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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

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.

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

Another Plastic Health Risk - Erectile Dysfunction

FitSugar — Tue, 17 Nov 2009 18:13:34 -0800

While there have been previous studies, linking bisphenol A (BPA), found in hard plastics, to health problems, including precancerous tumors, prostate cancer, and brain damage, a new study, conducted in China, substantiates its claims with results in humans. In one of the first studies of its kind to be conducted on humans, researchers are finding that much of what they've previously seen in animal studies holds true - men exposed to significant amounts of BPA are at greater risk of sexual health problems.

The study compared the levels of sexual dysfunction in two groups of male factory workers - one group, which was exposed to high levels of BPA, while the other was not. The overall findings of the research reveal that when BPA enters the body, it may mimic estrogen, and block male sex hormones from functioning. In the males who were exposed to high levels of BPA, researchers observed that the risk of erectile dysfunction was four times that of a man not exposed to the chemicals.

According Dr. Rebecca Sokol, the director of the andrology program at the University of Southern California's Keck School of Medicine, and specialist in the effects of toxins on the reproductive system, these are some "compelling results." She notes that, "It's not cause and effect, but when you have the kind of ambient air quality assessment that they made, it comes pretty close to cause and effect."

To learn more about the study keep reading

E-Patients Explore Online Communities

FitSugar — Tue, 17 Nov 2009 03:00:32 -0800

Researching your health problems online can be a great way to educate yourself - or scare yourself silly. A whopping 97 percent of Fit readers 'fess up to doing some Internet sleuthing before heading to the doc. There's even a word for us: e-patients.

According to a new study by the Pew Internet and American Life Project, about 20 percent of e-patients use social-networking and similar sites to chat with medical experts and other patients.

Of course, we're big fans of community around here as a place to share information and links and get a conversation going. To find out more about the online health community revolution, read more.

Says Pew's Susannah Fox:

"They are posting their first-person accounts of treatments and side effects from medications. They are recording and posting those podcasts. They're tagging content. They are part of the conversation. And that, I think, is an indicator of where we could be going in terms of the future of participatory medicine."

In addition to connecting with fellow patients suffering from the same ailments, users are posting their health records online so they can track their test results, blood pressure, and other vital stats. All they're doing all this despite the fact that doctors are behind the times, with only about 17 percent reporting the use of online medical records.

When you're suffering from an ailment, it can be very reassuring to hear from other patients who've gone through the same thing; often, it calms me down and makes me realize I'm not alone. But do you see any danger in patients posting about their medical problems in online communities?

Meanwhile, don't forget to check out our FitSugar Community and join the conversation!

Bone Health Requires Some Specific Exercise

FitSugar — Tue, 17 Nov 2009 10:00:36 -0800

Turns out if you want to keep your bones healthy, you'd better start young and be specific about which exercise you choose. The New York Times reveals the findings of a new study which indicates that, contrary to popular belief, "any and all activity" may not benefit your bones.

In fact, as researchers investigate the effect of exercise on bone health, it has become increasingly clear that various kinds of exercise produces varying results on bone conditioning. Until recently, researchers believed that the impact of running, or any similar high-impact exercise, would transform the bone, "deforming" it just slightly. As a result of running, the bone would give slightly to the force of the physical activity, and the bone cells would stretch in response and adapt to the repeated exercise by adding cells and becoming denser. But this is not the case. In actuality, researchers have now found that the bone cells don't stretch; instead, when the bone bends, it "squeezes bone fluid" from one part of the bone "matrix" to another, and it's this extra fluid that causes the cells to add denser bone in response.

The key is that only certain types of exercise produce this kind of bone-bending, and the subsequent response to add dense bone-building. Says Alexander G. Robling, an assistant professor in the department of anatomy and cell biology at Indiana University School of Medicine, "large forces released in a relatively big burst” are crucial to building healthy bones, which is why activities like weight lifting won't help bone-bend or produce stronger, denser bones. But the exercises that will? Running, brisk walking at a fast pace, and surprisingly, repeated jumping.

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.

What Do You Use For Birth Control?

FitSugar — Mon, 28 Sep 2009 04:30:19 -0700

It might seem like I have ~~sex~~ birth control on the brain. Last week I asked you about your experience or lack thereof with the female condom. Although it's most often talked about in intimate settings, birth control is in the news.

Concerns are being raised about the safety of the Yaz birth control pill, the top selling pill in the US, according to the New York Times. Women taking Yaz might have a higher chance of developing blood clots compared to other birth control pills, a claim that drug maker Bayer disputes. Investigation is ongoing, as are 74 lawsuits charging that Yaz and Yasmin, a similar product by Bayer, created health problems in women taking these pills. The lawsuits are tricky business though, since warnings about clots are presented in the pharmaceuticals' literature. Bayer strongly stands behind its product.

These new fears about the most commonly used contraceptive pill in America emphasize that avoiding pregnancy can be a difficult task, sometimes with medical consequences. I am curious about you . . .