilate (widen). This lowers blood pressure and allows blood to flow more
easily through your veins and arteries.
Penicillin G potassium is an antibiotic that fights bacteria in your body.
Pneumococcal disease is a serious disease caused by a bacteria. Pneumococcal
polysaccharide vaccine (PPV) exposes the individual to a small dose of the bacteria (or a protein
from the bacteria) and causes the body to develop immunity to the disease.
Progesterone is a female hormone important for ovulation and menstruation. Progesterone
causes changes in the lining of your uterus, making it easier for a fertilized egg to attach to the
uterus at the beginning of pregnancy. Progesterone then helps your body maintain the pregnancy.
Progesterone is a female hormone important for the regulation of ovulation and
menstruation.
Promethazine is an antihistamine. It blocks the effects of the naturally occurring chemical
histamine in your body.
Promethazine is in a group of drugs called phenothiazines (feen-oh-THYE-oh-zeens).
Promethazine oral is an antihistamine. It blocks the effects of the naturally occurring
chemical histamine in your body.
Psyllium is a bulk-forming laxative. It absorbs liquid in the intestines and makes a bulky, softer
stool which is easier to pass.
Pneumococcal disease is a serious infection caused by a bacteria. Pneumococcal bacteria
can infect the sinuses and inner ear. It can also infect the lungs, blood, and brain and these
conditions can be fatal.
Promethazine is an antihistamine. It blocks the effects of the naturally occurring chemical
histamine in your body.
Promethazine is in a group of drugs called phenothiazines (feen-oh-THYE-oh-zeens).
Pseudoephedrine is a decongestant that shrinks blood vessels in the nasal passages.
Dilated blood vessels can cause nasal congestion (stuffy nose).
 |
 |
Home | About | Health Experts | Careers | Site Map | Feedback | Help | Health Tools | Tell a Friend
Advertise | Terms of Use | Privacy Policy
Advertise | Terms of Use | Privacy Policy
Copyright © 2005 - 2008 Healthline Networks, Inc. All rights reserved.