Reprinted with permission from the book From Magic
to Medicine
RACEMIC EPINEPHRINE: Results in mucosal vasoconstriction that reduces mucosal engorgement. Also useful as a decongestant.
RALOXIFENE: Hormone replacement therapy drug. Studies indicate that it can reduce the risk of osteoporosis and actually increase bone density of the spine and hip over a 24 month period. One drawback is that it does not percent hot flashes and other symptoms of menopause as well as other hormone therapies. It also does not appear to provide the same protective benefits for the heart. (Also see "Evista".)
RANITIDINE: Histamine, H2 antagonist ... see "Zantac". For treatment of ulcers ... see "Zantac'.
RAXAR: A broad-spectrum antibiotic. Generic name is "grepafloxacin HCI".
REBETRON: Used in the treatment of hepatitis C.
REDUCTASE: An enzyme that begins a reduction.
REGLAN: Trademark for a digestive system stimulating drug; also used for nausea.
REGRANEX: topical gel used to heal foot sores of diabetics that typically leads to amputations.
RELAFEN: Rheumatoid arthritis, osteoarthritis. Common Relafen dosages are 500 and 750mg.
RELENZA: A flu vaccine that works best against type A flu. Its generic name is zanamivir. It is also effective on type 2 strains. Relenza blocks an enzyme that the flu virus needs to spread to healthy cells. It is inhaled with a device that resembles an inhaler. Commonly it is used twice daily for five days. Symptoms are often relieved 33% sooner and risks of pneumonia and bronchitis in elderly patients is reduced by as much as 70%.
REMEGEL: Currently being researched.
REMERON: Treats symptoms of mental depression; brand name for mirtazapine.
REMICADE: Also known by the name "infliximab". Administered as an injection by a doctor every eight days to suppress a chemical that causes inflammation in the colon ... Crohn's disease.
REOPRO: Properly spelled "ReoPro". A clot-blocking drug which is often used to cut the risk of complications after angioplasty and other heart procedures.
REQUIP: An imitation "dopamine" which is typically used for idiopathic Parkinson's disease to reestablish brain cell communication.
RESTORIL: A trademark for the sedative temazepam. Typically used as a sleeping pill. Should not be used indefinitely.
RETAVASE: For the management of acute myocardial infarction.
RETIN-A: Acne medication ... lotion.
RETROVIR: Inhibits the replication of the human immunodeficiency virus (HIV).
REZULIN: Drug that is approved for diabetes (Type 2). Can cause liver damage ... increases cell response to insulin ... 200 mg, 300 mg, 400 mg.
RHEUMATEX: Used as an antineoplastic for leukemia ... also, antipsoriatic, antirheumatic ... 2.5 mg. Slide tests - diagnostic aid for rheumatoid factor in blood.
RHINOCORT: Nasal inhalation - intranasal steroidal anti-inflammatory.
RHINOCORT AQUA: Nasal spray ... intranasal steroidal anti-inflammatory.
RHOGAM: Correctly spelled ... "RhoGAM". Preventing RHO(D) sensitization following pregnancy or accidental transfusion.
RIBAVIRIN: Synthetic antiviral agent. Ribavirin is a drug that originally was used to treat asthma. It is currently (year 2001) being used in combination with Interferon to treat hepatitis C.
RIFAMPIN: Anti-bacterial.
RILUTEK: The only approved drug in America (year 2000) for ALS (amyotrophic lateral sclerosis (Lou Gehrig's disease.
RIM 50-50: Bladder instillation solution for relief of cystitis.
RIMANTADINE: Brand name is "Flumadine. An antiviral medication.
RISPERDAL: Antipsychotic.
RITALIN: Trademark for a preparation of methyl-phenidat hydrochloride. This medication increases mental alertness. It is used in the treatment of narcolepsy (problems staying awake). It is also used in treatment of hyperactivity or attention deficit disorder in children. When used properly it has a calming effect on children. When abused, it causes dizziness, nervousness and euphoria. Side effects can include irregular heartbeat, insomnia and headaches.
RITONAVIR: Used to suppress the HIV virus. Should not be taken with St. John's Wort, which can inhibit its activity.
RIVASTIGMINE: Medicine to restore some brain functions due to Alzheimer's. Available in most parts of the world in 1999 but not the U.S.
RIZATRIPTAN: Generic medication that is often successful in preventing migraine headaches.
ROACCUTANE: Used to treat severe acne. Side effects include dry lips, hair loss, jaundice and anemia.
ROBAXIN: Painful musculoskeletal conditions.
ROCALTROL: Used for the treatment of hypocalcemia in dialysis patients.
ROCEPHIN: Susceptible bacterial septicemia; lower respiratory or urinary tract; skin and skin structure; bone and joint; gynecology; intra-abdominal infections; meningitis; gonorrhea; surgical prophylaxis.
ROFECOXIB: See "VIOXX".
ROGAINE: Minoxidil A non-prescription lotion which has had limited success in growing hair.
ROMAZICON: For the treatment of drug overdose.
RONDEC-DM: Coughs and congestion.
ROWASA: For mild to moderate ulcerative colitis.
ROXANOL (morphine sulfate: Narcotic analgesia. In the form of suppositories, oral solution and sustained release tablets.
ROXICET: Narcotic analgesic (oxycodone HCI; acetaminophen) ... oral solution, tablets.
ROXICET 5/500: Narcotic analgesic (oxycodone HCI; acetaminophen) ... 5/500 mg.
ROXICODONE: Narcotic analgesic. Available in the form of tablets and oral solution.
RU-486: Also referred to as: 1) The "french abortion pill. 2) Mifepristone. It causes abortion of an early pregnancy fetus with a single pill that blocks the hormone progesterone, which is required for a healthy pregnancy. 48 hours after taking the pill the woman inserts four tablets of Misoprostol in the vagina to produce uterine contractions which expel the pregnancy. It is effective in 98% of cases.
RUBRAMIN: Vitamin B supplement.
RUFEN: Anti-inflammatory.
RYNATUSS: Cough.
RYTHMOL: Antiarrhythmic.
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