Who discovered penicillin? In 1928, Alexander Fleming noted that mold belonging to the genus Penicillium inhibited the growth of bacteria. Fleming called this unknown antibacterial substance penicillin. Ten years later, a group at Oxford University began to investigate penicillin in laboratory mice. Penicillin was hailed as a miracle drug and saved countless lives in World …
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Ondansetron (Zofran) vs. palonosetron (Aloxi): What’s the difference? Ondansetron and palonosetron are anti-nausea medications used to prevent nausea and vomiting caused by cancer chemotherapy and to prevent vomiting and nausea after surgery. Brand names for ondansetron include Zofran, Zofran ODT, and Zuplenz. A brand name for palonosetron is Aloxi. Side effects of ondansetron and palonosetron that are similar include headache, …
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Ondansetron (Zofran) vs. promethazine (Phenergan): What’s the difference? Ondansetron and promethazine are used to prevent nausea and vomiting. Promethazine is also used as an antihistamine and sedative. Brand names for ondansetron include Zofran, Zofran ODT, and Zuplenz. Brand names for promethazine include Phenergan, Phenadoz, and Promethegan. Ondansetron and promethazine belong to different drug classes. Ondansetron is an anti-nausea medication and …
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What is progesterone, and how does it work (mechanism of action)? Progesterone is a man-made medication derived from a plant source and is identical to the female hormone, progesterone produced in the ovaries. It promotes the development of the mammary glands, causes changes in the endometrium, which lines the uterus, relaxes uterine smooth muscles, blocks ovulation within the ovaries, and …
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Ondansetron (Zofran) vs. metoclopramide (Reglan): What’s the difference? Ondansetron and metoclopramide are used to prevent and treat nausea and vomiting. Ondansetron is most often used to prevent nausea and vomiting caused by cancer chemotherapy and to prevent vomiting and nausea after surgery. Metoclopramide is used to relieve heartburn symptoms with gastroesophageal reflux when certain other treatments do not work and …
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What is gabapentin (Neurontin), and how does it work (mechanism of action) Gabapentin is an anti-seizure (anti-convulsant) drug that is used for preventing seizures and for treating post-herpetic neuralgia, the pain that follows an episode of shingles. Doctors do not know how gabapentin works (the mechanism of action). Gabapentin structurally resembles the neurotransmitter gamma aminobutyric acid (GABA). (Neurotransmitters are drugs …
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Ondansetron (Zofran) vs. meclizine: What’s the difference? Ondansetron and meclizine are used to prevent nausea and vomiting. Ondansetron is mainly used to prevent nausea and vomiting caused by cancer chemotherapy and to prevent vomiting and nausea after surgery. Meclizine is also used to treat and prevent vertigo, dizziness, and motion sickness. Brand names for ondansetron include Zofran, Zofran ODT, and …
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What are phenothiazine antipsychotics? Phenothiazine antipsychotics are medications used to treat schizophrenia and manifestations of psychotic disorders. Some phenothiazine antipsychotics, like prochlorperazine and chlorpromazine, are used for nausea, vomiting, and hiccups. Although, the exact mechanism of phenothiazine antipsychotics is unknown, scientists believe that they may work by blocking the action of dopamine in the brain. Dopamine is a neurotransmitter (chemical) …
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What is zinc oxide? Topical zinc oxide is a non-prescription (OTC) over-the-counter) mild astringent with weak antiseptic properties. It is a skin protectant that is used to treat and prevent various skin conditions including minor abrasions, burns, chafing, diaper rash, insect bites, and minor skin irritation. What brand names are available for zinc oxide? Ammens Original Medicated, Ammens Shower Fresh, …
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What are thyroid disorders? Readers Comments 39 Share Your Story Picture of Thyroid Gland Thyroid disorders are conditions that affect the thyroid gland, a butterfly-shaped gland in the front of the neck. The thyroid has important roles to regulate numerous metabolic processes throughout the body. Different types of thyroid disorders affect either its structure or function. The thyroid gland is …
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