Why is it critical to understand medication interactions, withdrawal symptoms, and the systemic side effects of common pharmacological treatments?
Metformin is a prescription drug that is used to help control blood glucose levels in individuals with type 2 diabetes mellitus. It is commonly sold under the brand names Glucophage and Fortamet and is available in regular and slow-release tablets.
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Sodium phosphate is an additive contained in food and beverages, such as sodas, and is also used as a means of purging the large intestine before a colonoscopy. It has been associated with side effects such as diarrhea, but its consumption might also expose you to other hazards such as organ damage.
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Also known as pseudoephedrine, Sudafed is a decongestant that treats nasal and sinus congestion by shrinking the blood vessels in the nose. It also helps drain fluid from your inner ears which may contribute to this congestion.
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Dextrose is a common name for the ubiquitous sugar molecule, glucose. In nature, dextrose is exceedingly common. Starch, as in rice and potatoes, is made up of long chains of dextrose, while table sugar contains dextrose chemically bonded to fructose, another sugar molecule.
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Seroquel is the brand name of a drug known as quetiapine. This drug is used to treat psychiatric disorders such as bipolar disorder and schizophrenia. Because Seroquel changes the way chemicals in the brain work, it can have a number of side effects.
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Sulfamethoxazole-Tmp, sold under the brands names of Bactrim or Septra, is an antibiotic medication used to treat such bacterial infections as bronchitis, traveler's diarrhea and pneumocystis carinii pneumonia (a type of lung infection usually found in patients with AIDS).
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Pseudoephedrine is an ingredient in many over-the-counter (OTC) medications, but because it is used to make methamphetamine or crystal meth, many stores have taken the precaution of keeping it behind the counter.
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Adderall is the brand name for the generic drug amphetamine. This prescription medication is a type of central nervous system stimulant used to control symptoms associated with attention deficit hyperactivity disorder and a sleep disorder called narcolepsy.
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Citalopram (Celexa) is a medication used to treat depression. It belongs to a group of medications called selective serotonin reuptake inhibitors -- SSRIs. These drugs work by increasing the activity of serotonin in your brain.
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Kenalog for injection comes in two forms, one as triamcinolone acetonide, which is used for intra-articular (into the joint) injection, and the other as triamcinolone diacetate which is given as an intramuscular injection. Kenalog is a synthetic corticosteroid used as an anti-inflammatory and immunosuppressant.
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Truvia is a sugar substitute manufactured by the Cargill Company. It is a zero-calorie natural sweetener comprised of erythritol, natural flavors and stevia leaf extract. Stevia, native to South America, has been used for centuries as a natural sweetener.
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Niacin is a B vitamin that performs a variety of functions, including keeping the digestive system, skin and nerves working properly. It also aids in the process that converts food to energy. Niacin is water-soluble, which means that excess amounts are passed out of the body through urine.
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The benzodiazapine drug known as alprazolam is commonly sold under the trade name of Xanax, and it is often prescribed for anxiety, depression and sleep disorders. In addition to stress-reducing effects, Xanax also has sedative, hypnotic, anticonvulsant and muscle relaxant effects.
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Roxithromycin is a prescription medication indicated to treat certain types of bacterial infections, such as pharyngitis, sinusitis, bronchitis and pneumonia. This medication is part of a class of drugs called macrolides; it works by limiting the growth and spread of bacteria through the body.
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Hydrochlorothiazide is the most commonly prescribed diuretic, or "water pill," in the United States. It is used to treat conditions such as high blood pressure, heart failure and edema -- excess fluid accumulation.
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Furosemide, commonly known as the pharmaceutical brand Lasix, is a strong diuretic medication used to decrease fluid and salt retention resulting from various health disorders. It reduces swelling, or edema, which can be uncomfortable and lead to further health problems.
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Norco is a brand-name of a narcotic analgesic that combines the generic medications hydrocodone and acetaminophen. It is used for the relief of moderate to severe pain of all types. Norco comes in three strengths, all containing 325 milligrams (mg) acetaminophen with 5 mg, 7.5 mg or 10 mg of hydrocodone.
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Trazodone is an antidepressant that acts primarily by increasing brain levels of serotonin, a chemical that regulates mood. Trazodone is a generally safe medication, but it has several potential side effects that can be dangerous.
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Super Beta Prostate is a natural supplement with the primary active ingredient beta-sitosterol. Beta-sitosterol is a group of plant sterols obtained from vegetables, fruits and other plants. The product is designed to relieve symptoms of an enlarged prostate, known as benign prostatic hyperplasia, or BPH.
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Excedrin (acetaminophen, aspirin and caffeine) is an over-the-counter medication indicated for the alleviation of painful symptoms associated with headache or body pain.
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