What is CA 125 test? What is a tumor marker? Readers Comments 100 Share Your Story CA 125 is elevated in ovarian cancer as well as in some benign conditions. CA 125 is a protein that is a so-called tumor marker or biomarker, which is a substance that is found in greater concentration in tumor...
Author: Fox News (Fox News )
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hyoscyamine, atropine, scopolamine & phenobarbital Dosage, Side Effects
What is hyoscyamine, atropine, scopolamine, phenobarbital, and how does it work (mechanism of action)? Belladonna/phenobarbital is an oral medication which combines naturally occurring belladonna alkaloids (atropine, scopolamine [Transderm-Scop], and hyoscyamine) with phenobarbital. It is used for treating abdominal discomfort that is thought to be due to muscular spasm of the intestinal muscles. Belladonna alkaloids block...
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Lotronex (Generic: Alosetron) IBS Drug Side Effects and Dosage
What is alosetron, and how does it work (mechanism of action)? Alosetron is used to treat diarrhea and abdominal discomfort that occurs in some women with irritable bowel syndrome (IBS). It works in a similar fashion as granisetron (Kytril), ondansetron (Zofran) and dolasetron (Anzemet) that are used for preventing nausea and vomiting. The discomfort and...
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bisoprolol and hydrochlorothiazide (Ziac): Side Effects & Dosage
What is bisoprolol and hydrochlorothiazide, and how does it work (mechanism of action)? Ziac is a combination product containing bisoprolol (Zebeta) and hydrochlorothiazide (HCTZ). Bisoprolol is a beta-adrenergic receptor blocking agent used for treating high blood pressure and heart pain (angina). Bisoprolol prevents the neurotransmitters (chemicals that nerves use to communicate with other nerves), norepinephrine...
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Fentanyl (Sublimaze): Opioid Uses, Side Effects & Dosage
What is fentanyl, and how does it work (mechanism of action)? Fentanyl is a strong, synthetic (man-made) narcotic that is similar to morphine. A 0.1 mg dose of fentanyl is approximately equal to 10 mg of morphine administered by intramuscular injection. Fentanyl stimulates receptors on nerves in the brain to increase the threshold to pain...
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sodium iodide I 131, Iodotope, Sodium Iodide I 131 Therapeutic: Drug Facts, Side Effects and Dosing
What is sodium iodide I 131, and how does it work (mechanism of action)? Sodium iodide I 131 is an oral medication used to treat hyperthyroidism (overactive thyroid gland) and some cases of thyroid cancer. It falls under the category of an anti-thyroid drug but differs from the other anti-thyroid drugs, propylthiouracil (PTU) and methimazole...
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Nitrates vs. Phosphates: Heart Medication & Laxative Uses & Dosage
Nitrates vs. phosphates: What’s the difference? Nitrates are vasodilators used to treat or prevent heart pain (angina, chest pain) caused by heart disease, usually of the arteries in the heart. Phosphates are laxatives used to clean out the intestines before a colonoscopy. Examples of nitrates include nitroglycerin sublingual tablet (Nitrostat), nitroglycerin lingual aerosol (Nitromist), nitroglycerin...
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Protopic Ointment (Acrolimus) vs. Topical Hydrocortisone
Protopic ointment vs. hydrocortisone: What’s the difference? Protopic ointment (acrolimus) and hydrocortisone are topical drugs (for the skin) used to treat atopic dermatitis (eczema). Hydrocortisone is also used for the relief of itching and inflammation caused by a wide variety of skin conditions (for example, insect bites and allergic reactions). Protopic Ointment and hydrocortisone belong...
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Bilirubin Test: Normal & High Bilirubin Levels in Adults & Newborns
What should I know about bilirubin and blood test? Picture of blood test result showing Bilirubin, AST, ALT levels. by iStock Bilirubin is a reddish yellow pigment made during the normal breakdown of red blood cells. Normal levels vary slightly from lab to lab; they range from about 0.2 – 1.2 mg/dL. Signs and symptoms...
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Rectal Bleeding (Bright Red, Maroon) Causes & Treatment
Rectal bleeding definition and facts Readers Comments 44 Share Your Story Picture of Colon Anatomy and Sources of Rectal Bleeding Rectal bleeding is the passage of blood through the anus. The bleeding may result in bright red blood in the stool as well as maroon colored or black stool. The bleeding also may be occult...