What is estradiol, and how does it work (mechanism of action)? Estrogen is one of the major female hormones, the other one being progesterone. Estrogens occur in nature in several chemical forms. In women with active menstrual cycles, the ovaries produce between 70 and 500 micrograms of estradiol daily. This is converted to estrone and to a lesser extent estriol....
budesonide inhaler (Pulmicort): Side Effects & Dosage
What is budesonide inhaler, and how does it work (mechanism of action)? Budesonide is a man-made glucocorticoid steroid related to the naturally-occurring hormone, cortisol or hydrocortisone which is produced in the adrenal glands. It is used for treating asthma by inhalation. Glucocorticoid steroids such as cortisol or budesonide have potent anti-inflammatory actions that reduces inflammation and hyper-reactivity (spasm) of the...
vitamin K-1, phytonadione (Mephyton): Side Effects & Dosage
What is vitamin k-injection, and how does it work (mechanism of action)? Phytonadione is a synthetic form of vitamin K that is chemically identically to the naturally occurring vitamin K. Vitamin K is found in many foods from both plant and animal sources. Common sources of vitamin K include green leafy vegetables such as broccoli, Brussels sprouts, collard greens, lettuce,...
doxazosin mesylate (Cardura): Side Effects & Dosage
What is doxazosin mesylate, and how does it work (mechanism of action)? Doxazosin is an oral drug used for treating high blood pressure and symptoms of benign prostatic hyperplasia (BPH, a noncancerous enlargement of the prostate gland). It belongs to a class of drugs called alpha-1 adrenergic blockers. Other drugs in this class include alfuzosin (Uroxatral), terazosin (Hytrin), tamsulosin (Flomax),...
Pregabalin (Lyrica) vs. Tramadol (Ultram): Side Effects & Dosage
Lyrica vs. tramadol differences and similarities Lyrica (pregabalin) and tramadol are used to treat pain. Lyrica is used to treat neuropathic pain associated with diabetic peripheral neuropathy or postherpetic neuralgia, and fibromyalgia. Lyrica is also used in combination with other drugs to treat partial onset seizures in adults. Tramadol is used to manage moderate to moderately severe pain. Brand names...
Butalbital/Acetaminophen/Caffeine Side Effects & Dosage
What is narcotic analgesic-apap-caffeine-butalbital-oral, and how does it work (mechanism of action)? Butalbital/acetaminophen/caffeine is a combination product used for treating headache. Butalbital is a narcotic that depresses the central nervous system. Acetaminophen is a pain reliever and fever reducer. It is the active compound in Tylenol. Acetaminophen relieves pain by elevating the pain threshold, that is, by requiring a greater...
Heart Failure Symptoms: Congestive, Diastolic & Life Expectancy
Heart failure definition and facts Readers Comments 5 Share Your Story The definition of heart failure is when the heart cannot pump efficiently enough for blood to circulate oxygen-rich blood throughout the body. When the heart becomes weak or when it becomes thickened and stiff, the heart muscle cannot keep up with its workload. Signs and symptoms of heart failure...
Screening Tests for Cancer: Facts on Early Cancer Detection
Cancer Screening Test Facts* *Cancer screening test facts medical author: Melissa Conrad Stöppler, MD Cancer screening tests are tests that look for the presence of cancer in healthy people or people without symptoms of cancer. Cancer screening tests are designed to find cancers at an early stage when they are more treatable. Some cancer screening tests have been found to...
Screening Tests for Cancer: Facts on Early Cancer Detection
Cancer Screening Test Facts* *Cancer screening test facts medical author: Melissa Conrad Stöppler, MD Cancer screening tests are tests that look for the presence of cancer in healthy people or people without symptoms of cancer. Cancer screening tests are designed to find cancers at an early stage when they are more treatable. Some cancer screening tests have been found to...
What Is the Treatment for a Heart Attack?
What is a heart attack? Readers Comments 2 Share Your Story A heart attack (also known as a myocardial infarction or MI) is the death of heart muscle from the sudden blockage by a blood clot in a coronary artery that supplies blood to the heart. Blockage of a coronary artery deprives the heart muscle of blood and oxygen, causing...