Hydralazine vs. hydrochlorothiazide: What’s the difference? Hydralazine and hydrochlorothiazide are used to treat high blood pressure and congestive heart failure (CHF). Hydralazine is also used to treat hypertensive crisis. Hydrochlorothiazide is also used to treat excessive fluid accumulation and swelling (edema) of the body caused by cirrhosis, chronic kidney failure, corticosteroid medications, and nephrotic syndrome....
Tramadol vs. Vicodin comparison Tramadol (Ultram) and Vicodin (hydrocodone and acetaminophen) are both prescription opioids and narcotics for pain, though tramadol is weaker. Vicodin is used for people with severe pain that don't experience pain relief from weaker opioids like tramadol or codeine. Vicodin is combined with acetaminophen, which is an analgesic and antipyretic and the...
Alcoholic Drinks Alcohol metabolism is the process by which the body breaks down and eliminates alcohol. Take a sip of alcohol and you may start to feel its effects right away. But it could take several hours or even longer for your body to fully break down that booze. Even after the breakdown is complete,...
What is sodium bicarbonate? Sodium bicarbonate (Alka-Seltzer Heartburn Relief) is an alkalinizing agent (antacid) that reduces stomach acid. It is a commonly used antacid to treat heartburn, acid ingestion and upset stomach. Is sodium bicarbonate available as a generic drug? Yes. Do I need a prescription for sodium bicarbonate? No. Why is sodium bicarbonate prescribed...
Facts you should know about breast lumps in women Picture of the anatomy of the breast Breast lumps can be caused by infections, injuries, non-cancerous growths, and cancer. Breast cancer usually causes no pain in the breast. The symptoms of breast cancer include painless breast lumps, nipple discharge, and inflammation of the skin of the...
Cytomegalovirus (CMV) infection facts Picture of owl eye inclusion bodies in kidney cells of an individual with cytomegalovirus infection; SOURCE: CDC/Dr. Haraszti CMV is a common virus in the same family as herpesvirus, and it can infect anyone. CMV spreads by direct contact of body fluids, such as saliva, blood, urine, semen, vaginal fluids, congenital...
Rabies facts The bite of a rabid animal can transmit the rabies virus to a human. The rabies virus causes rabies. Rabid animals transmit the virus via a bite or saliva exposure. Early signs and symptoms of rabies mimic those of a viral flu-like infection. People should start post-exposure prophylaxis (PEP) treatment as soon as...
Spina bifida in babies and adults facts* Spina bifida (anencephaly) can be diagnosed in-utero. *Spina bifida facts medical author: Melissa Stöppler, MD Spina bifida is a form of birth defect known as a neural tube defect. Spina bifida results from an incomplete formation of the brain, spinal cord, and/or meninges in an infant. Spina bifida...
What is colesevelam, and how does it work (mechanism of action)? Colesevelam is an oral drug that lowers cholesterol levels in the blood. It also improves control of blood sugar in type 2 diabetes. Cholesterol made by the liver or from the food we eat can be converted into bile acids by the liver. The...
What is quinidine? Quinidine is an antiarrhythmic agent and antimalarial drug. Is quinidine available as a generic drug? GENERIC AVAILABLE: Yes Do I need a prescription for quinidine? Yes What are the uses for quinidine? Quinidine is an antiarrhythmic drug used in the treatment of abnormal heart rhythms such as atrial fibrillation, atrial flutter, and...