What is furosemide, and what is it used for? Furosemide (Lasix) is a potent diuretic (water pill) that is used to eliminate water and salt from the body. In the kidneys, salt (composed of sodium and chloride), water, and other small molecules normally are filtered out of the blood and into the tubules of the …
Read More »
What is trigger finger? Trigger finger can cause any digits of the hand to lock when opening or closing. Trigger finger is a "snapping" or "locking" condition of any of the digits of the hand when opening or closing. Stenosing tenosynovitis is the medical term for trigger finger. What causes trigger finger? Local swelling from inflammation or scarring of the …
Read More »
What is cefpodoxime proxetil, and how does it work (mechanism of action)? Cefpodoxime proxetil (Vantin, Banan) is an oral antibiotic prescription drug in the cephalosporin family of antibiotics. The cephalosporin family includes: Cephalexin (Keflex) Cefaclor (Ceclor) Cefuroxime (Zinacef) Cefprozil (Cefzil) Many injectable forms Cefpodoxime proxetil is converted to cefpodoxime, its active form, in the body. Like other cephalosporins, cefpodoxime stops …
Read More »
Hyponatremia (low blood sodium) definition and facts Hyponatremia is low blood sodium, or salt deficiency. Hyponatremia refers to a low level of sodium in the blood. Hyponatremia or low sodium blood levels may result from excess fluid in the body relative to a normal amount of sodium, or it may be due to a loss of sodium and body fluid …
Read More »
What is the definition of low testosterone (low-T)? Readers Comments 4 Share Your Story An underproduction of testosterone causes low-T in men and women. Testosterone is a hormone required for male development and sexual function and is produced primarily in the testicles. Testosterone is responsible for building muscle and bone mass, sperm production, and sex drive. Testosterone influences male pattern …
Read More »
What is tolazamide? How does it work (mechanism of action)? Tolazamide is used with diet and exercise to reduce blood glucose levels in adult patients with type 2 diabetes mellitus. Other diabetes drugs are sometimes used in combination with tolazamide if needed. Tolazamides initial effect is to increase beta-cell insulin secretion. Tolazamide causes the pancreas to produce insulin and increases …
Read More »
What is sumatriptan nasal powder? How does it work (mechanism of action)? Sumatriptan is a drug that is used for treating migraine headaches. It belongs to a class of drugs called selective serotonin receptor agonists. Other medications in this drug class include: naratriptan (Amerge) zolmitriptan (Zomig) rizatriptan (Maxalt) frovatriptan (Frova) eletriptan (Relpax) almotriptan (Axert) Migraine headaches are believed to result …
Read More »
Urethral stricture facts Urethral strictures may cause pain, or be asymptomatic. Urethral stricture disease is much more common in men than in women. In fact, urethral stricture is rare in women. Congenital urethral strictures (present at birth) are rare. Any inflammation of the urethra resulting from injury, trauma, previous surgery, or infection can cause urethral stricture. Symptoms of urethral stricture …
Read More »
Plague (Black Death) facts There is no commercially available vaccine against plague. Plague is a vector-borne infectious disease caused by the bacteria known as Yersinia pestis. Plague has a high fatality rate, and people have described outbreaks of the bacterial infection for centuries. In the Middle Ages, plague was known as the "Black Death." It caused the death of 60% …
Read More »
Pericarditis definition and facts Picture of the heart in the pericardial sac Pericarditis is an inflammation of the lining surrounding the heart (the pericardial sac). Pericardial effusion is a collection of fluid in the pericardial sac. This fluid may be produced by inflammation. The cause of pericarditis in most individuals is unknown but is likely due to viral infection. Pericarditis …
Read More »
