Codeine is a drug that doctors may prescribe for pain, coughing, and sleeplessness. Short term use under the close supervision of a doctor is generally safe. However, codeine can cause addiction. Codeine belongs to a class of drugs called opioids, which are a leading cause of drug addiction and overdose. People who become addicted to
Drugs
If you buy something through a link on this page, we may earn a small commission. How this works. Caffeine pills are a popular method for boosting short term energy and focus, often during work or study. But do they work and are they safe? Like drinking a cup of coffee, taking a caffeine pill
Calcium channel blockers are a type of medication that people take to increase the flow of blood and oxygen to the heart. Doctors may prescribe a calcium channel blocker to treat high blood pressure or a variety of heart conditions. Calcium channel blockers are common medications that have a low risk of complications. In this
Angiotensin converting enzyme, or “ACE” inhibitors, are a type of medication that doctors prescribe to treat high blood pressure, or “hypertension,” and other cardiovascular conditions. This article outlines the different ACE inhibitors that are available. We also discuss the effectiveness of ACE inhibitors, along with their potential side effects and risks. Share on PinterestA person
Zinc is an important dietary nutrient that plays crucial roles throughout the entire body. Taking in too much zinc can be harmful, however, and it may cause a range of symptoms, including nausea, diarrhea, and headaches. According to the Office of Dietary Supplements (ODS), an excessive intake of zinc can cause zinc toxicity. This toxicity
Serotonin syndrome occurs when a person takes one or more drugs that cause excess levels of serotonin to accumulate in the body. If someone experiencing serotonin syndrome does not receive treatment, the condition can lead to serious and sometimes life threatening complications. Serious complications include: seizures kidney failure respiratory failure loss of muscle tissue In
Epinephrine, also called adrenaline, is a hormone that the adrenal glands produce in the body. People use artificial epinephrine as a medication to treat severe allergic reactions. People who have allergies to specific foods, insect venom, or other substances often carry an epinephrine auto-injector to self-administer the drug in emergencies. Many people refer to this
If you buy something through a link on this page, we may earn a small commission. How this works. Pepto Bismol is a common over-the-counter (OTC) drug that may help control occasional symptoms of simple digestive issues, such as indigestion, heartburn, and diarrhea. Pepto Bismol is an antacid. It is available in a variety of
Lithium is a medication that healthcare professionals prescribe to prevent and treat manic episodes in people with bipolar disorder. The drug helps stabilize a person’s mood. Brand names for lithium include Eskalith, Eskalith CR, and Lithobid. Lithium can be life changing for those who find bipolar disorder difficult to manage, but its use does come
People take Xanax to treat anxiety and panic disorders. Taking too much Xanax can cause mild to serious side effects, and taking other drugs along with Xanax can increase the risk of overdose. The generic name of Xanax is alprazolam. Along with its use for anxiety, some people use Xanax for sleeplessness, premenstrual disorder, and
Xanax is a benzodiazepine, which is a class of drug that can treat anxiety and panic disorders. It typically takes less than an hour to begin working and has a calming, relaxing effect. Xanax contains the compound alprazolam. The effects of the Xanax come on quickly and disappear rapidly. Some people take the drug recreationally
The company Torrent Pharmaceuticals Ltd. is announcing that they are withdrawing more batches of the common hypertension drug Losartan after discovering that they contained unacceptably high levels of a carcinogen in January of this year. The FDA have published an announcement that a drug company is withdrawing several lots of a common hypertension drug. Losartan
The ketogenic diet is a popular diet for weight loss and general health. Some supplements can improve the effectiveness of the diet, while others prevent nutrient deficiencies or ease the side effects. The ketogenic diet, which people commonly call the keto diet, focuses on high fat foods and includes few to no carbohydrates. This approach
Beta-blockers are a group of drugs that can treat high blood pressure, abnormal heart rhythms, chest pain, and some other heart health issues. They may also help treat anxiety. The Food and Drug Administration (FDA) have not approved beta-blockers for the treatment of anxiety. However, these drugs change how the body responds to epinephrine, which
FDA warning: Potential for drug misuse This medication has a boxed warning from the Food and Drug Administration (FDA). This is the strongest warning that the FDA requires. A boxed warning alerts doctors and patients about drug effects that may be dangerous. Adderall and similar medications have the potential to be misused. Taking these medications
What is Xiidra? Xiidra (lifitegrast) is a brand-name prescription medication that’s used to treat dry eye disease. With this condition, your body doesn’t make enough tears, or the tears it does make don’t keep your eyes lubricated (moist). Xiidra comes as a liquid solution that’s used as eye drops. Xiidra is approved for use in
What is Soliqua 100/33? Soliqua 100/33 is a brand-name prescription medication. It’s used with diet and exercise to improve blood sugar levels in adults with type 2 diabetes. Soliqua 100/33 contains two drugs: insulin glargine, which is a long-acting insulin lixisenatide, which belongs to class of drugs called glucagon-like peptide 1 (GLP-1) receptor agonists Soliqua
What is Emgality? Emgality is a brand-name prescription medication that’s used in adults to: Prevent chronic and episodic migraines. According to the International Headache Society, people with chronic migraines have 15 or more migraine days per month. People with episodic migraines have fewer than 15 migraine days per month. Treat episodic cluster headaches. According to
What is Ilumya? Ilumya (tildrakizumab-asmn) is a brand-name prescription medication that’s used to treat moderate to severe plaque psoriasis. It’s prescribed for adults who are eligible for systemic therapy (drugs given by injection or taken by mouth) or phototherapy (light therapy). Ilumya is a type of drug called a monoclonal antibody. A monoclonal antibody is
What is Augmentin? Augmentin is a prescription antibiotic medication. It’s used to treat infections caused by bacteria. Augmentin belongs to the penicillin class of antibiotics. Augmentin contains two drugs: amoxicillin and clavulanic acid. This combination makes Augmentin work against more types of bacteria than antibiotics that contain amoxicillin alone. Augmentin is effective for treating infections
A 10-panel drug test is a common way to check for various drugs in a person’s body. The most common 10-panel drug tests use urine to check for many of the legal and illicit drugs people sometimes abuse. Typically, traces of these substances in the urine mean the individual has these substances in their body.
What is Ajovy? Ajovy is a brand-name prescription medication that’s used to prevent migraine headaches in adults. It comes as a prefilled syringe. You can self-inject Ajovy, or receive Ajovy injections from a healthcare provider in your doctor’s office. Ajovy can be injected monthly or quarterly (once every three months). Ajovy contains the drug fremanezumab,
What is Aimovig? Aimovig is a brand-name prescription medication that’s used to prevent migraine headaches in adults. It comes in a prefilled autoinjector pen. You use the autoinjector to give yourself an injection at home once per month. Aimovig can be prescribed in one of two doses: 70 mg per month or 140 mg per
What is Motegrity? Motegrity is a brand-name prescription drug that’s approved to treat adults with chronic idiopathic constipation (CIC). This is constipation that lasts for at least three months and has no known cause. Motegrity belongs to the drug class selective serotonin (5-HT4) receptor agonists. It comes as a tablet that you take by mouth
FDA warning: Reactivation of hepatitis B virus This drug has a boxed warning. This is the most serious warning from the Food and Drug Administration (FDA). A boxed warning alerts doctors and patients about drug effects that may be dangerous. When people who are coinfected with both hepatitis C and hepatitis B start taking Harvoni,
Vitamin C is usually safe to take even at high dosages. However, people may sometimes experience mild side effects, such as digestive discomfort. Rarely, more serious side effects can occur. Vitamin C is an essential vitamin for the human body. It is an antioxidant, and it helps with a range of important processes, including lowering
Lipitor is the brand name of the medication atorvastatin, which is a statin that reduces blood cholesterol. The risk of experiencing side effects when taking this drug is low. According to the American College of Cardiology, about 85–90% of people report no side effects from taking statins. When side effects do occur, the most common
When a person stops taking opiates, they may experience withdrawal symptoms, such as pain, body aches, fatigue, and nausea. The symptoms will ease up over time, and medical treatments and home remedies can help. The symptoms of opiate withdrawal can be very distressing, but they are rarely life threatening. Withdrawal symptoms can arise hours after