What is citalopram (Celexa) and how does it work? Citalopram is an antidepressant medication that affects neurotransmitters, the chemicals that nerves within the brain use to communicate with each other. Neurotransmitters are manufactured and released by nerves and then travel and attach to nearby nerves. Thus, neurotransmitters can be thought of as the communication system …

Amoxicillin vs.Levaquin quick comparison Amoxicillin and Levaquin (levofloxacin) are both antibiotics used to treat a variety bacterial infections. Levaquin belongs to the fluoroquinolone class of antibiotics, while amoxicillin is a penicillin type of antibiotic. Both Levaquin and amoxicillin are used to treat infections of the lungs, airways, skin, urinary tract, and ears. Differences between the two drugs include the conditions …

What is ibuprofen (Advil, Motrin, Nuprin) and how does it work? Ibuprofen belongs to a class of drugs called nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drugs (NSAIDs). Other members of this class include aspirin, naproxen (Aleve), indomethacin (Indocin), nabumetone (Relafen) and several others. These drugs are used for the management of mild to moderate pain, fever, and inflammation. Pain, fever, and inflammation are promoted …

Vaginal bleeding definition and facts Picture of the female reproductive system Normal vaginal bleeding is the periodic blood flow from the uterus. Normal vaginal bleeding is also called menorrhea. The process by which menorrhea occurs is called menstruation. In order to determine whether bleeding is abnormal, and its cause, the doctor must answer three questions: Is the woman pregnant? What …

What are cladribine tablets, and what are they used for? The cladribine 10mg tablet is a prescription medicine used to treat relapsing forms of multiple sclerosis (MS), to include relapsing-remitting disease and active secondary progressive disease, in adults. Because of its safety profile, oral cladribine is generally used in people who have tried another MS medicine that they could not …

What is lumbar lordosis? Is It painful? Share Your Story A symptom of lumbar lordosis is pronounced buttocks. Lumbar lordosis is the inward curve of the lumbar spine in the lower back. A small degree of lordosis (inward curvature) is normal. The spine in the neck also has lordosis (cervical lordosis).  Normal lumbar (lower spine) lordosis is not painful but …

What are birth control pills? How do they work (mechanism of action)? Oral contraceptives (birth control pills) are medications that prevent pregnancy. They are one method of birth control. Oral contraceptives are hormonal preparations that may contain combinations of the hormones estrogen and progestin or progestin alone. Combinations of estrogen and progestin prevent pregnancy by inhibiting the release of the …

Sigmoidoscopy vs. colonoscopy: What’s the difference? Both sigmoidoscopy and colonoscopy examine the lining of the colon, but the colonoscopy can show more of the colon. Both sigmoidoscopy and colonoscopy are nonsurgical procedures that involve use of a tube (endoscope) with a light and camera to examine parts of the large intestine (colon).   A sigmoidoscopy is a procedure in which …

What are lice? Share Your Story Lice and fleas are tiny wingless insects that can infest humans and their homes. Lice are tiny parasites that can infest the human skin and scalp. They are wingless insects that are about the size of a sesame seed. Infestation with lice is known as pediculosis and can occur on the head (head lice), …

Parkinson’s disease facts Most people who develop Parkinson's disease are 60 years of age or older. Parkinson's disease is a neurodegenerative disorder, which leads to progressive deterioration of motor function due to loss of dopamine-producing brain cells. The cause of Parkinson’s Disease is unknown but researchers speculate that both genetic and environmental factors are involved; some genes have been linked …