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Magnesium hydroxide (By mouth)

admin — Thu, 04 Sep 2008 20:01:04 -0700

Overview

Introduction
Brand Name(s)
When This Medicine Should Not Be Used
How to Use This Medicine
How to Store and Dispose of This Medicine
Drugs and Foods to Avoid
Warnings While Using This Medicine
Possible Side Effects While Using This Medicine

HEALTH GUIDE REFERENCE FROM A.D.A.M

Introduction

Magnesium Hydroxide (mag-NEE-zhum hye-DROX-ide)

Treats constipation, upset stomach, or heartburn. This medicine is a laxative and an antacid.

Brand Name(s)

Phillips', Health Care America Milk of Magnesia, Phillips Milk Of Magnesia, Good Sense Milk of Magnesia, Dulcolax Milk of Magnesia, The Medicine Shoppe Milk of Magnesia, Quality Choice Milk of Magnesia, Rite Aid Milk of Magnesia

There may be other brand names for this medicine.

When This Medicine Should Not Be Used

You should not use this medicine if you have had an allergic reaction to magnesium hydroxide (milk of magnesia).

How to Use This Medicine

Tablet, Liquid, Chewable Tablet

Your doctor will tell you how much of this medicine to take and how often. Do not take more medicine or take it more often than your doctor tells you to.
Do not use a laxative for longer than 1 week unless your doctor tells you to. Laxatives may be habit-forming and can harm your bowels if you use them too long or too often.
If you are using this medicine without a prescription, follow the instructions on the medicine label.
If you are using this medicine as a laxative, you must drink enough liquid. Drink a full glass (8 ounces) of water or other liquid after swallowing the medicine.
Measure the oral liquid medicine with a marked measuring spoon or medicine cup. Shake the medicine well just before using.
The chewable tablet must be chewed complete before you swallow it.

If a dose is missed:

If you miss a dose or forget to take your medicine, take it as soon as you can. If it is almost time for your next dose, wait until then to take the medicine and skip the missed dose.
Do not use extra medicine to make up for a missed dose.

How to Store and Dispose of This Medicine

Ask your pharmacist, doctor, or health caregiver about the best way to dispose of any leftover medicine after you have finished your treatment. You will also need to throw away old medicine after the expiration date has passed.
Store the medicine at room temperature in a closed container, away from heat, moisture, and direct light. Do not freeze.
Keep all medicine out of the reach of children and never share your medicine with anyone.

Drugs and Foods to Avoid

Ask your doctor or pharmacist before using any other medicine, including over-the-counter medicines, vitamins, and herbal products.

This medicine may interfere with some prescription medicines. Ask your doctor if you must take milk of magnesia at a different time than your other medicines.

Warnings While Using This Medicine

Make sure your doctor knows if you are pregnant or breastfeeding, or if you have kidney disease, stomach pain, nausea, or vomiting.

Possible Side Effects While Using This Medicine

Call your doctor right away if you notice any of these side effects:

Allergic reaction: Itching or hives, swelling in your face or hands, swelling or tingling in your mouth or throat, chest tightness, trouble breathing
Rectal bleeding, blood in stools

If you notice these less serious side effects, talk with your doctor:

Mild diarrhea, cramping

Review Date: 8/4/2008

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A.D.A.M. Copyright

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adam.com

Source Doc: 45_1200

Guaifenesin (By mouth)

admin — Thu, 04 Sep 2008 19:48:25 -0700

Overview

Introduction
Brand Name(s)
When This Medicine Should Not Be Used
How to Use This Medicine
How to Store and Dispose of This Medicine
Drugs and Foods to Avoid
Warnings While Using This Medicine
Possible Side Effects While Using This Medicine

HEALTH GUIDE REFERENCE FROM A.D.A.M

Introduction

Guaifenesin (gwye-FEN-e-sin)

Treats cough that is caused by colds, flu, or other conditions. Guaifenesin is an expectorant that loosens mucus in your lungs.

Brand Name(s)

Robitussin, Mucinex, Refenesen 400, Liquibid, The Medicine Shoppe Chest Congestion Relief, Rite Aid Mucus Relief, Bidex 400, Diabetic Tussin Mucus Relief, HealthSense G-Phen 400, Allfen JR, Xpect, Organ-1 NR, Organidin NR, GG-200 NR, Refenesen

There may be other brand names for this medicine.

When This Medicine Should Not Be Used

You should not use this medicine if you have ever had an allergic reaction to guaifenesin. Do not give any over-the-counter (OTC) cough and cold medicine to a baby or child under 2 years old. Using these medicines in very young children might cause serious or possibly life-threatening side effects.

How to Use This Medicine

Capsule, Tablet, Long Acting Capsule, Long Acting Tablet, Liquid

Your doctor will tell you how much of this medicine to use and how often. Do not use more medicine or use it more often than your doctor tells you to.
If you are using this medicine without a prescription, follow the instructions on the medicine label.
Measure the oral liquid medicine with a marked measuring spoon, oral syringe, or medicine cup.
Do not break, chew, or crush the tablet or capsule. Swallow it whole with a full glass of water.

If a dose is missed:

This medicine needs to be given on a fixed schedule. If you miss a dose or forget to use your medicine, call your doctor or pharmacist for instructions.

How to Store and Dispose of This Medicine

Store the medicine in a closed container at room temperature, away from heat, moisture, and direct light. Do not freeze the oral liquid.
Ask your pharmacist, doctor, or health caregiver about the best way to dispose of any outdated medicine or medicine no longer needed.
Keep all medicine away from children and never share your medicine with anyone.

Drugs and Foods to Avoid

Ask your doctor or pharmacist before using any other medicine, including over-the-counter medicines, vitamins, and herbal products.

Warnings While Using This Medicine

If you are pregnant or breast feeding, ask your doctor or pharmacist before using this medicine.
If your cough is caused by asthma, emphysema, bronchitis, or smoking, talk to your doctor before using this medicine.
This medicine may contain alcohol.

Possible Side Effects While Using This Medicine

Call your doctor right away if you notice any of these side effects:

Cough that lasts longer than 7 days.
Cough with fever, skin rash, or ongoing headache.

If you notice these less serious side effects, talk with your doctor:

Drowsiness.
Nausea, vomiting, diarrhea, stomach pain.

Review Date: 8/4/2008

A.D.A.M. Copyright

adam.com

Source Doc: 45_0238

Hydrogen peroxide (On the skin)

admin — Thu, 04 Sep 2008 20:08:25 -0700

Overview

Introduction
Brand Name(s)
When This Medicine Should Not Be Used
How to Use This Medicine
How to Store and Dispose of This Medicine
Drugs and Foods to Avoid
Warnings While Using This Medicine
Possible Side Effects While Using This Medicine

HEALTH GUIDE REFERENCE FROM A.D.A.M

Introduction

Hydrogen Peroxide (HYE-droe-jen per-OX-ide)

Prevents infection in minor cuts, scrapes, and burns. This medicine is used as a first aid antiseptic.

Brand Name(s)

Health Care America Hydrogen Peroxide, The Medicine Shoppe Hydrogen Peroxide, Aplicare One Hydrogen Peroxide, Proxacol, Rite Aid Hydrogen Peroxide Wipes

There may be other brand names for this medicine.

When This Medicine Should Not Be Used

You should not use this medicine if you have had an allergic reaction to hydrogen peroxide. You should not use this medicine to treat an injury to the eye, or to treat large areas of the body.

How to Use This Medicine

Pad, Liquid

This medicine comes with patient instructions. Read and follow these instructions carefully. Ask your doctor or pharmacist if you have any questions.
This medicine is for use on the skin only. Do not get it in your eyes, nose, or mouth.
This medicine is for use on skin only. Do not let this medicine get into your eyes, nose, or mouth. If it does get on these areas, rinse it off right away. Do not use this medicine over large areas of your body.
Clean the affected area and then apply a small amount of medicine.
Wash your hands with soap and water before and after using this medicine.
If a bandage is needed, allow the treated area to dry before covering.

How to Store and Dispose of This Medicine

Store the medicine in a closed container at room temperature, away from heat, moisture, and direct light.
Ask your pharmacist, doctor, or health caregiver about the best way to dispose of the used medicine container and any leftover medicine after you have finished your treatment. You will also need to throw away old medicine after the expiration date has passed.
Keep all medicine away from children and never share your medicine with anyone.

Drugs and Foods to Avoid

Ask your doctor or pharmacist before using any other medicine, including over-the-counter medicines, vitamins, and herbal products.

Do not use cosmetics or other skin care products on the treated skin areas.

Warnings While Using This Medicine

Talk to your doctor before use if you have deep or puncture wounds, animal bites, or serious burns.
Do not use this medicine for more than 1 week unless your doctor tells you to.
If your symptoms do not improve or if they get worse, call your doctor.

Possible Side Effects While Using This Medicine

Call your doctor right away if you notice any of these side effects:

Allergic reaction: Itching or hives, swelling in your face or hands, swelling or tingling in your mouth or throat, chest tightness, trouble breathing.

Review Date: 8/4/2008

A.D.A.M. Copyright

adam.com

Source Doc: 45_5212

Ipecac (By mouth)

admin — Thu, 04 Sep 2008 19:49:44 -0700

Overview

Introduction
Brand Name(s)
When This Medicine Should Not Be Used
How to Use This Medicine
How to Store and Dispose of This Medicine
Drugs and Foods to Avoid
Warnings While Using This Medicine
Possible Side Effects While Using This Medicine

HEALTH GUIDE REFERENCE FROM A.D.A.M

Introduction

Ipecac (IP-e-kak)

Causes vomiting. It is used for the emergency treatment of some drug overdoses and certain types of poisonings.

Brand Name(s)

The Medicine Shoppe Ipecac, Health Care America Ipecac

There may be other brand names for this medicine.

When This Medicine Should Not Be Used

You should not use this medicine if you have ever had an allergic reaction to ipecac. You should not use the fluidextract or tincture of ipecac, it is very strong and swallowing even a small amount may cause death. Only use the syrup form of ipecac.

How to Use This Medicine

Liquid

Take this medicine exactly as directed.
Drink a large glass of water (no milk or soda pop) right away after taking the syrup.
If you are giving this medicine to a child, have the child drink a glass of water before taking this medicine.
If vomiting does not start within 20 to 30 minutes after the first dose, take another dose.
If you have not vomited after the second dose, call your doctor, poison control center, or emergency room.

If a dose is missed:

Use only as directed.

How to Store and Dispose of This Medicine

Do not keep an opened or outdated bottle.
Store at room temperature in the original bottle, away from heat, moisture, and direct light. Do not freeze.
Keep all medicine out of the reach of children.

Drugs and Foods to Avoid

Ask your doctor or pharmacist before using any other medicine, including over-the-counter medicines, vitamins, and herbal products.

Warnings While Using This Medicine

You should not use this medicine without first calling a poison control center, doctor, or emergency room.
You should not use ipecac syrup to cause vomiting after poisoning with strychnine, acids, alkali (lyes), kerosene, gasoline, fuel oil, paint thinner, or cleaning fluids.
Do not give this medicine to a groggy or fainting person.
Check with your doctor before taking ipecac syrup if you have heart disease or any other medical problems.
Talk with your doctor before use if you are pregnant or breastfeeding.
Keep an unopened bottle of ipecac in the home at all times, out of the reach of children.
Never use ipecac syrup to cause vomiting for the purpose of weight loss. Using the medicine in this way may cause heart disease or death.

Possible Side Effects While Using This Medicine

Call your doctor right away if you notice any of these side effects:

Irregular heartbeat
Severe vomiting
Vomiting of blood
Severe stomach cramps
Severe diarrhea

If you notice these less serious side effects, talk with your doctor:

Stomach upset
Mild diarrhea
Muscle weakness or aching muscles

Review Date: 8/4/2008

A.D.A.M. Copyright

adam.com

Source Doc: 45_0336

Heal Disease Without Medication

FitSugar — Wed, 02 Apr 2008 02:00:00 -0700

Medicine is not always, well, the best medicine. Don't get me wrong, I am all for fixing what ails you, even if it takes a pill but medication can be pricey and have unpleasant side effects. The latest issue of the Harvard Health Letter takes a look at seven common conditions and gives insight on how to manage them without taking medication. Here are some tips that are useful for everyone:

Arthritis: There’s a good chance that losing weight will make arthritis less painful. Combine weight loss with exercise and you may have less pain and more mobility. Even for those who don’t need to lose weight, exercise that doesn’t put “load” on the joints reduces pain.
Cholesterol: Your LDL level may drop by 5% or so if you keep foods high in saturated fat off the menu. Additional soluble fiber may reduce LDL levels as well. So can margarines fortified with sterols.
Cognitive decline: Memory training and other “brain exercises” seem to help healthy older people stay sharp. But physical exercise may benefit the brain more than mental gymnastics.

There are more suggestions including remedies for depression and osteoporosis so read more.

Depression: Studies have shown that regular physical activity can have a potent antidepressant effect.
Diabetes: Regular physical activity is a powerful brake on blood sugar levels as well, because exercised muscle becomes more receptive to the insulin that helps it pull sugar in from the bloodstream. Eating fewer sweets and easy-to-digest carbohydrates also helps control blood sugar levels.
High blood pressure: Losing weight, getting more exercise, and eating less sodium all lower blood pressure.
Osteoporosis: Weight-bearing exercise puts stress on bones, and bone tissue reacts by getting stronger and denser, fending off osteoporotic processes. Extra vitamin D and calcium top the list of dietary recommendations.

Fit's Tip: Always talk with your doctor before stopping or starting any new regime to fight disease.

Spice It Up: Cardamom

FitSugar — Sat, 28 Feb 2009 10:49:29 -0800

Tired of the same old flavors, then you really should try something new and spice up your life. Adding herbs and spices to food is a great low-calorie, low-sodium way to improve the taste of your meal while increasing the health benefits as well.

Lately, I have been craving cardamom. I'm not sure the cravings mean anything about my diet, but I like this spice when I am physically cold. Cardamom is part of the the ginger family, so it has a little zip and heat to it. Found predominantly in Indian cuisine and used in Ayurvedic medicine, the ancient Greeks and Roman appreciated this spice as well. They thought it was an aphrodisiac and put the spice in their "love" potions.

The spice is high in the phytochemical cineole, which can positively affect several bodily complaints. Cardamom is considered to have many health benefits, many relating to the digestive system, like stimulating the digestive system, reducing gas, and counteracting stomach acidity. It is said to even help with halitosis. It is considered beneficial to the urinary-tract system and is considered a kidney cleanser. Cardamom is used to improve the circulation of the lungs and to treat asthma in Ayurvedic medicine. While I am not sure it does all that, I really like the taste.

You can find the spice in chai tea and here's a great recipe for chai. It is also one of the spices used in garam masala used often in Indian cuisine. Cardamom is also popular in Scandinavia and can be found in many sweets.

Source

Do You Use Herbal Remedies?

FitSugar — Wed, 04 Nov 2009 07:00:56 -0800

I ran into a friend this week who was on his way to an herbal medicine shop to bulk up on tinctures and teas because his wife is sick.

I've dabbled a little bit with herbal remedies - ginger for an upset stomach and echinacea for a cold - but not to the extent that he and his wife do. He said that for minor illnesses they only use herbal remedies, and that they're more effective than drugstore meds.

I'm still dubious about herbal remedies because the research is a bit spotty, but I think there may be some benefits to their use. What do you think of them? If you've had any experiences with using herbal remedies, share your thoughts in the comments section.

High Blood Pressure, a Hidden Killer

FitSugar — Wed, 24 Feb 2010 07:00:11 -0800

With American Heart Month coming to an end, I'd like to urge you to get your blood pressure checked. According to a new report from the Institute of Medicine, hypertension - aka high blood pressure - is becoming a neglected disease. When the doctor slips the Velcro cuff on and off of our arm, it's easy to zone out, but consider this: one in three American adults has hypertension and one in six will die from hypertension-related complications like a stroke or heart disease.

Although the exact cause of high blood pressure is unknown, there are many contributing factors to the condition. Here are a few things you can do to avoid becoming part of the deadly statistic.

Lay off the salt. Ninety percent of American adults consume more than the RDA of sodium of one teaspoon per day. Not entirely shocking when you consider the salt content in most processed or restaurant-made foods is through the roof. To keep your salt intake in check, make an effort to check the sodium content of the foods you buy at the grocery store, ask that your food be prepared with less salt when dining out, and go homemade whenever you can.
Relax. Stress is a contributing factor to high blood pressure. Make sure you have a way to decompress from all of life's little knots that can get tied up in you. Exercise, massage, sex, getting enough sleep, and meditation are great starts to a calmer you.

To find out four other ways you can prevent high blood pressure, read more.

Control your vices. If you're smoking, quit. If you're a drinker, keep it to one drink a day. Smoking and hitting the bottle too often are associated with a wave of health problems - hypertension is just one of them.
Get moving. Research has found that individuals who are overweight are prone to hypertension. But just because you're thin, doesn't mean you're off the hook - sedentary individuals are also are prime candidates for the condition. Whatever your weight, make sure you're physically active.
Eat the right thing. Certain foods like whole grains, potassium-rich foods, and fat-free milk products have all been linked to reducing the risk of hypertension.
Get checked out. As I mentioned in the beginning, it's important to regularly get your blood pressure checked. If you don't have insurance or can't afford a doctor's visit, many supermarkets, fire stations, and pharmacies have blood pressure monitors that you can use for a nominal fee. Normal blood pressure is 120/80 (systolic/diastolic) or less. When both numbers start to go way up, you've got high blood pressure.

DrSugar Answers: Is Candida the Culprit?

DrSugar — Tue, 23 Feb 2010 09:00:42 -0800

DrSugar is in the house, and she's answering your health-related questions.

Dear DrSugar,
I have been experiencing severe stomach pains for about four months, as well as other lesser symptoms like fatigue and skin breakouts. So far, my doctor is leaning toward the all-encompassing diagnosis of IBS, which obviously can only be "managed" (so far unsuccessfully) with lifestyle changes. I have tried eliminating gluten and dairy, which helped at first, but the pain has flared up again. Somebody at work suggested my problem might be candida. Is candida a "real" medical problem? And if so, are there diagnostic tests or medicinal treatments available? Any information about the causes, symptoms, and remedies for candida would be much appreciated. Thank you!
- Tender Tummy

To see DrSugar's response continue reading.

Exercise and Acupuncture Help PCOS

FitSugar — Fri, 10 Jul 2009 11:00:00 -0700

One in 10 American women suffer from polycystic ovarian syndrome (PCOS), and according to a new study it looks like modrerate exercise and acupuncture can really help.

PCOS is complicated and affects a woman’s menstrual cycle, fertility, hormones, insulin production, circulatory system, and appearance. In a small study involving 20 women, the groups that participated in moderate exercise three times a week or who received low-frequency electro-acupuncture fare better over a 16-week period than the control group that did neither. In electro-acupuncture, the needles are attached to a device that send gentle electronic pulses through them, stimulating the body points associated with ovaries even more. The two groups receiving treatment, those exercising and those who received acupuncture, had lower levels of muscle sympathetic nerve activity, which common means of monitoring the syndrome. The women who received acupuncture treatments had regular menstrual cycles as well, which is a good sign that hormonal element of the syndrome is improving.

If you're interested, please read the abstract of the study to learn more.