The individuals suffering from astigmatism must be extra cautious while considering LASIK surgery. The individuals suffering from astigmatism must be extra cautious while considering LASIK surgery. Since the surgery involves manipulation and restructuring of the cornea, LASIK and similar procedures can sometimes worsen astigmatism. However, with advances in technology and precision instruments in ophthalmology, most disadvantages can be minimized. You...
Aleve (naproxen) vs. Celebrex (celecoxib) Effectiveness
Aleve (naproxen) vs. Celebrex (celecoxib) quick comparison Aleve (naproxen) and Celebrex (celecoxib) are nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drugs (NSAIDs) used to treat arthritis, pain, menstrual cramps, and fever. One difference between Aleve and Celebrex is that Aleve is available without a prescription from your doctor (over-the-counter, OTC) and Celebrex is not. You do need one to obtain Celebrex. Side effects of Aleve...
When Is a Thoracentesis Procedure Performed?
What is thoracentesis? Thoracentesis is a bedside medical procedure used to drain fluid from the space between your chest wall and lungs (the pleural cavity). Your lungs are enclosed in a two-layered covering called the pleura. There is a thin space between the two layers of the pleura called the pleural space that contains a small amount of fluid called...
alfuzosin (Uroxatral) for BPH in Men: Side Effects & Dosage
What is alfuzosin? What are the uses for alfuzosin? Alfuzosin is used in adult men to treat slow urination due to benign prostatic hyperplasia. Most men experience an improvement in urination in 2 to 3 weeks. The symptoms associated with benign prostatic hyperplasia (BPH) such as urinary frequency, nocturia, weak stream, hesitancy and incomplete emptying are related to two components,...
What to Do When a Cold Becomes Bronchitis?
Bronchitis or “chest cold” refers to the inflammation of the airways If your cold progresses to become bronchitis, you must: Drink plenty of fluids, especially water. If due to certain medical conditions such as kidney diseases your doctor has restricted your fluid intake, you may ask them of the number of fluids you can safely have. Take adequate rest. Take...
abacavir, lamivudine, zidovudine (Trizivir) Side Effects & Dosage
What is abacavir, lamivudine, zidovudine, and how does it work (mechanism of action)? Trizivir is a combination oral medication that is used for treating infections with the human immunodeficiency virus (HIV). Trizivir contains abacavir (Ziagen), lamivudine (Epivir) and zidovudine (Retrovir), which are three different anti-HIV drugs with different mechanisms of action. Anti-HIV drugs are often used in combination to increase...
ACE Inhibitors: List of Names, Side Effects (Cough, Kidney) & Dosage
What are ACE inhibitors, and how do they work (mechanism of action)? Angiotensin II is a very potent chemical produced by the body that primarily circulates in the blood. It causes the muscles surrounding blood vessels to contract, thereby narrowing the vessels. The narrowing of the vessels increases the pressure within the vessels causing increases in blood pressure (hypertension). Angiotensin...
Alkindi Sprinkle (hydrocortisone) for Adrenal Insufficiency
What is Alkindi Sprinkle (hydrocortisone), and how does it work? Alkindi Sprinkle contains a drug called hydrocortisone. Hydrocortisone belongs to a group of medicines known as corticosteroids. Hydrocortisone is a synthetic version of the hormone cortisol. Cortisol is made naturally by the adrenal glands in the body. Alkindi Sprinkle is a prescription medicine that contains hydrocortisone also called a corticosteroid....
Women’s Health: Sexual Health, Menopause, Fertility & Common Conditions
Facts on women’s health Women and men share many similar health problems, but women have their own health issues, which deserve special consideration. Women's lives have changed over the centuries. Historically, life was particularly difficult for most women. Aside from the numerous dangers and diseases, women became wives and mothers often when they were just emerging from their own childhood....
Abilify (aripiprazole): Bipolar Drug Side Effects (Weight Gain) & Dosage
What is Abilify, and how does it work (mechanism of action)? Abilify (aripiprazole) is an anti-psychotic medicine used for the medical treatment of psychotic conditions and disorders such as schizophrenia and bipolar disorder. It also is used with other medications for the treatment of major depression in adults. The exact mechanism of action of Abilify is unknown. However, like other...