The liver is an important organ responsible for breaking down glucose for energy, making proteins and breaking down toxic substances such as alcohol. Sometimes, taking excessive amounts of certain medications, eating contaminated foods or drinking...
Nonprescription pain relievers or analgesics are drugs that treat pain and are available over-the-counter without a prescription. According to the American Chronic Pain Association, there are basically two types of nonprescription pain relievers,...
Hydrocodone is a narcotic-type medication commonly used in combination with acetaminophen for treatment of mild to moderate pain. Because it's an opiate medication, it may cause physical dependence with long-term use. When medication containing...
American ginseng is an herbal extract obtained from the root of the panax quinquefolius plant. Treatment with American ginseng supplements may help reduce blood sugar levels or boost your immune system, though additional research is necessary to...
Ibuprofen is an effective pain relief medication used for a number of conditions. According to the Mayo Clinic, Ibuprofen is a non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drug, or NSAID, available over-the-counter as a suspension and in tablet, capsule,...
Arthritis is an inflammatory, degenerative joint condition that may be caused by a variety of disorders, including osteoarthritis and rheumatoid arthritis, among other autoimmune diseases. The most common cause is osteoarthritis, a condition in...
Pain alarms the body to the presence of injury, inflammation and infection. However, pain can prove physically and psychologically distressing and can significantly interfere with the activities of daily living. Analgesic medications relieve pain...
Fibromyalgia is a chronic condition causing widespread pain in the muscles, tendons and ligaments of the body. The muscle pain typically radiates from a series of 18 tender points -- areas where a small amount of pressure elicits a pain reaction...
Naproxen or naproxen sodium is a non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drug, or NSAID, a class of drugs that work by preventing the body from producing substances that cause pain and inflammation. It is typically prescribed for people suffering from...
N-acetylcysteine, or NAC, is a form of the amino acid cysteine. The FDA has approved NAC to treat acetaminophen overdose. NAC's ability to thin mucus and its antioxidant properties have led to many off-label uses. The sulfur molecule in NAC makes...
Tylenol Arthritis is an over-the-counter medication that is packaged in caplets, gel caps, and gel tabs. Adults are directed to take two gel caps, caplets or gel tabs every eight hours. Children under age 18 are advised to consult a physician...
Cold sores are blisters caused by the herpes simplex virus-1 that usually erupt on or near the lips. They can also occur on the face, mouth or the inside of the nose. The virus that causes cold sores often emerges when your immune system is...
Milk thistle is an herbal remedy that shows promise for treating diseases of the liver. The white-veined leaves and seeds of the plant contain a substance known as silymarin, which works in the cells of the liver. Tylenol, the brand name for...
Acne is the most common skin condition in the U.S., according to the American Academy of Dermatology, affecting as many as 85 percent of people sometime in their lives. When you suffer with acne and your pimples are red and inflamed, it adds...
The drug with the brand name of Fioricet in the United States is a combination of the barbiturate butalbital and the analgesic acetaminophen. It is used in the treatment of tension headaches because it combines with the analgesic to fight pain and...
Cold sores affect almost 20 percent of all children by the age of 5 years, according to the Australia's Children, Youth, and Women's Health Service website. Primarily caused by the herpes simplex virus, cold sores can cause pain and discomfort...
Arthritis is a condition that is characterized by swelling, pain and inflammation in the joints. Causes include infection, bone destruction and autoimmune diseases. Patients with this condition develop severe joint pain that worsens with...
Vicodin is a controlled substance containing hydrocodone bitartrate and acetaminophen. It is indicated for the treatment of moderate to severe pain, explains Drugs.com. Vicodin is taken as an oral tablet; it is usually prescribed to be taken as...
Hydrocodone is an opiate-type medication often used in combination with acetaminophen. It is approved for the treatment of mild or moderate pain. Because it is a narcotic, it may cause dependence when used for a long period of time. When...
Peppermint is more than just a refreshing ingredient in chewing gum. Its oil has many medicinal, therapeutic properties that make it a good alternative to traditional treatments for common ailments. You can consume peppermint oil by adding it to...
Excedrin created the first analgesic specifically for headaches. Novartis Consumer Health notes that Excedrin manufactured the first pain reliever with a sleep medication in 1969. The Federal Drug Administration approved the first over-the-counter...
If you suspect you have the flu, the best thing to do is call your doctor or go to your local walk-in care center to be tested for flu and to seek treatment. The rapid influenza test returns results within about 15 minutes. If you test positive...
Your body naturally produces n-acetyl cysteine, an antioxidant that helps protect your cells. Synthetic versions of n-acetyl cysteine may also be administered orally or by inhalation or intravenous infusion. Talk with your doctor about the...
Flu-like illness is a common complaint of people with herpes, according to Dr. Lawrence Corey in "Harrison's Principles of Internal Medicine." Notably absent, however, are characteristic respiratory symptoms of flu such as dry cough and runny...
There are many sleeping medicines on the market, available over-the-counter and by prescription. It is important to follow all directions for taking sleeping medication to avoid an increase in tolerance and physical dependence. Alcohol should also...
Amlodipine, or Norvasc, is a medication in a classification of drugs known as calcium channel blockers. According to Drugs.com, it works by relaxing your blood vessels, lowering blood pressure and decreasing heart rate, which lowers the workload...
While flu is often a mere annoyance for adults, it's a serious problem for children across American. In fact, the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention estimate that 20,000 children under the age of five are hospitalized due to flu...
Yerba mate tea is a traditional beverage of South America made with the leaves of the evergreen Ilex paraguariensis tree, which is indigenous to Paraguay and North America, according to Vegetarian-Restaurants.net, an online vegetarian restaurant...
Osteoarthritis is a medical condition in which there is inflammation in or around joints in the body. It can be caused by a number of issues such as repetitive stress on joints, injury, decreased strength around joints and underlying medical...
