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....
lisinopril (Prinivil, Zestril) Side Effects (Cough) & Dosage
What is lisinopril, and how does it work (mechanism of action)? Lisinopril is an angiotensin converting enzyme (ACE) inhibitor 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 (Accupril) captopril (Capoten) fosinopril (Monopril) benazepril (Lotensin) ramipril (Altace) moexipril (Univasc) trandolapril (Mavik) ACE...
Male Breast Cancer Symptoms, Signs, Statistics, Survival Rates & Treatment
Male breast cancer facts Male breast cancer accounts for about 1% of all breast cancers. Male breast cancer is rare and accounts for only about 1% of all breast cancers. Breast cancer risk in men is increased by elevated blood levels of estrogen, previous radiation exposure, and a family history of breast cancer. Mutations in specific genes, including BRCA2 mutations,...
Terbinafine (Lamisil) Antifungal Drug Side Effects & Dosage
What is terbinafine, and how does it work (mechanism of action)? Terbinafine is an antifungal agent that is taken by mouth or applied to the skin. Terbinafine acts by interfering with the ability of fungi to make chemicals called sterols that are an important part of the membrane that surrounds fungal cells and holds them together. This weakens the cell...
Desmopressin Acetate (DDAVP) Uses, Side Effects & Dosage
What are desmopressin tabs? What is desmopressin used for? Desmopressin is a man-made analogue of vasopressin which is the body's natural anti-diuretic hormone released by the pituitary. It works by increasing water permeability in renal tubular cells, which decreases urine volume and increases urine concentration. In people with diabetes insipidus due to trauma or surgery in the pituitary region of...
Klonopin vs Xanax: Benzodiazepine Side Effects, Withdrawal & Dosage
Klonopin (clonazepam) vs. Xanax (alprazolam) review Klonopin (clonazepam) and Xanax (alprazolam) belong to a class of drugs called benzodiazepines. Benzodiazepines are medications that cause drowsiness (sedation) and inhibition of nerve signals within the brain (central nervous system or CNS). They also are used for sedation during surgery. Both Klonopin and Xanax are prescribed to treat anxiety. Symptoms of anxiety include:...