What is tretinoin (Retn-A)? How does it work (mechanism of action)? Tretinoin is a derivative of vitamin A. It is used on the skin (topically) in the treatment of mild to moderate acne and on skin that has been damaged by excessive exposure to the sun. Tretinoin irritates the skin and causes the cells of …

What is celecoxib? How does it work (mechanism of action)? Celecoxib is a nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drug (NSAID), for example, ibuprofen (Motrin), aspirin, and naproxen (Naprosyn) used to treat arthritis, pain, menstrual cramps, and colonic polyps. Prostaglandins are chemicals that are important contributors to the inflammation of arthritis that causes pain, fever, swelling and tenderness. Celecoxib blocks the enzyme that makes …

Transient ischemic attack (TIA) facts A transient ischemic attack (TIA) is a brief interruption of blood flow to part of the brain that causes temporary stroke-like symptoms. The risks for TIA are the same as for heart attack, stroke, and peripheral artery disease, and include smoking, high blood pressure, high cholesterol, diabetes, and family history. The artery blockage may occur …

Postpartum depression facts Postpartum depression (PPD) is a common problem associated after childbirth. Peripartum depression is fatigue that a woman experiences during pregnancy or within four weeks of giving birth. Postpartum depression is medically considered a subset of peripartum depression. PPD can affect as many as 10% of fathers as well. Biological, psychological, and social factors play roles in predisposing …

Facts on Benzodiazepines vs. Ambien Benzodiazepines and Ambien (zolpidem) are used to treat insomnia. Benzodiazepines are also used to treat seizures, anxiety disorders, nervousness, panic disorders, muscle spasms, alcohol withdrawal, status epilepticus, premenstrual syndrome, and as sedation during surgery. Benzodiazepines are a drug class of central nervous system depressants that cause drowsiness. Ambien belongs to a different drug class called …

Hospice facts Hospice care is a service, which may be provided at home, in a hospital, a nursing home, or in a facility specifically designated for such service. Hospice does not hasten or prolong death. Hospice care may be recommended for patients with a usually less than six-month life expectancy and an incurable illness for whom the focus of care …

Facts on benzodiazepines vs. cyclobenzaprine Benzodiazepines and cyclobenzaprine are used to treat muscle spasms. Benzodiazepines are also used to treat insomnia, seizures, anxiety disorders, nervousness, panic disorders, alcohol withdrawal, status epilepticus, premenstrual syndrome, and as sedation during surgery. Benzodiazepines are central nervous system depressants that cause drowsiness and cyclobenzaprine is a muscle relaxant. Common benzodiazepines include diazepam (Valium), alprazolam (Xanax), …

Trichomoniasis facts* *Trichomoniasis facts Medically Edited by: Melissa Conrad Stöppler, MD Trichomoniasis is a sexually transmitted disease (STD) or sexually transmitted  infection (STI) caused by a parasite. Trichomonas infection can affect women or men and is spread via sexual contact. Many people who have the infection have no symptoms, but when symptoms occur, they include vaginal or urethral (in men) …

Facts on Metronidazole vs. Miconazole Metronidazole and miconazole are both used to treat different types of vaginal infections. Metronidazole is used to treat bacterial vaginosis and trichomonas vaginal infections, and miconazole is used to treat vaginal yeast infections. Metronidazole is also used to treat parasitic infections including Giardia infections of the small intestine, amebic liver abscess, and amebic dysentery; carriers …

Childhood ADHD facts Attention deficit hyperactivity disorder (ADHD) is a chronic behavioral condition that initially manifests in childhood and is characterized by problems of hyperactivity, impulsivity, and/or inattention. Not all patients manifest all three behavioral categories of ADHD. These symptoms have been associated with difficulty in academic, emotional, and social functioning. The diagnosis is established by satisfying specific criteria. ADHD …