What is nadolol, and how does it work (mechanism of action)? Nadolol is a member of a class of drugs called beta-adrenergic receptor blockers that is used for treating high blood pressure and heart pain (angina). Examples of other beta-adrenergic blockers include propanolol (Inderal, Inderal LA), atenolol (Tenormin), and timolol (Blocadren). Norepinephrine and epinephrine (adrenaline) are chemicals released within the...
Atovaquone/Proguanil (Malarone) Uses Side Effects & Dosage
What is atovaquone-proguanil, and how does it work (mechanism of action)? Atovaquone and proguanil is an anti-malarial medication. Atovaquone blocks mitochondrial electron transfer and thereby the production of energy for use by the parasites. Proguanil is metabolized into its active metabolite, cycloguanil, which blocks dihydrofolate reductase and enzymes required for making pyrimidine which is a chemical needed for production of...
How Do You Get Rid of Diarrhea? Treatment, Symptoms & Causes
What is diarrhea? Diarrhea is characterized as loose or runny stools that happen an abnormally high number of times throughout the day. Diarrhea can be linked to autoimmune diseases like Crohn’s or functional bowel disorders like irritable bowel syndrome, but is more often a sign of food intolerance (lactose is common), viral infection, food poisoning or other infectious diseases of...
How to Get Rid of Bone Spurs in Feet, Neck, Shoulder & Spine
What are bone spurs? A bone spur is a small, sharp outgrowth of bone. They can come from local trauma to the bone, cartilage or tendon near where a bone spur has formed. Inflammation, like that caused by arthritis, can also cause the formation of bone spurs. Often, bone spurs are not painful or uncomfortable. They only require treatment when...
How Do You Get Rid of Boils?
What are boils? Boils result from a localized skin infection. They start as a hard, tender lump that reddens. Eventually, the lump becomes filled with whitish or yellow pus, which comprises millions of dead white blood cells the body has deployed to fight the infection, bacteria, and proteins. The boil or abscess may burst and drain by itself or may...
Mercury Poisoning: Symptoms, Sources, Forms & Side Effects
Mercury poisoning definition and facts* Readers Comments 7 Share Your Story *Mercury poisoning facts by John P. Cunha, DO, FACOEP The severity of mercury poisoning depends on the level of exposure, usually determined by a blood test. Mercury is a naturally occurring element found in air, water and soil. A highly toxic form (methylmercury) builds up in fish, shellfish and...
Pneumothorax (Collapsed Lung): Symptoms, Causes & Treatment
Pneumothorax (collapsed lung) definition and facts Picture of Pneumothorax (Collapsed Lung) A pneumothorax is a collection of free air in the chest cavity (thoracic cavity) that causes the lung to collapse. Pneumothorax may occur on its own in the absence of underlying disease; this is termed spontaneous pneumothorax. Pneumothorax may also occur because of an injury or underlying lung disease....
Vaping (e-Cigarette, Marijuana): Side Effects, Risks & Lung Conditions
What are e-cigarettes? What is “vaping”? Readers Comments 9 Share Your Story The long-term dangers of vaping remain unclear, but it has been implicated in some lung problems. E-cigarettes (e cigarettes, or vaping) are smokable, refillable or replaceable cartridges or containers that hold liquid that contains nicotine, solvents, and chemical flavors. When a person inhales ("vaping"), they are putting a...
What Is Arrhythmia? Irregular Heartbeat Symptoms, Treatment & Types
Introduction to Arrhythmia Arrhythmia is an abnormal heartbeat, which can be diagnosed by an EKG readout. An irregular heartbeat is an arrhythmia (also called dysrhythmia). Heart rates can also be irregular. A normal heart rate is 50 to 100 beats per minute. Arrhythmias and abnormal heart rates don’t necessarily occur together. Arrhythmias can occur with a normal heart rate, or...
Prostate Specific Antigen (PSA) Test, Results, Levels & Ranges
Prostate-specific antigen (PSA) test facts This diagram shows the different levels of PSA and what they mean for health The prostate-specific antigen (PSA) test is a blood test. The PSA test can be useful for detecting prostate cancer, monitoring its treatment, or assessing its recurrence. The PSA test can also be abnormal with benign enlargement (benign prostatic hyperplasia or BPH),...