What should you know about jaundice in newborns and babies? Jaundice is the yellowish discoloration of the skin, mucous membranes and the whites of the eyes (sclerae) caused by elevated levels of bilirubin in the blood (hyperbilirubinemia). The term jaundice is derived from the French word jaune, which means yellow. Jaundice is not technically a …
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What is cirrhosis of the liver? Liver cirrhosis results from disease or chemical-induced injuries to the liver over a sustained period. As the injuries kill liver cells, your body attempts to rebuild the damage. In the process, the existing cells are inflamed and scar tissue results, compromising the structure of the liver and hampering its function. Your liver may become …
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What is hydrocortisone-rectal cream, ointment, and how does it work (mechanism of action)? Hydrocortisone is a natural corticosteroid produced by the adrenal glands that are located adjacent to the kidneys. Corticosteroids have potent anti-inflammatory properties and are used in a wide variety of inflammatory conditions such as: arthritis, colitis, asthma, bronchitis, certain skin rashes, and allergic or inflammatory conditions of …
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What is Lactobacillus acidophilus? Lactobacillus acidophilus is an acid producing bacteria that is available in dietary supplements to restore the normal intestinal flora. What brand names are available for Lactobacillus acidophilus? Bacid, Culturelle, Dofus, Flora-Q, Floranex, Kala, Lactinex, Lacto-Bifidus, Lacto-Key, Lacto-Pectin, Lacto-TriBlend, Lactobacillus acidophilys and Bulgaricus, Megaophilus, MoreDophilus, Probiotica, RisaQuad, Superdophilus Do I need a prescription for Lactobacillus acidophilus? No …
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What is sennosides A&B-oral tablet, and how does it work (mechanism of action)? Senna is a natural medicine derived from the senna plant. Senna contains sennosides which acts as a stimulant laxative. It works by irritating and stimulating intestinal cells, producing contractions in intestines, water influx to the intestines and bowel movement. What brand names are available for sennosides A&B-oral …
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Fact on metronidazole vs. vancomycin Metronidazole and vancomycin are antibiotics used to treat Clostridium difficile diarrhea. Brand names for metronidazole include Flagyl and Flagyl ER and a brand name for vancomycin is Vancocin HCL. Side effects of metronidazole and vancomycin that are similar include nausea, headache, flushing and skin redness, stomach/abdominal cramps or pain, vomiting, and diarrhea. Side effects of …
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What is omeprazole, and how does it work (mechanism of action)? Omeprazole is in a class of drugs called proton pump inhibitors (PPI) that block the production of acid by the stomach. Other drugs in the class include lansoprazole (Prevacid), rabeprazole (Aciphex), pantoprazole (Protonix), and esomeprazole (Nexium). Proton pump inhibitors are used for the treatment of conditions such as ulcers, …
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What is hepatitis? The term ‘hepatitis‘ means inflammation of the liver. Hepatitis can be caused by viruses, other infectious agents, alcohol, and other chemicals. The two viruses that most commonly infect the liver are the hepatitis A virus and the hepatitis B virus. Although their names are similar, these viruses are not related. They differ in the way they are …
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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 and cholesterol, glycogen synthesis, and …
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What is magnesium citrate? How does it work (mechanism of action)? Magnesium citrate is supplied as an oral tablet or liquid saline laxative. Magnesium citrate retains water in the intestines by osmosis. Increasing water in the bowel aids motility, usually producing a bowel movement within one-half to six hours. What are the uses for magnesium citrate? Magnesium citrate is used …
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