What is captopril, and how does it work (mechanism of action)? Captopril is an oral drug and a member of a class of drugs called angiotensin converting enzyme (ACE) inhibitors. ACE inhibitors are used for treating high blood pressure, heart failure, and for preventing kidney failure due to high blood pressure and diabetes. Other ACE inhibitors include enalapril (Vasotec), quinapril...
arnica montana (Arnicare, Arniflora) Uses, Side Effects & Dosage
What is arnica (Arnica montana)-topical, and how does it work (mechanism of action)? Arnica montana is a homeopathic topical pain relief agent. Its mechanism of action is not well known. Arnica preparations have shown wound healing, antiseptic, anti-inflammatory, and pain relieving properties. Arnica’s actions may be due to two chemicals called helenalin and dihyrdohelenalin. These chemicals may modify the action...
Cyclobenzaprine (Flexeril) Side Effects, Alcohol Interactions & Dosage
What is cyclobenzaprine (Amrix, Fexmid, Flexeril)? Cyclobenzaprine is a muscle relaxant. Cyclobenzaprine relieves muscle spasm when the spasm is due to local problems, that is, in the muscle itself and not in the nerves controlling the muscles. Cyclobenzaprine has no effect on muscle function. Cyclobenzaprine seems to accomplish its beneficial effect through a complex mechanism within the nervous system, probably...
Diamox Brand (acetazolamide) Side Effects, Dosage & Uses
What is Diamox, Diamox Sequels (acetazolamide)? Acetazolamide is a strong carbonic anhydrase inhibitor. Why is Diamox, Diamox Sequels (acetazolamide) prescribed to patients? Acetazolamide a prescription medicine used for the following conditions: To remove extra fluid from the body (diuresis) in people with heart failure. Prevention and treatment of mountain sickness (altitude sickness) Seizures Glaucoma What brand names are available for...
Pelvic Pain (Severe) During Pregnancy, Causes, and Chronic
What should I know about pelvic pain? Share Your Story The medical definition of pelvic pain is perceived pain in the pelvic area and the lower part of the abdomen located between the hip bones. Usually, the term pelvic pain is used to refer to pain in the reproductive organs (uterus, Fallopian tubes, ovaries, vagina) in women. What causes pelvic...
How Do You Get Rid of Ringing in the Ears (Tinnitus)?
What is tinnitus? Tinnitus is not a condition in itself, but a symptom of some other condition that causes a high-pitched whine, a ringing, buzzing or clicking in the ears. It can come from any number of problems starting with the eardrum and cochlea – the organs that turn sound waves into electrical signals for the brain to interpret as...
Is There a Cure for Cirrhosis of the Liver? Stages & Treatment
What is cirrhosis of the liver? Liver cirrhosis results from disease or chemical-induced injuries to the liver over a sustained period. As the injuries kill liver cells, your body attempts to rebuild the damage. In the process, the existing cells are inflamed and scar tissue results, compromising the structure of the liver and hampering its function. Your liver may become...
Early Signs and Symptoms of Autism
What is autism? Share Your Story Autism can be diagnosed in babies, children, tweens, teens, and adults. Autism spectrum disorder (ASD) is a developmental disability that affects a person's behavior and impairs the ability to communicate and interact with others. Symptoms of autism spectrum disorder can range from mild to severe. The cause is unknown. Autism spectrum disorder refers to...
Endoscopy Procedure Risks, Preparation, Pain, and Results
What is upper endoscopy? Readers Comments 2 Share Your Story Endoscopy is a procedure in which a camera is inserted into an orifice or surgical incision to explore for abnormalities or cancers, or perform minimally invasive surgery. Upper endoscopy is a procedure that enables the examiner (usually a gastroenterologist) to examine the esophagus (swallowing tube), stomach, and duodenum (first portion...
What Is Erythropoietin (EPO)? Test, Definition & Side Effects
Erythropoietin (EPO) definition and facts Measuring blood levels of erythripoietin, a hormone involved in red blood cell production, can diagnose some medical conditions. Erythropoietin (EPO) is a hormone produced by the kidney. Erythropoietin promotes the formation of red blood cells by the bone marrow. The erythropoietin hormone level can be detected and measured in the blood (the EPO test). Measurement...