Why is it critical to understand medication interactions, withdrawal symptoms, and the systemic side effects of common pharmacological treatments?
Microgestin Fe 1/20 is a combined oral contraceptive pill composed of both ethinyl estradiol and norethindrone. Oral contraceptives work by altering the body's hormonal levels to prevent ovulation and alter the lining of the uterus and cervical mucous to reduce the risk of pregnancy.
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Progesterone supplements are given to pregnant women who have a history of low progesterone levels in pregnancy or a history of recurrent miscarriage. Progesterone is a hormone that helps maintains a pregnancy; normal levels are over 12 ng/ml in early pregnancy, with levels over 50 ng/ml by the end of the pregnancy.
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It is generally acceptable to drink a glass of wine while taking metformin; however, it's best to be careful because of the risk of lactic acidosis. Additionally, there is a risk of hypoglycemia when a diabetes patient drinks alcohol, whether or not the patient takes metformin.
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Dextromethorphan is found in many over-the-counter cough medications. It acts to helps suppress the urge to cough. Despite its general safety, dextromethorphan can have some side effects, which are usually mild.
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Flomax is a medication approved by the Food and Drug Administration (FDA) for the treatment of male urinary symptoms caused by benign prostatic hypertention (BPH), which is an enlarged prostate. The FDA does not approve the use of Flomax for women. Some health care providers may recommend Flomax for "off-label" use.
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Amlodipine besylate is a medication in a class of drugs known as calcium channel blockers. It is prescribed for angina, a condition characterized by episodes of crushing chest pain, which usually results from a lack of oxygen in the heart muscle due to clogged arteries.
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Side effects experienced by one patient may bypass another. Alprazolam, the generic name for Xanax, treats anxiety disorders. Gabapentin, often prescribed under the brand name Neurontin, combats epileptic conditions.
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Creatine is an amino acid that is produced by your body through normal pancreas, kidney and liver function. Creatine makes protein in your body to help build muscle and supply energy.
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Boric acid, a common insecticide, can be used to treat a form of ear infection medically known as otitis externa. The infection is caused by bacteria or fungi that usually enter the external ear canal by way of contaminated water, giving the infection its common name: "swimmer's ear."
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Tegretol is a brand name of carbamazepine. It is a medication used to control some types of seizures in the treatment of epilepsy. Doctors have also found that it helps to relieve neurological pain, resulting from trigeminal neuralgia.
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Doctors use the medication isotretinoin or Accutane to treat severe acne or psoriasis. According to the PDRHealth, an online version of the "Physician's Desk Reference," Accutane should only be used in patients who have not had any success with any other acne medications.
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Amlodipine is a calcium channel blocker medication that is used to treat high blood pressure and a type of chest pain called angina. The medication dilates the blood vessels and also lowers the heart rate to relieve the heart of some of the additional pressure it faces when distributing blood throughout the body.
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Cholesterol is an important substance in the body and is needed to build cells; however, elevated cholesterol can lead to heart disease or strokes. Medications can be used to lower the levels of cholesterol in the blood. One class of drugs is the HMG-CoA reductase inhibitors.
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Relacore is a weight-loss supplement that is available to the public without a prescription. Relacore claims to help people with stubborn belly fat and is also touted as a stress and anxiety reliever.
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Pantoprazole is a medication used to treat esophageal damage from acid-related diseases such as acid reflux and Zollinger-Ellison syndrome (a condition of ulcers in the stomach and small intestine). Pantoprazole is a proton pump inhibitor that reduces the amount of stomach acid produced.
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Carpal tunnel syndrome can be a painful condition caused by compression of the median nerve inside the carpal tunnel. Compression occurs as a result of swollen tissue pressing on the nerve.
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Loestrin 24, the brand name of the birth control medication containing the hormones ethinyl estradiol and norethindrone, is over 99 percent effective at preventing pregnancy when used properly.
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Methotrexate, sold under the trade names Rheumatrex and Trexall, is classified as an antimetabolite medication. This means that it effectively interferes with the normal metabolism of cells. Methotrexate is effective in treating Rheumatoid Arthritis, Psoriasis, cancers and ectopic pregnancies.
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Derived from the leaves and fruit of the Senna alexandrina plant, senna tea has been used for centuries as a natural stimulant laxative. Senna is also an FDA-approved nonprescription over-the counter laxative. A stimulant laxative can relieve constipation by stimulating the intestines to undergo a bowel movement.
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MAOs, or monoamine oxidases, are enzymes that break down neurotransmitters and stop their messaging activity. MAO-A breaks down serotonin, epinephrine and norepinephrine; MAO-B deactivates dopamine.
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