What is pantoprazole (Protonix)? How does it work (mechanism of action)? Pantoprazole is in a class of drugs called proton pump inhibitors (PPIs), which block the production of acid by the stomach. Other drugs in the same class include lansoprazole (Prevacid), omeprazole (Prilosec) and rabeprazole (Aciphex). Proton pump inhibitors are used for the treatment of...
IBS triggers and prevention facts The anatomy of the GI tract. Irritable bowel syndrome (IBS) is a recurrent disease of the bowel. Treatment and management of symptoms include psychological support, dietary measures, management of food intake, and management of medications and/or psychological conditions. Foods and drinks that dehydrate the body can trigger constipation in people...
What is chlordiazepoxide hydrochloride and clidinium bromide, and how does it work (mechanism of action)? Chlordiazepoxide hydrochloride and clidinium bromide (Librax) combines the anti-anxiety action of chlordiazepoxide and the antispasmodic effects of clidinium. It also blocks the acid secretion of the gastrointestinal tract and inhibits the action of nerves that are very active in certain...
What is dicyclomine? What are the uses for dicyclomine? Dicyclomine is a drug that is used for treating irritable bowel syndrome (IBS). Dicyclomine is in a class of drugs called anticholinergics. Anticholinergic drugs block the effects of acetylcholine, the chemical transmitter that nerves release in order to cause muscles to contract. They prevent contraction of...
What is sodium citrate (alk) citric acid? What is it used for? Sodium citrate/citric acid is used to make urine less acidic and therefore prevent formation of kidney stones. Sodium citrate/citric acid also is useful as a buffer and neutralizing agent for gastric acid. Sodium citrate is broken down to sodium bicarbonate which decreases the...
What is bisacodyl-rectal suppository, and how does it work (mechanism of action)? Bisacodyl is a stimulant laxative. It stimulates the muscles in the wall of the small intestine and colon to generate a bowel movement. It also alters water and electrolyte levels in intestines, increasing the level of fluids which also produce a laxative-like effect....
What is sodium bicarbonate? Sodium bicarbonate (Alka-Seltzer Heartburn Relief) is an alkalinizing agent (antacid) that reduces stomach acid. It is a commonly used antacid to treat heartburn, acid ingestion and upset stomach. Is sodium bicarbonate available as a generic drug? Yes. Do I need a prescription for sodium bicarbonate? No. Why is sodium bicarbonate prescribed...
What is scopolamine? What are the uses for scopolamine? Scopolamine is an oral, intravenous, ophthalmic or topical drug with many uses including the prevention of motion sickness. Transderm Scop is scopolamine administered topically (through the skin or transdermally) via a special delivery system that gradually releases scopolamine onto the skin over a period of three...
E. coli definition and facts Readers Comments 3 Share Your Story Picture of E. coli Bacteria Serotype E. coli 0157:H7 is a bacterium that can produce bloody diarrhea due to toxins, especially Shiga (Vero) toxins that it produces, the toxin is secreted when the bacterium infects the human intestine. Other non-E. coli s0157 serotypes like...
Enterovirulent E. coli (EEC) facts Picture of E. coli Bacteria Enterovirulent E. coli (EEC) are bacteria that comprise several groups of E. coli serovars, all of which may cause diarrhea and other problems in the intestines. Facts EEC bacteria can cause a wide range of symptoms ranging from mild to bloody diarrhea, nausea, vomiting, stomach...