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Is the Stomach Flu Contagious?

Is the Stomach Flu Contagious?

What is the stomach flu (gastroenteritis)? Stomach flu or gastroenteritis is a general term for a number of inflammatory problems that occur in the gastrointestinal tract. Gastroenteritis is a better term because when some individuals use the term “stomach flu,” they get the term confused with the flu (influenza) and the viruses that cause the […]

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vancomycin, Vancocin

vancomycin, Vancocin

What is oral vancomycin? What are the uses for oral vancomycin? Oral vancomycin is a glycopeptide antibiotic that is used for the treatment of Clostridium difficile diarrhea and staphylococcal enterocolitis. Vancomycin is a bactericidal antibiotic (it kills bacteria) that exerts its effects by preventing bacteria from forming cell walls, which they need to survive. Vancomycin […]

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Cirrhosis (Liver)

Cirrhosis (Liver)

Liver (hepatic) complications of cirrhosis Liver cancer (hepatocellular carcinoma) Cirrhosis due to any cause increases the risk of primary liver cancer (hepatocellular carcinoma). Primary refers to the fact that the tumor originates in the liver. A secondary liver cancer is one that originates elsewhere in the body and spreads (metastasizes) to the liver. The most […]

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cimetidine, Tagamet HB

cimetidine, Tagamet HB

What is cimetidine, and how does it work (mechanism of action)? Cimetidine is a drug that blocks the production of acid by acid-producing cells in the stomach and can be administered orally, IM or IV. It belongs to a class of drugs called H2 (histamine-2) blockers that also includes ranitidine (Zantac), nizatidine (Axid), and famotidine […]

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Anticholinergic and Antispasmodic Drugs

Anticholinergic and Antispasmodic Drugs

What are anticholinergic drugs? Anticholinergic and antispasmodic drugs include a broad class of medications that are used to treat various medical conditions that involve contraction and relaxation of muscles. Examples of these conditions include overactive bladder, muscle spasms, breathing problems, diarrhea, gastrointestinal cramps, movement disorders, and others. Anticholinergics work by blocking the action of acetylcholine […]

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ursodiol (Actigall, Urso Forte, Urso 250)

ursodiol (Actigall, Urso Forte, Urso 250)

What is ursodiol? What are the uses for ursodiol? Ursodiol is a naturally-occurring bile acid that is made by the liver in humans and is secreted in small quantities into bile. It is used to dissolve and prevent cholesterol gallstones and to treat primary biliary cirrhosis, a disease of the liver. Ursodiol blocks the enzyme […]

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hepatitis A vaccine (Havrix, Vaqta)

hepatitis A vaccine (Havrix, Vaqta)

What is hepatitis A vaccine? What are the uses for hepatitis A vaccine? Hepatitis A vaccine (Havrix, Vaqta) is used to prevent hepatitis A, a type of liver disease that is caused by the hepatitis A virus (HAV). Hepatitis A is usually spread when a person ingests fecal matter from contact with food, drinks, or […]

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metoclopramide, Reglan, Metozolv ODT, (Reglan ODT, Octamide, and Maxolon

metoclopramide, Reglan, Metozolv ODT, (Reglan ODT, Octamide, and Maxolon

What is metoclopramide, and how does it work? Metoclopramide is a “prokinetic” drug that stimulates the muscles of the gastrointestinal tract including the muscles of the lower esophageal sphincter, stomach, and small intestine by interacting with receptors for acetylcholine and dopamine on gastrointestinal muscles and nerves. The lower esophageal sphincter, located between the esophagus and […]

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dicyclomine, Bentyl

dicyclomine, Bentyl

What is dicyclomine, and how does it work (mechanism of action)? Dicyclomine is a drug that is used for treating irritable bowel syndrome (IBS). Dicyclomine is in a class of drugs called anticholinergics. Anticholinergic drugs block the effects of acetylcholine, the chemical transmitter that nerves release in order to cause muscles to contract. They prevent […]

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Health Tip: Swallowing Problems

Health Tip: Swallowing Problems

(HealthDay News) — Difficulty swallowing, also known as dysphagia, is usually a sign of a throat or esophagus problem. Latest Digestion News Removing Appendix Puts You at Parkinson’s Risk Hepatitis A Infections Soaring: CDC Health Tip: Reduce Excess Gas Health Tip: Signs of Hemorrhoids First Time, Drone Delivers Kidney for Transplant Want More News? Sign […]