What should you know about jaundice in newborns and babies? Jaundice is the yellowish discoloration of the skin, mucous membranes and the whites of the eyes (sclerae) caused by elevated levels of bilirubin in the blood (hyperbilirubinemia). The term jaundice is derived from the French word jaune, which means yellow. Jaundice is not technically a...
What facts should I know about C. diff (Clostridium difficile)? Readers Comments 20 Share Your Story What is a bacterial infection? What is the medical definition of C. diff? Clostridium difficile or C. diff is a bacterium. Microscopically it is referred to as gram positive and rod-shaped. It is exists best in a low oxygen environment....
What is potassium chloride, and how does it work (mechanism of action)? Potassium preparations are used for supplementing potassium in order to treat or prevent low potassium levels in the blood (hypokalemia). Potassium is a major mineral (electrolyte) that is important for the function of every cell in the body. For example, it is important...
Dicyclomine vs. Linzess: What’s the difference? Dicyclomine and Linzess (linaclotide) are used to treat irritable bowel syndrome (IBS). Linzess is specifically used to treat symptoms of irritable bowel syndrome (IBS) with constipation. It is also used to treat chronic constipation of unknown cause (idiopathic constipation). Dicyclomine and Linzess belong to different drug classes. Dicyclomine is...
Carafate vs. omeprazole: What’s the difference? Carafate (sucralfate) and omeprazole are used to treat ulcers and gastroesophageal reflux disease (GERD). Omeprazole is also used to treat Zollinger-Ellison syndrome, duodenitis, erosive esophagitis, heartburn, and H. pylori infection. Brand names for omeprazole include OmePPi, Zegerid, Prilosec, Zegerid, Prilosec OTC, and Zegerid OTC. Some versions of omeprazole are...
Dicyclomine vs. hyoscyamine: What’s the difference? Dicyclomine and hyoscyamine are anticholinergics used to treat irritable bowel syndrome (IBS). Hyoscyamine is also used to treat peptic ulcer disease, hypermotility of the lower urinary tract, and gastrointestinal disorders. A brand name for dicyclomine is Bentyl. Brand names for hyoscyamine include Levbid, Levsin, Nulev, and Anaspaz. Side effects of dicyclomine and hyoscyamine that are similar include dry mouth, blurred vision, confusion, constipation, difficulty urinating, changes in taste, headache, nervousness, drowsiness, weakness, dizziness, impotence,...
Dicyclomine vs. Librax: What’s the difference? Dicyclomine and Librax (chlordiazepoxide hydrochloride and clidinium bromide) are used to treat irritable bowel syndrome (IBS). Librax is also used to treat peptic ulcer disease. It also may be useful in management of acute gastroenteritis (stomach flu). Dicyclomine and Librax belong to different drug classes. Dicyclomine is an anticholinergic...
What is famotidine, and how does it work (mechanism of action)? Famotidine is an oral drug that blocks the production of acid by acid-producing cells in the stomach. It belongs to a class of drugs called H2 (histamine-2) blockers that also includes cimetidine (Tagamet), nizatidine (Axid), and ranitidine (Zantac). Histamine is a naturally-occurring chemical that...
What is nystatin? Nystatin is an oral anti-fungal medication. Why is nystatin used? Nystatin oral tablets and capsules are used for treating intestinal candidiasis. Is nystatin available as a generic drug? Yes Do I need a prescription for nystatin? Yes What brand names are available for nystatin? There are no brand names for nystatin available...
Stomach flu (gastroenteritis) facts Readers Comments 18 Share Your Story Acute gastroenteritis lasts about seven to 14 days while chronic may last for months or longer. The stomach flu (gastroenteritis) is a nonspecific term for various inflammatory problems in the gastrointestinal (GI) tract. Gastroenteritis may be of short duration (acute viral) or...