Pump-inhibitor medications, referred to as proton pump inhibitors or PPIs, are medications used to reduce stomach acid production. Nineteen different types of PPI are listed on Drugs.com, a standard online reference on pharmaceuticals. According...
It may seem a paradox that folks who love to eat are those who most often end up with tummy troubles. Yet, it may actually be your inner foodie that is the source of your malaise. It is tempting to look for the quickest remedy that will make the...
Drug overdose occurs when an amount of drug in excess of the recommended dose is ingested. Overdose can be intentional, but it can also happen accidentally as a result of other drug and/or alcohol interactions. Overdosing on Lexapro, a drug for...
Antihistamines are used in both over-the-counter (OTC) and prescription medications to block the effects of histamines on the body. Specifically, it may be used to treat sneezing, runny nose, itching, watery eyes, hives, rash, itching and/or other...
Heartburn, also called gastric reflux, is the result of stomach acid passing through the cardiac sphincter at the top of the stomach into the esophagus. While the lining of the stomach is tough and designed to withstand acid, the esophagus, like...
Digoxin is a cardiac glycoside that is used to treat heart failure and atrial fibrillation. According to the National Institutes of Health (NIH), digoxin toxicity can be fatal and treatment should be initiated immediately once symptoms of toxicity...
The ingestion of alcohol not only leads to drunkeness but diminishes the nerve response that governs breathing, heart rate and the gag reflex, necessary to prevent choking. Overindulgence in alcohol may lead to a condition known as alcohol...
The most common type of oleander in North America is Nerium oleander, which has delicate pink or orange flowers. Another variety is the yellow oleander, or Thevetia peruviana, which is primarily found in warm and coastal climates. Though these...
Every part of the mistletoe plant is poisonous, but particularly the berries and leaves. Find out how much mistletoe was taken and what part of the plant was involved. Then call the doctor or poison control center and report the amount taken....
Caffeine, which is found in chocolate, tea, coffee, some dietary supplements and some medications, is a nervous system stimulant. A low to moderate caffeine intake usually isn't enough to cause side effects in most people; however, if you are...
Nicotine is an addictive substance that is found in the tobacco plant and is an active ingredient in chewing tobacco, cigarettes and cigars. Nicotine is also found in smoking-cessation products, including gum and wearable patches. Nicotine...
Abdominal pain followed by eating can often be identified as food poisoning or indigestion. Both conditions are common and most people have experienced one or both of these stomach pain complications caused by food. According to the University...
Mercury is a naturally occurring metal in the Earth's crust. It has been used in products including auto parts, fluorescent light bulbs, agricultural fungicides, paints, batteries, thermometers, dental amalgams and as a vaccine preservative. Many...
Toxins produce varying effects on the body, depending on their origin and composition. Essentially, all toxins are poisons, even if the consequence of exposure is a relatively mild reaction. Toxins can come from several sources as well. You may...
Commonly known as activated charcoal, medicinal charcoal is available without a prescription, but it is typically kept behind the counter. Pharmacists prefer to know why an individual is buying charcoal pills, because people try using charcoal to...
Activated charcoal is a form of carbon that has been processed for greater absorption of certain compounds. Medicinally, it is used to treat poisonings and overdoses. Consuming activated charcoal allows it to bind to any poisons and toxins in your...
Food poisoning, or food-borne illness, comes from having consumed food or water that has been contaminated in some way. Food poisoning may be bacterial or viral in nature, and generally runs its course in a couple of days without serious...
Mussels, sometimes called "the poor man's oyster," feature glossy dark blue shells and delicately flavored flesh. Rich in protein and minerals and high in beneficial omega-3 fatty acids, mussels can be a healthful dietary choice....
Alcoholism is a chronic, progressive disease. The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention reports that alcohol use causes nearly 80,000 deaths annually. In 2005, more than 1.6 million hospitalizations and 4 million emergency room visits were...
An estimated 5 million poisonings or drug overdoses occur annually in the United States, according to "Sheehy's Emergency Nursing Principles and Practice." Severity of the overdose can range from minor to severe. The overall objective in treating...
Stomach acid is primarily made up of chloride and hydrogen ions (the latter of which are often referred to as protons). It is the protons that make the contents of the stomach acidic. Because there is a higher concentration of protons in the...
Trazodone is a medication used to treat depression, anxiety and chronic pain. When you take trazodone, you should tell your doctor whether you suffer from additional psychiatric illnesses such as manic depression or have a history of a heart...
Vistaril, generically sold as hydroxyzine, is a medication used to treat anxiety and relieve allergy symptoms such as sneezing, runny nose and hives. It is also used for sedation during surgery and to prevent nausea and vomiting, according to...
Activated charcoal is widely available at drugstores and health food outlets in tablet, capsule or powdered form, and it is credited with a number of beneficial applications. For example, it can be used to combat some poisons; however, it is...
Yoga is an ancient practice consisting of asana (yoga postures), pranayama (control of the breath), meditation and more. Originating in India, yoga focuses on aligning mind, body and spirit. Yoga is a broad, lifelong learning practice, with many...
Leg cramps are painful and can range in severity and cause, such as muscle injury, overuse and certain deficiencies. Too many vitamins can cause general muscle pain, but it's not restricted to just your legs. It's near impossible to overdose on...
Lanolin, or Adeps lanae, has also been called wool wax, wool fat and wool grease. It is a natural fatty acid secreted by animals that produce wool. Lanolin has a long history of use and today can be found in its refined forms in numerous cosmetics...
Prevacid, or lansoprazole, is used for short-term therapy of duodenal ulcers and erosive esophagitis, which is inflammation and irritation of the lining of the esophagus. Short-term therapy means 1 to 2 months, depending on the condition being...
Stomach acid is primarily composed of a substance called hydrochloric acid, which is made by cells in the stomach called parietal cells. According to Colorado's State Pathology Department, stomach acid is notable for its high concentration of...
