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Muscle Cramps

Muscle Cramps

Are there particular concerns for older adults? Older adults should have periodic magnesium blood levels taken if they use supplemental magnesium. Even a mild and otherwise not apparent degree of kidney dysfunction, which is often seen in this age group, may lead to toxic levels of magnesium with modest doses. Recent studies have indicated that […]

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Hiccups

Hiccups

Source: Getty Images Hiccup definition and facts A hiccup is a sudden, involuntary contraction (spasm) of the diaphragm muscle. When the muscle spasms, the vocal cords snap shut, producing the hiccup sound. Common causes of hiccups include: eating too quickly, eating or drinking too much, diseases that irritate the nerves that control the diaphragm, abdominal […]

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Dandelion (Taraxacum officinal)

Dandelion (Taraxacum officinal)

What is dandelion (Taraxacum officinale), and how does it work (mechanism of action)? Taraxacum officinale is a plant. The above ground parts are used as natural herbal supplements and for many conditions. There is little evidence that it is effective for any condition. Taraxacum officinale contains chemicals that may increase urine production and decrease pain […]

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propoxyphene and acetaminophen (Darvocet)

propoxyphene and acetaminophen (Darvocet)

What is the dosage for propoxyphene and acetaminophen? The recommended adult dose is 1-2 tablets every 4 hours as needed for relief of pain. The total dose should not exceed six 100/650 mg tablets or twelve 50/325 mg tablets in a 24-hour period. Which drugs or supplements interact with propoxyphene and acetaminophen? Propoxyphene, like other […]

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Bowel cancer: 3-drug combo may offer alternative to chemo

Bowel cancer: 3-drug combo may offer alternative to chemo

Chemotherapy treatment for people who have advanced bowel cancer and a particular genetic mutation is commonly ineffective. A combination of three different drugs could be the key to improved treatment. New research reveals the power of triple therapy when it comes to tackling aggressive bowel cancer. The outlook for people with standard bowel cancer — […]

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High blood pressure: Could gut bacteria play a role?

High blood pressure: Could gut bacteria play a role?

In this Spotlight feature, we investigate whether the bacteria that live in our guts could influence our blood pressure. If so, could they guide future treatment? Hypertension is growing in prevalence, but can we blame gut bacteria? Scientists are growing increasingly interested in the role of gut bacteria. Each week, journals publish many study papers […]

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Could the common cold ‘revolutionize’ bladder cancer treatment?

Could the common cold ‘revolutionize’ bladder cancer treatment?

Current treatment for some forms of cancer does not work as well as researchers had initially hoped. But a new virus-based treatment has shown promising results. New research suggests that the common cold virus can help scientists devise the next treatment for a widespread form of bladder cancer. Using viruses to treat cancer has long […]