Low-carbohydrate, high-protein diets are a popular weight-loss method, despite a lack of convincing evidence they are more effective that other diets. While high-protein diets do not appear to pose major or immediate safety concerns, subtle health...
Convulsions, or seizures, are classified as partial seizures or generalized seizures. Partial seizures generally involve only one side of the brain, while generalized seizures typically involve both sides of the brain and may affect consciousness....
Coumadin is the brand name of a commonly used anticoagulant medication known as warfarin. People with an increased risk of blood clots often take Coumadin to prevent blood clots and related health complications. Coumadin can be a tricky medication...
Creatine is a compound synthesized in the body from the amino acids arginine, glycine and methionine. It is found in foods, such as red meat and fish, and is available in supplement form. Athletes and bodybuilders use creatine for improving...
Condoms are devices that create a barrier and prevent contact of the vagina with semen. There are both male and female condoms available and both are effective in preventing pregnancy. Male condoms are made of latex, polyurethane or lamb skin,...
Body mass index, or BMI, is a number that is calculated using your height and weight. It measures the amount of fat in your body. Your weight and amount of fat are determined by your physical activities and the amount of calories you consume in a...
Type 2 diabetes is disease in which the pancreas does not produce insulin sufficiently and patients exhibit an insulin resistance in the muscle, liver and fat cells. This leads to uncontrolled blood sugar levels in the body.
An intrauterine device, or IUD, is a plastic frame that is inserted into the uterus to prevent pregnancy. IUDs approved by the Food and Drug Administration include Mirena and ParaGard. These devices have the potential to cause an infection.
Hemoglobin A1C is a component of hemoglobin which attaches to blood sugar in the body. Hemoglobin A1C measurements are the standard for evaluating glycemic control in diabetics.
Sildenafil, commonly known as Viagra, is used to treat erectile dysfunction in men. Viagra is a drug classified as a phosphodiesterase-5 enzyme inhibitor. The medication causes relaxation of the muscles in the penis and allows the inflow of blood...
Calories are the units of energy in the food you consume and are necessary for the body to function properly. The amount of calories you consume determines your weight. Limiting the number of calories you eat is critical to losing weight.
Methotrexate is a prescription medication used for treating cancer, rheumatoid arthritis or psoriasis. Methotrexate binds to an enzyme called dihydrofolate reductase, which prevents the replication of cancer cells. The manner in which methotrexate...
Coumadin, which is the brand name of the prescription anticoagulant medication warfarin, is subject to interactions with several types of food and health supplements. Finding the right dose of Coumadin can be tricky, because the dose must be large...
Omega-6 and omega-3 fatty acids are essential fatty acids, which means they cannot be synthesized by the body and must be ingested through foods. In the Western world, most people get far more omega-6 fatty acids than omega-3s, according to the...
Health supplements containing omega-3 fatty acids are widely used to treat a variety of health conditions, including heart disease and high cholesterol. Although omega-3 fatty acid supplements, such as fish oil, have shown promising health...
Phentermine is a prescription medication classified as an anorexiant and used for weight loss in obese patients. Patients must be on a low-calorie diet and an exercise program. The medication is used in patients who have other risk factors,...
Also called pantothenic acid, vitamin B5 is found naturally in many of the foods you eat. According to the National Library of Medicine's MedlinePlus website, your body needs vitamin B5 to metabolize fats, carbohydrates and proteins. Before using...
Hydrocodone 5/acetaminophen 500mg is a prescription drug classified as an opioid analgesic. It is used for the relief of moderate to severe pain. Hydrocodone blocks the perception of pain in the brain by binding to receptors. This results in a...
Chromium, an essential element, is often sold as a dietary supplement in the form of chromium picolinate to aid in weight loss, decrease blood glucose levels and increase muscle mass. As many as 90 percent of Americans don't get enough chromium in...
Alli is a low-dose over-the-counter version of the prescription medication Xenical. Both contain the drug orlistat, which prevents the absorption of some of the fat you eat. Orlistat is associated with certain types of bleeding risks. Although you...
Claritin, a brand name of loratadine, is an over-the-counter (OTC) medication used for the relief of symptoms of seasonal allergies. It is also used to treat chronic itching of unknown cause. This drug is classified as an antihistamine. Claritin...
Claritin, or loratadine, is an over-the-counter (OTC) medication used to treat the symptoms of seasonal allergies and for the treatment of chronic itching with unknown cause. Claritin belongs to a class of drugs called the antihistamines. It...
Zetia is the brand name of the drug ezetimibe and is only available with a doctor's prescription. It belongs to the class of medications called antilipemic agents. It is available as a tablet, and the usual dose is 10 mg per day. Zetia is used to...
Azathioprine is a prescription drug classified as an immunosuppressant agent. It is used along with other medications for the prevention of kidney rejection in patients who have received a kidney transplant. Azathioprine is also used for active...
Parkinson's disease is a brain disorder that usually occurs in men and women over 65 years of age. According to the National Parkinson's Foundation, about 15 percent of new cases occur in people under 50 years of age. Parkinson's disease affects...
Gastroesophageal reflux disease, or acid reflux, is a disease in which the stomach contents travel back up the esophagus. The symptoms of the disease include heartburn, regurgitation, increased salivation and belching. Several medications are used...
Prednisone is a prescription medication classified as a corticosteroid and used for treating many diseases, including asthma, skin conditions, stomach illnesses, cancers and disorders of the eye. Prednisone cannot be discontinued abruptly because...
Butalbital is a barbiturate, a sedative used most often in combination with aspirin or acetaminophen and caffeine to treat tension headaches. Although sometimes prescribed for migraines, a 2002 study published in "Pharmacotherapy" reported that...
Many medications are available for the treatment of migraines. Pregnant women who experience these kind of headaches, however, must use caution when it comes to migraine relief as some treatments can negatively affect the developing baby. A...
