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. A brand name for hydroxyzine...
furosemide (Lasix): Diuretic Uses, Side Effects & Dosage
What is furosemide, and what is it used for? Furosemide (Lasix) is a potent diuretic (water pill) that is used to eliminate water and salt from the body. In the kidneys, salt (composed of sodium and chloride), water, and other small molecules normally are filtered out of the blood and into the tubules of the kidney. The filtered fluid ultimately...
Cefpodoxime proxetil (Vantin, Bantan): Antibiotic Side Effects & Dosage
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. Like other cephalosporins, cefpodoxime stops...
Trigger Finger Symptoms, Treatment, Causes & Home Remedies
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 inflammation or scarring of the...
6 Low Testosterone (Low-T) Symptoms (Depression), Treatment
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 drive. Testosterone influences male pattern...
Hyponatremia Definition, Symptoms, Causes & Treatments
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 of sodium and body fluid...
Antinuclear Antibody Test Normal Range & Interpretation
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 the nucleus of the cells....
How to Get Rid of Cystic Acne: Home Remedies, Treatment & Causes
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 starts with closed comedos (whiteheads),...
Bipolar Disorder Types, Causes, Symptoms, Treatment & Diagnosis
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 and is the fifth leading...
Beta Blocker Side Effects, Adverse Effects, and Warnings
What are beta blockers? Beta blockers are a class of drugs that block beta-adrenergic substances such as adrenaline (epinephrine), a key agent in the "sympathetic" portion of the autonomic (involuntary) nervous system and activation of heart muscle. By blocking the action of the involuntary nervous system on the heart, beta blockers slow the heartbeat and relieve stress on the heart....