Hdkino Health and Medical Information

Liver definition and facts The liver is a large, meaty organ that sits on the right side of the belly. The liver has two large sections, called the right and the left lobes. The liver is an essential organ that has many functions in the body, including making proteins and blood clotting factors, manufacturing triglycerides …

What are monoamine oxidase inhibitors (MAOIs)? How do they work (mechanism of action)? MAOIs were the first class of antidepressants to be developed. They fell out of favor because of concerns about interactions with certain foods and numerous drug interactions. MAOIs elevate the levels of norepinephrine, serotonin, and dopamine by inhibiting an enzyme called monoamine oxidase. Monoamine oxidase breaks down …

How well do you know about the drugs you are taking? Whether synthetic or natural (herbal), drugs are intended to act on the body. There always is a chance that they will produce effects that we do not want. Moreover, if two or more drugs are taken at the same time, there is a chance that one drug will interact …

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 the skin to grow (divide) …

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), …