What is the Apgar score? Most term infants make a successful and uneventful transition from living within the womb to the outside world. Some will need some medical intervention, and very few will require extensive resuscitation. A reproducible and rapidly determined rating system is necessary for evaluation of the condition of the newborn infant. The Apgar score is a practical...
Antro-duodenal Motility Study Alternatives & Side Effects
What is an antro-duodenal motility study? An antro-duodenal motility study is used to evaluate the ability of the muscles of the stomach and the first portion of the small intestine (duodenum) to contract. Conditions in which there is abnormal contraction of the muscles of the stomach and the small intestine are referred to as motility disorders. Therefore, an antro-duodenal motility...
Hand Joint Replacement Surgery: Procedure & Implants
What happens in joint replacement surgery? Joint replacement surgery involves replacing a destroyed joint with an artificial joint. In knee or hip replacement surgery, the artificial joint is made out of metal and plastic. In the case of joint replacement in the hand, the new joint is most commonly composed of silicone rubber or the patient’s own tissues such as...
Apgar Score: Test Results on the Apgar Scale for Babies
What is the Apgar score? Most term infants make a successful and uneventful transition from living within the womb to the outside world. Some will need some medical intervention, and very few will require extensive resuscitation. A reproducible and rapidly determined rating system is necessary for evaluation of the condition of the newborn infant. The Apgar score is a practical...
Baclofen vs. Flexeril Muscle Relaxer, Pain, Side Effects & Comparison
Baclofen vs. Flexeril quick comparison of differences Baclofen (Gablofen, Lioresal) and Flexeril (cyclobenzaprine) are muscle relaxants. Baclofen us used in people with multiple sclerosis to manage symptoms and signs of muscle spacicity and pain. Flexeril is used used for the treatment of short-term relief of skeletal muscle spasms and pain associated with short-term painful muscle and skeletal problems. Baclofen is not...
Tazorac vs. Accutane: Side Effects, Dosage & Interaction for Acne Drugs
What are the differences between Tazorac and isotretinoin? Tazorac (tazarotene) and isotretinoin are medications used to treat acne. Tazorac is also used to treat psoriasis. A difference is that Tazorac is a topical medication (applied to the skin) and isotretinoin is taken orally. Tazorac was withdrawn from the U.S. market, but it is available on a very limited basis for...
senna (sennosides; Senokot): Laxative Side Effects & Dosage
What is sennosides A&B-oral tablet, and how does it work (mechanism of action)? Senna is a natural medicine derived from the senna plant. Senna contains sennosides which acts as a stimulant laxative. It works by irritating and stimulating intestinal cells, producing contractions in intestines, water influx to the intestines and bowel movement. What brand names are available for sennosides A&B-oral...
risperidone (Risperdal): Anti-psychotic Drug Side Effects & Dosage
What is risperidone, and how does it work (mechanism of action)? Risperidone is an atypical antipsychotic drug that is used for treating schizophrenia, bipolar mania, and autism. Other atypical antipsychotic drugs include olanzapine (Zyprexa), quetiapine (Seroquel), ziprasidone (Geodon), aripiprazole (Abilify) and paliperidone (Invega). Atypical antipsychotics differ from typical antipsychotics because they cause a lesser degree of movement (extrapyramidal) side effects...
Dilaudid vs. Oxycodone: Differences Between Opioid Painkillers
Dilaudid vs. Oxycodone Dilaudid (hydromorphone hydrochloride) and oxycodone (OxyContin, Roxicodone, Oxecta, Oxaydo, Xtampza ER, and Roxybond) are both opioid narcotic pain relievers. Oxycodone is also used as a cough suppressant, and is often available in forms combined with other non-narcotic pain relievers such as acetaminophen (Tylenol) or aspirin. Side effects of Dilaudid and oxycodone that are similar and include: Lightheadedness...
valproic acid/divalproex (Depakote) Side Effects & Dosage
What is valproic acid, and how does it work (mechanism of action)? Valproic acid and its derivative, divalproex, are oral drugs that are used for the treatment of convulsions, migraines and bipolar disorder. The active ingredient in both products is valproic acid. Divalproex is converted to valproic acid in the stomach. Scientists do not know the mechanism of action of...