Belladonna alkaloid combinations and phenobarbital are used to relieve cramping pains in conditions such as irritable bowel syndrome and spastic colon. They also are used with other medicine to treat ulcers. These medicines decrease the motion of the stomach and intestines and the secretion of stomach fluids, including acid.

This medication is sometimes prescribed for other uses; ask your doctor or pharmacist for more information.

Benzoyl peroxide is used to treat mild to moderate acne.

Bismuth subsalicylate, metronidazole, and tetracycline combination is used to treat duodenal ulcers. It fights infection by Helicobacter pylori bacteria, which often occurs with ulcers. Treating this infection keeps ulcers from coming back. It usually is used in combination with other ulcer medicines.

This medication is sometimes prescribed for other uses; ask your doctor or pharmacist for more information.

Budesonide is used to treat symptoms of stuffiness and runny nose due to allergies. It is in a class of drugs called corticosteroids (cortisone-like drugs).

This medication is sometimes prescribed for other uses; ask your doctor or pharmacist for more information.

Brimonidine ophthalmic is used to treat glaucoma, a condition that increases pressure in the eye and leads to vision loss. Brimonidine ophthalmic is in a class of drugs called alpha-2 adrenergic agonists. Brimonidine ophthalmic works by decreasing the pressure in the eye.

Bimatoprost is used to treat eye conditions, including glaucoma and ocular hypertension, in which increased pressure can lead to a gradual loss of vision. Bimatoprost is used for patients who cannot use other eye medications for their condition or whose eye condition has not responded to another medication. Bimatoprost is in a class of medications called prostamides. It lowers pressure in the eye by increasing the flow of natural eye fluids out of the eye.

Beclomethasone is used to prevent wheezing, shortness of breath, and breathing difficulties caused by severe asthma and other lung diseases. Beclomethasone is in a class of medications called corticosteroids. It works by reducing swelling in the airways.

Bromocriptine is used to treat amenorrhea, a condition in which the menstrual period does not occur; infertility (inability to get pregnant) in women; abnormal discharge of milk from the breast; hypogonadism; Parkinson's disease; and acromegaly, a condition in which too much growth hormone is in the body.

This medication is sometimes prescribed for other uses; ask your doctor or pharmacist for more information.

Benztropine mesylate is used to treat the symptoms of Parkinson's disease and tremors caused by other medical problems or drugs.

This medication is sometimes prescribed for other uses; ask your doctor or pharmacist for more information.

Butabarbital, a barbiturate, is used in the short-term treatment of insomnia to help you fall asleep and stay asleep through the night. It is also used as a sedative to relieve anxiety, including anxiety before surgery.

This medication is sometimes prescribed for other uses; ask your doctor or pharmacist for more information.

Brompheniramine, an antihistamine, relieves red, irritated, itchy, watery eyes; sneezing; and runny nose caused by allergies, hay fever, and the common cold. It also may relieve the itching of insect bites, bee stings, poison ivy, and poison oak.

This medication is sometimes prescribed for other uses; ask your doctor or pharmacist for more information.

Bumetanide, a 'water pill,' is used to reduce the swelling and fluid retention caused by various medical problems, including heart or liver disease. It also is used to treat high blood pressure. It causes the kidneys to get rid of unneeded water and salt from the body into the urine.

This medicine is sometimes prescribed for other uses; ask your doctor or pharmacist for more information.

Betaxolol is used to treat glaucoma, a condition in which increased pressure in the eye can lead to gradual loss of vision. Betaxolol decreases the pressure in the eye.

This medication is sometimes prescribed for other uses; ask your doctor or pharmacist for more information.

Benazepril is used alone or in combination with other medications to treat high blood pressure. Benazepril is in a class of medications called angiotensin-converting enzyme (ACE) inhibitors. It works by decreasing certain chemicals that tighten the blood vessels, so blood flows more smoothly.

Bupropion (Wellbutrin, Wellbutrin SR, Wellbutrin XL) is used to treat depression. Bupropion (Zyban) is used to help people stop smoking. Bupropion is in a class of medications called antidepressants. It works by increasing certain types of activity in the brain.

Bepridil is used to control chest pain (angina) by increasing the supply of blood and oxygen to the heart. If taken regularly, bepridil controls chest pain, but it does not stop chest pain once it starts. Your doctor may give you a different medication to take when you have chest pain.

This medication is sometimes prescribed for other uses; ask your doctor or pharmacist for more information.

Balsalazide is used to treat ulcerative colitis, a condition in which the bowel is inflamed. Balsalazide is an anti-inflammatory drug. It is converted in the body to mesalamine and works by reducing bowel inflammation, diarrhea, rectal bleeding, and stomach pain.

This medication is sometimes prescribed for other uses; ask your doctor or pharmacist for more information.

Aminophylline, oxtriphylline, and theophylline are used to treat and/or prevent the symptoms of bronchial asthma, chronic bronchitis , and emphysema. These medicines relieve cough, wheezing, shortness of breath, and troubled breathing. They work by opening up the bronchial tubes (air passages of the lungs) and increasing the flow of air through them.

Aminophylline and theophylline may also be used for other conditions as determined by your doctor.

The oral liquid, tablet, and capsule dosage forms of these medicines may be used for treatment of the acute attack or for chronic long-term treatment. The enteric-coated and extended-release dosage forms are usually used only for chronic treatment. Sometimes, aminophylline suppositories may be used but they are generally not recommended because of possible poor absorption .

These medicines are available only with your doctor's prescription, in the following dosage forms:

Oral
• Aminophylline
  • Oral solution (U.S.)
  • Tablets (U.S. and Canada)
  • Extended-release tablets (U.S. and Canada)
• Oxtriphylline
  • Oral solution (Canada)
  • Syrup (Canada)
  • Tablets (U.S. and Canada)
  • Delayed-release tablets (U.S.)
  • Extended-release tablets (U.S. and Canada)
• Theophylline
  • Capsules (U.S.)
  • Extended-release capsules (U.S. and Canada)
  • Elixir (U.S. and Canada)
  • Oral solution (U.S. and Canada)
  • Syrup (U.S.)
  • Tablets (U.S. and Canada)
  • Extended-release tablets (U.S. and Canada)

Parenteral
• Aminophylline
  • Injection (U.S. and Canada)
• Theophylline
  • Injection (U.S. and Canada)

Rectal
• Aminophylline
  • Suppositories (U.S.)

Baclofen (BAK-loe-fen) is used to help relax certain muscles in your body. It relieves the spasms, cramping, and tightness of muscles caused by medical problems such as multiple sclerosis or certain injuries to the spine. Baclofen does not cure these problems, but it may allow other treatment, such as physical therapy, to be more helpful in improving your condition.

Baclofen acts on the central nervous system (CNS) to produce its muscle relaxant effects. Its actions on the CNS may also cause some of the medicine's side effects. Baclofen may also be used to relieve other conditions as determined by your doctor.

This medicine is available only with your doctor's prescription, in the following dosage form:

Oral
• Tablets (U.S. and Canada)

Belladonna alkaloids and barbiturates are combination medicines taken to relieve cramping and spasms of the stomach and intestines. They are used also to decrease the amount of acid formed in the stomach.

These medicines are available only with your doctor's prescription in the following dosage forms:

Oral
• Atropine, Hyoscyamine, Scopolamine, and Phenobarbital
  • Capsules (U.S.)
  • Elixir (U.S. and Canada)
  • Tablets (U.S. and Canada)
  • Chewable tablets (U.S.)
  • Extended-release tablets (U.S. and Canada)
• Atropine and Phenobarbital
  • Capsules (U.S.)
  • Elixir (U.S.)
  • Tablets (U.S.)
• Belladonna and Butabarbital
  • Elixir (U.S.)
  • Tablets (U.S.)

Benzodiazepines (ben-zoe-dye-AZ-e-peens) belong to the group of medicines called central nervous system (CNS) depressants (medicines that slow down the nervous system).

Some benzodiazepines are used to relieve anxiety. However, benzodiazepines should not be used to relieve nervousness or tension caused by the stress of everyday life.

Some benzodiazepines are used to treat insomnia (trouble in sleeping). However, if used regularly (for example, every day) for insomnia, they usually are not effective for more than a few weeks.

Many of the benzodiazepines are used in the treatment of other conditions, also. Diazepam is used to help relax muscles or relieve muscle spasm. Diazepam injection is used before some medical procedures to relieve anxiety and to reduce memory of the procedure. Chlordiazepoxide, clorazepate, diazepam, and oxazepam are used to treat the symptoms of alcohol withdrawal. Alprazolam and clonazepam are used in the treatment of panic disorder. Clobazam, clonazepam, clorazepate, diazepam, and lorazepam are used in the treatment of certain convulsive (seizure) disorders, such as epilepsy. The benzodiazepines may also be used for other conditions as determined by your doctor.

Benzodiazepines may be habit-forming (causing mental or physical dependence), especially when taken for a long time or in high doses.

These medicines are available only with your doctor's prescription, in the following dosage forms:

Oral
• Alprazolam
  • Oral disintegrating tablets (U.S.)
  • Oral solution (U.S.)
  • Tablets (U.S. and Canada)
• Bromazepam
  • Tablets (Canada)
• Chlordiazepoxide
  • Capsules (U.S. and Canada)
• Clobazam
  • Tablets (Canada)
• Clonazepam
  • Tablets (U.S. and Canada)
• Clorazepate
  • Capsules (Canada)
  • Tablets (U.S.)
  • Extended-release tablets (U.S.)
• Diazepam
  • Oral solution (U.S. and Canada)
  • Tablets (U.S. and Canada)
• Estazolam
  • Tablets (U.S.)
• Flurazepam
  • Capsules (U.S. and Canada)
  • Tablets (Canada)
• Halazepam
  • Tablets (U.S.)
• Lorazepam
  • Oral concentrate (U.S.)
  • Tablets (U.S. and Canada)
  • Sublingual tablets (Canada)
• Nitrazepam
  • Tablets (Canada)
• Oxazepam
  • Capsules (U.S.)
  • Tablets (U.S. and Canada)
• Quazepam
  • Tablets (U.S.)
• Temazepam
  • Capsules (U.S. and Canada)
• Triazolam
  • Tablets (U.S. and Canada)

Parenteral
• Chlordiazepoxide
  • Injection (U.S.)
• Diazepam
  • Injection (U.S. and Canada)
• Lorazepam
  • Injection (U.S. and Canada)

Rectal
• Diazepam
  • For rectal solution (may be prepared in U.S. and Canada from diazepam injection)
  • Rectal gel (U.S.)

Benzoyl peroxide (BEN-zoe-ill per-OX-ide) is used to treat acne.

It may also be used for other conditions as determined by your doctor.

Some of these preparations are available only with your doctor's prescription. Others are available without a prescription; however, your doctor may have special instructions on the proper use of benzoyl peroxide for your medical condition.

Benzoyl peroxide is available in the following dosage forms:

Topical
• Cleansing bar (U.S. and Canada)
• Cream (U.S. and Canada)
• Gel (U.S. and Canada)
• Lotion (U.S. and Canada)
• Cleansing lotion (U.S. and Canada)
• Facial mask (U.S.)
• Stick

Beta-adrenergic blocking agent (more commonly, beta-blockers) and thiazide diuretic combinations belong to the group of medicines known as antihypertensives (high blood pressure medicine). Both ingredients of the combination control high blood pressure, but they work in different ways. Beta-blockers (atenolol, bisoprolol, metoprolol, nadolol, pindolol, propranolol, and timolol) reduce the work load on the heart as well as having other effects. Thiazide diuretics (bendroflumethiazide, chlorthalidone, and hydrochlorothiazide) reduce the amount of fluid pressure in the body by increasing the flow of urine.

High blood pressure adds to the work load of the heart and arteries. If it continues for a long time, the heart and arteries may not function properly. This can damage the blood vessels of the brain, heart, and kidneys, resulting in a stroke, heart failure, or kidney failure. High blood pressure may also increase the risk of heart attacks. These problems may be less likely to occur if blood pressure is controlled.

Beta-blocker and thiazide diuretic combinations are available only with your doctor's prescription, in the following dosage forms:

Oral
• Atenolol and chlorthalidone
  • Tablets (U.S. and Canada)
• Bisoprolol and hydrochlorothiazide
  • Tablets (U.S.)
• Metoprolol and hydrochlorothiazide
  • Tablets (U.S.)
• Nadolol and bendroflumethiazide
  • Tablets (U.S. and Canada)
• Pindolol and hydrochlorothiazide
  • Tablets (Canada)
• Propranolol and hydrochlorothiazide
  • Extended-release capsules (U.S.)
  • Tablets (U.S. and Canada)
• Timolol and hydrochlorothiazide
  • Tablets (U.S. and Canada)

Biotin ( BYE-oh-tin) supplements are used to prevent or treat biotin deficiency.

Vitamins (VYE-ta-mins) are compounds that you must have for growth and health. They are needed in only small amounts and are usually available in the foods that you eat. Biotin is necessary for formation of fatty acids and glucose, which are used as fuels by the body. It is also important for the metabolism of amino acids and carbohydrates.

A lack of biotin is rare. However, if it occurs it may lead to skin rash, loss of hair, high blood levels of cholesterol, and heart problems.

Some conditions may increase your need for biotin. These include:

• Genetic disorder of biotin deficiency
• Seborrheic dermatitis in infants
• Surgical removal of the stomach

Increased need for biotin should be determined by your health care professional.

Claims that biotin supplements are effective in the treatment of acne, eczema (a type of skin disorder), or hair loss have not been proven.

Biotin supplements are available without a prescription in the following dosage forms:

Oral
• Capsules (U.S.)
• Tablets (U.S. and Canada)

Importance of Diet

Benzyl benzoate (ben-ZILL ben-ZOE-ate ) is used to treat lice and scabies infestations. This medicine is believed to be absorbed by the lice and mites and to destroy them by acting on their nervous system.

This medicine is available without a prescription; however, your doctor may have special instructions on the proper use of this medicine for your medical condition.

Benzyl benzoate is available in the following dosage form:

Topical
• Emulsion (United Kingdom)

Bacillus Calmette-Guérin (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 illness. It is spread by close contact with people who already have TB, such as people living in the same house. Some infected people do not appear to be sick, but they can still spread TB to others. BCG vaccine does not provide 100% protection. Therefore it is important to avoid people with TB, even if you have received the vaccine.

BCG vaccine is to be administered only by or under the direct supervision of a doctor. It is available in the following dosage forms:

Parenteral
• Multiple-puncture device (U.S.)
• Injection (Canada)

Bentoquatam (BEN-toe-kwa-tam) protects the skin like a shield against poison ivy, poison oak, and poison sumac by physically blocking skin contact with their resin. The best protection against getting these conditions is to avoid contact with these plants. This medicine does not dry oozing and weeping caused by the rash of poison ivy, poison oak, or poison sumac.

Bentoquatam is available without prescription in the following dosage form:

Topical
• Lotion (U.S.)

Betaine ( BAY-ta-een) is used to treat a lack of or defect in certain enzymes that causes too much homocysteine in the blood and urine. This medicine removes the extra homocysteine from the body.

This medicine is available only with your doctor's prescription, in the following dosage form:

Oral
• Powder for solution (U.S.)

Butalbital, acetaminophen, caffeine, and codeine (byoo-TAL-bi-tal, a-seat-a-MIN-oh-fen, KAF-een, and KOE-deen ) combination is a pain reliever and relaxant. It is used to treat tension headaches. Butalbital belongs to the group of medicines called barbiturates (bar-BI-tyoo-rates ) . Barbiturates act in the central nervous system (CNS) to produce their effects.

Codeine is a narcotic analgesic (nar-KOT-ik an-al-JEE-zik ) that acts in the CNS to relieve pain. Many of its side effects are also caused by actions in the CNS.

When you take butalbital or codeine for a long time, your body may get used to it so that larger amounts are needed to produce the same effects. This is called tolerance to the medicine. Also, butalbital and codeine may become habit-forming (causing mental or physical dependence) when it is used for a long time or in large doses. Physical dependence may lead to withdrawal side effects when you stop taking the medicine. In patients who get headaches, the first symptom of withdrawal may be new (rebound) headaches.

Caffeine may help to relieve headaches. However, caffeine can also cause physical dependence when it is used for a long time. This may lead to withdrawal (rebound) headaches when you stop taking it.

Butalbital, acetaminophen, caffeine and codeine combination may also be used for other kinds of headaches or other kinds of pain as determined by your doctor.

Butalbital, acetaminophen, caffeine, and codeine combination is available only with your doctor's prescription in the following dosage forms:

Oral
• Butalbital, Acetaminophen, Caffeine, and Codeine
  • Capsules (U.S.)

Butenafine ( byoo-TEN-a-feen) is used to treat fungus infections. It works by killing the fungus or preventing its growth. Butenafine is applied to the skin to treat:

• athlete's foot (ringworm of the foot; tinea pedis);
• jock itch (ringworm of the groin; tinea cruris);
• ringworm of the body (tinea corporis);
• fungal infection on the skin of the chest, back and shoulders (tinea versicolor).

This medicine is available only with your doctor's prescription, in the following dosage form:

Topical
• Cream (U.S.)

Basiliximab (ba-sil-IK-si-mab) belongs to a group of medicines known as immunosuppressive agents. It is used to lower the body's natural immunity in patients who receive kidney transplants.

When a patient receives a kidney transplant, the body's white blood cells will try to get rid of (reject) the transplanted kidney. Basiliximab works by preventing the white blood cells from getting rid of the transplanted kidney. The effect of basiliximab on the white blood cells may also reduce the body's ability to fight infections.

Basiliximab is to be administered only by or under the immediate supervision of your doctor. It is available in the following dosage form:

Parenteral
• Injection (U.S.)

Barium sulfate is a radiopaque agent. Radiopaque agents are used to help diagnose certain medical problems. Since radiopaque agents are opaque to (block) x-rays, the areas of the body in which they are localized will appear white on the x-ray film. This creates the needed distinction, or contrast, between one organ and other tissues. The contrast will help the doctor see any special conditions that may exist in that organ or part of the body.

Barium sulfate is taken by mouth or given rectally by enema. If taken by mouth, it makes the esophagus, the stomach, and/or the small intestine opaque to the x-rays so that they can be "photographed". If it is given by enema, the colon and/or the small intestine can be seen and photographed by x-rays.

The dose of barium sulfate will be different for different patients and depends on the type of test. The strength of the suspension and tablet is determined by how much barium they contain. Different tests will require a different strength and amount of suspension (some may require the tablet form), depending on the age of the patient, the contrast needed, and the x-ray equipment used.

Barium sulfate is to be used only by or under the direct supervision of a doctor.

Balsalazide (bal-SAL-a-zide ) helps to decrease inflammation in the colon by blocking the production of certain chemicals that cause the bowel to become overactive.

This medicine is available only with your doctor's prescription, in the following dosage form:

Oral
• Capsules (U.S.)

Bimatoprost (By-Matoh-prohst) is used to treat certain diseases of the eye like glaucoma which occurs in many people as they grow older. Glaucoma is caused by high pressure in your eye and can lead to pain from pressure in your eye and then can eventually harm your vision. This medicine can help you keep your sight by reducing the pressure in your eye and stopping eye pain.

This medicine is available only with your doctor's prescription, in the following dosage form:

Ophthalmic
• Ophthalmic solution (eye drops) (U.S.)

Bosentan (BOH-sen-tan) is used to treat the symptoms of pulmonary arterial hypertension. This is the high blood pressure that occurs in the main artery that carries blood from the right side of the heart (the ventricle) to the lungs. When the smaller blood vessels in the lungs become more resistant to blood flow, the right ventricle must work harder to pump enough blood through the lungs. Bosentan works by blocking a hormone (a naturally occurring substance), that is found in the blood and lungs in large quantities of the people with pulmonary arterial hypertension. Bosentan helps by increasing the supply of blood to the lungs and reducing the workload of the heart.

This medicine is available only with your doctor's prescription, in the following dosage forms:

Oral
• Tablets (U.S. and Canada)