Author: Wisdom Bassey

Benzonatate serves as an oral medication utilized for alleviating and suppressing cough in individuals aged ten and above. At present, it stands as the lone non-narcotic antitussive offered as a prescribed medication. Its mechanism involves diminishing the cough reflex activity by desensitizing lung and pleura tissues implicated in the reflex. Initially authorized by the FDA in 1958 under the brand name Tessalon Perles, benzonatate bears resemblance to anesthetic agents within the para-amino-benzoic acid category (like procaine and tetracaine), thus displaying numbing properties. While it is not particularly prone to misuse or abuse, benzonatate does pose a risk of severe toxicity…

Sudafed, the trade name for pseudoephedrine, functions as a decongestant. During episodes of colds, flu, sinus infections, or allergies, the blood vessels within the nasal passages become swollen and inflamed, resulting in congestion and a blocked sensation. Pseudoephedrine works by reducing this inflammation through the constriction of these blood vessels. This action alleviates swelling, subsequently decreasing sinus pressure and facilitating fluid drainage, ultimately leading to improved breathing, according to Dr. Rondon. In terms of its effectiveness, Sudafed demonstrates rapid action. Mary Catherine Platz, Pharm.D., a pharmacy resident at the University of West Virginia School of Pharmacy in Morgantown, WV, mentions…

"Curious about the safety of combining Tylenol and Mucinex? The answer is generally yes, but there are important factors to consider. Though both can help alleviate cold and flu symptoms, they contain distinct active ingredients designed to address different aspects of illness. Tylenol, also known as acetaminophen, functions as a pain reliever and fever reducer by inhibiting certain chemicals in the body responsible for pain and fever. Fortunately, these medications can typically be used together without significant interactions or adverse effects. However, it's prudent to consult your healthcare provider or pharmacist before combining any medications, especially if you have underlying…

Maalox, a widely recognized antacid, has been utilized extensively over the years to alleviate symptoms associated with acid-related ailments. Comprising a blend of two key components, aluminum hydroxide and magnesium hydroxide, Maalox has established its reputation for effectively addressing acid reflux and heartburn discomfort. Delving deeper into Maalox's composition and its mechanism within the body reveals its trusted role in providing relief from these symptoms. Composition of Maalox The aluminum hydroxide component in Maalox functions by neutralizing stomach acid, while magnesium hydroxide serves as a laxative, alleviating constipation often associated with antacid consumption. Together, these ingredients offer a dual-action strategy…

Stevens-Johnson syndrome (SJS) is an uncommon yet severe condition affecting the skin and mucous membranes. Typically triggered by medication, it initiates with flu-like symptoms and progresses to a painful rash characterized by spreading and blistering. Subsequently, the affected skin's top layer deteriorates, sheds, and begins healing over the course of several days. SJS represents a medical emergency often necessitating hospitalization. Treatment primarily revolves around identifying and discontinuing the causative agent, tending to wounds, managing pain, and reducing potential complications during the skin's regeneration process. Recovery may span from weeks to months. A more severe variant known as toxic epidermal necrolysis…

Drinking chamomile tea before bedtime might help you unwind, yet there are concerns that it could potentially stimulate your uterus or cause circulation issues for your baby. Reports indicate higher occurrences of preterm labor and miscarriage as well. It's advisable to refrain from consuming large amounts of chamomile tea. Many medical professionals suggest restricting herbal tea intake during pregnancy due to potential risks, despite the benefits chamomile tea offers. Perusing the aisles of any grocery store, you'll encounter various tea options, but not all are safe choices during pregnancy. Chamomile, classified as an herbal tea, can provide a calming experience…

TUMS offers a safe solution for relieving heartburn in pregnant women while also supplementing calcium to the body. During pregnancy, it's recommended that women consume between 1,000 mg and 1,300 mg of elemental calcium daily. It's important to schedule TUMS intake separately from iron supplements. Heartburn, a discomfort frequently experienced during pregnancy, arises when stomach acid ascends the esophagus, inducing a burning sensation in the chest or throat. Fortunately, pregnancy-related heartburn poses no harm and can be controlled with or without medication, including antacids. Antacids, available over-the-counter (OTC), work by neutralizing stomach acid to alleviate acid reflux. Although most antacids…

Olanzapine is a medication that requires a prescription and is accessible in tablet and disintegrating tablet forms, the latter dissolving on the tongue upon ingestion. Both formulations are administered orally. Additionally, there exists an injectable variant of olanzapine, which is solely administered by healthcare professionals. Olanzapine tablets are marketed under the brand names Zyprexa (for the oral tablet) and Zyprexa Zydis (for the disintegrating tablet). They are also available in generic form, which typically entails lower costs compared to their brand-name counterparts. However, generic versions may not always be obtainable in every strength or presentation as the brand-name versions. Olanzapine…

Topiramate, classified within the anti-epileptic medication category, has received FDA approval for managing seizure disorders and mitigating migraines. However, a prevalent side effect associated with this drug is weight loss. Consequently, various studies have scrutinized Topamax to assess its potential effectiveness and safety in promoting weight loss. While Topamax is exclusively FDA-sanctioned for weight loss when coupled with another medication known as phentermine, this combined treatment is marketed under the brand name Qsymia. Although Topamax is occasionally utilized independently for weight loss, such usage is considered off-label. Despite its off-label status for weight loss, Topamax remains widely prescribed. According to…

Sulfonamides, also known as sulphonamides, represent a class of synthetic medications containing the sulfonamide chemical group and are commonly referred to as sulfa drugs. While many people use the term sulfonamide loosely to describe only antibiotics incorporating a sulfonamide functional group in their chemical makeup, there exist various non-antibiotic sulfonamides developed by leveraging insights gained from the clinical assessment of antibiotic sulfonamides. These non-antibiotic variants serve diverse purposes such as managing diabetes and alleviating pain. The initial sulfonamide, Sulfanilamide, was formulated in 1906, though its application as an antimicrobial agent didn't occur until the late 1930s. Sulfonamide antimicrobials, which are…