Calcium channel blockers vs. ACE inhibitors: What’s the difference? Calcium channel blockers (CCBs) and angiotensin-converting enzyme (ACE) inhibitors are used to treat high blood pressure. Calcium channel blockers (CCBs) are also used to relieve or prevent angina (chest pain), to treat certain abnormal heart rhythms, and to treat migraine headaches. ACE inhibitors are also used...
Ketoconazole cream vs. Lamisil: What’s the difference? Ketoconazole cream and Lamisil (terbinafine) are antifungal medications used to treat fungal infections such as jock itch and athlete's foot. Ketoconazole cream is also used to treat ringworm, dandruff, and tinea versicolor. Brand names for ketoconazole include Nizoral, Nizoral A-D, Ketodan, Extina, Xolegel, and Kuric. Lamisil is available...
Hydroxyzine vs. buspirone: What’s the difference? Hydroxyzine and buspirone are used to treat anxiety. Hydroxyzine is also used to treat itching caused by allergic reactions, to induce sedation prior to or after anesthesia, and to treat nausea, vomiting, and alcohol withdrawal. Buspirone may also help improve symptoms of depression in patients with generalized anxiety disorder....
Bipolar disorder facts Picture of Diagnosing Bipolar Disorder Patient Bipolar disorder, also called bipolar I disorder and previously called manic depression, is a condition that involves mood swings with at least one episode of mania and may also include repeated episodes of depression. Bipolar disorder afflicts up to 4 million people in the United States...
What is cystic acne? Readers Comments 1 Share Your Story Cystic acne may cause scarring, giving the skin a pitted look. Cystic acne is a form of acne associated with long-standing, painful nodules of the face, back of neck, chest, and back. Adolescent acne goes through certain stages, each of which requires specific therapy. It...
What are antinuclear antibodies? Diagram shows what pathologists see under the microscope in an ANA test We normally have antibodies in our blood that repel invaders in our bodies, such as virus and bacteria microbes. Antinuclear antibodies (ANAs) are unusual antibodies, detectable in the blood, that have the capability of binding to certain structures within...
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...
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...
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...
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....