What is latanoprost, and how does it work (mechanism of action)? Latanoprost, a derivative of the chemical, prostaglandin F2-alpha, is used for the treatment of glaucoma. Glaucoma is a condition in which the pressure exerted by the liquid within the eyeball (the aqueous humor) is too great. The high pressure damages the optic nerve at...
What is triazolam, and how does it work (mechanism of action)? Triazolam is a drug that is used to promote sleep in individuals who have difficulty sleeping (insomnia). It is in the benzodiazepine family of drugs, the same family that includes diazepam (Valium), alprazolam (Xanax), clonazepam (Klonopin), flurazepam (Dalmane), lorazepam (Ativan), and others. Insomnia is...
What is tetracycline, and how does it work (mechanism of action)? Tetracycline is a broad spectrum antibiotic, that is, it is active against many different types of bacteria. It is effective against Hemophilus influenzae, Streptococcus pneumoniae, Mycoplasma pneumoniae, Chlamydia psittaci, Chlamydia trachomatis, Neisseria gonorrhoeae, and many others. Tetracycline prevents growth of bacteria by preventing the...
What is beta thalassemia? People with thalassemia make defective hemoglobin, the compound in blood that carries oxygen. Thalassemias are inherited blood disorders. Thalassemia patients make defective hemoglobin. There are two forms of beta thalassemia: thalassemia minor and thalassemia major (also called Cooley's anemia). Beta thalassemia is classically described in people of Italian and Greek origin....
Cataract surgery facts Cataract surgery involves replacing the clouded lens in the eye with an artificial one. Early symptoms of cataracts include blurred vision, glare, and difficulty reading. Cataracts will affect most people and become more prominent as we age. Cataracts can be diagnosed when the doctor examines the eyes with specialized viewing instruments. The...
Vaginitis facts Readers Comments 4 Share Your Story Bacterial vaginitis can be caused by STDs. Vaginitis is inflammation of the vagina. Symptoms of vaginitis include vaginal pain or discomfort, itching, discharge, and odor. Pain with urination or during sexual intercourse is also common. Vaginitis may be due to infections or non-infectious causes. Infectious vaginitis may...
Heat stroke facts Readers Comments 1 Share Your Story Heat stroke can be fatal. Heat stroke is a form of hyperthermia in which the body temperature is elevated dramatically. Heat stroke is a medical emergency and can be fatal if not promptly and properly treated. The cause of heat stroke is an elevation in body...
What are HDL (good) and LDL (bad) cholesterol? Share Your Story <span class=HDL cholesterol protects against narrowing of blood vessels while the LDL may make the narrowing worse. Cholesterol is a fat-like (lipid-like) substance that your body uses as a building block to produce hormones, vitamin D, and digestive juices that help you break down...
How long is a cold or flu contagious? Discover how long a common cold and the flu are contagious. Both colds and the flu are contagious and are caused by viruses. However, the viruses that cause colds (for example, rhinoviruses) are not the same as those that cause the flu (influenza viruses). Although the typical...
Postsurgical fatigue introduction When you are tired after surgery, your body is telling you to rest. Patients often question why they are so tired after surgery. Many patients think that because they have been “put to sleep with anesthesia” that they should be refreshed and have more energy as they recover from their surgery. However,...