Definitions and ExplanationsWhat is Mobic? Mobic is a drug for use in various arthritic diseases. It is of the non-steroidal anti-inflammatory type and is prescribed for pain and inflammation present in osteoarthritis and rheumatoid arthritis. Mobic, has the generic name of “meloxicam”, is manufactured by Boehringer Ingelheim Pharmaceuticals and got its US Food and Drug Authority approval [...]
What is Ditropan used for? Ditropan is a prescription drug specifically used for those with problems in the urinary bladder. It is prescribed to treat or decrease symptoms of bladder over-activity, like frequent urination and incontinence. Ditropan has the generic name of oxybutynin chloride. It is the main drug used in the management and treatment [...]
What is DGL-Licorice? DGL stands for deglycyrrhizinated licorice. In this form, the compound glycyrrhizin or glycyrrhizinic acid is removed from the herb licorice. DGL is said to be very effective in digestive tract problems like stomach or peptic ulcers. This particular herbal medicine can be consumed in powder form, tablets, and capsules. It may also [...]
What is MSC? MSC is the abbreviation used for mesenchymal stem cells, which are collected from the human embryo. MSCs are considered to be cells that are multipotent. Multipotent means that such cells have yet to adopt a particular cellular phenotype. MSCs are known to have the ability to make a distinction from other cell [...]
What is LPN? LPN or Licensed Practical Nurse is a professional under the nursing occupation. LPN performs a wide variety of jobs under the direction of a RN or registered nurse or a doctor. In some other locations, LPNs are also called as LVNs or Licensed Vocation Nurses. LPNs are health care community members that [...]
What is HPI? HPI stands for “History of Present Illness”. It is used in the medical field to record and identify the possible scenarios and conditions that relate to the clinical problem presented by a particular patient. When a patient goes to seek treatment for example, he/she is usually asked several questions relating to his/her [...]
What is EHR? EHR stands for Electronic Health Record and this refers to computerization of medical records for all patients. Some call it EMR or Electronic Medical Record and its basic intention is for easy integration of medical information between various health providers. The whole concept of computerizing medical records involves making all data across [...]
What is Bentyl? Bentyl is a type of anticholinergic and antispasmodic drug with the generic name of dicyclomine. It is commonly used to treat irritable bowel syndrome and helps reduce cramping in the stomach and intestines which may due to colic or diverticulosis. It helps relieves symptoms by slowing the gut activity causing relaxation in [...]
What is Ester-C? Ester-C is a brand of vitamin C supplement in the form of Calcium Ascorbate. This supplement is a result of a patented manufacturing process wherein the resulting product is said to be ph-neutral and contains only natural metabolites of Vitamin C. These metabolites then act to stimulate the activity of Vitamin C [...]
What is PQRST? PQRST refers to the mnemonic commonly used by physicians, nurses, and other medical personnel in assessing pain-related complaints from patients. This mnemonic is of great value to medical practitioners as this will form the basis for what questions need to be asked from patients in describing the pain they feel. Assessment is [...]
What is Losartan? Losartan is a prescription medicine that belong to a drug group called ARBs or angiotensin receptor blockers. This particular drug is usually prescribed for patients with high blood pressure and those with diabetic nephropathy. Losartan works by blocking the action of angiotensin which causes narrowing of blood vessels, causing a decrease in [...]
What is Tobramycin Ophthalmic Solution? Tobramycin Ophthalmic Solution is an antibiotic used in the treatment of eye infections. Common brand names for this type of drug include Tobrex, AKTob, Tobrasol, Apo Tobramycin, Sab Tobramycin, and Tomycine among others. This drug is a prescription medication and so an individual can only take this drug with the [...]
What is a MDS Nurse? A MDS nurse is a nurse that is in-charge with the delivery of care for patients that are confined in long-term care medical centers and facilities. MDS or Minimum Data Set is a procedure administered by the Center for Medicare and Medicaid Services for all patients in facilities that are [...]
What is Tail Coverage? Tail coverage refers to an extension period of insurance coverage for medical malpractice. From the word “tail”, this type of insurance serves as the “tail” or insurance coverage at the end of a normal medical malpractice policy. An end to a normal medical malpractice insurance coverage may result due to cancellation [...]
What is Fiorinal? You might have heard about Fiorinal before, but you might be uncertain about its properties, and different characteristics. Well, if you find this medicine interesting, you better read on, as a few of its details will be discussed in this article. To start with, Fiorinal is a combination of aspirin’s analgesic properties [...]
What is VDRL? VDRL, also known as Venereal Disease Research Laboratory test is a form of medical diagnosis performed to determine the presence of syphilis. This screening test basically looks for the presence of reagins, the antibodies produced by Treponema pallidum. These are substances produced by the body as a reaction to the syphilis-causing bacteria [...]
What is Z Pak? Z Pak is a term in the medical industry which also means Azithromycin. It is a macrolide antibiotic which basically suppresses the protein formation by bacteria. Its role is to delay and slow down the bacterial growth and in more advanced cases, it helps in the death of microorganisms. It is [...]
What is PSA? PSA is also referred to as Prostate-specific antigen, which is a form of protein, which the cells from prostate gland produce. This protein type is also present in the male serum in smaller quantities for healthy prostrate. However, if the level of the protein is elevated to an abnormal degree, it could [...]
What is Botox? Botox is a protein and a purified from of botulinum toxin. It is commonly used in injection form to minimize the appearance of wrinkles in the skin. Its effect on the skin is temporary though; so those who want real smooth skin need to have the injection every few months or so. [...]
What is Tazorac? Tazorac is a brand of topical medication with the generic name of “Tazarotene”. It is commonly used as treatment for acne and comes in gel or cream form. Tazorac or Tazarotene is a derivative of Vitamin A and is said to be effective in the treatment of acne vulgaris. And since it [...]
What is PRN? PRN stands for the Latin term “pro re nata” which is translated as “when necessary” or for as circumstances require, as needed or when occasion arises. This is a very common term used in the medical field especially in giving prescriptions. Thus, if your doctor gives you a prescription with this abbreviation, [...]
What is Tincture? Tincture is an alcohol-based derivative product of fresh herb or other plant with natural contents. The primary function of this derivative substance is as alternative medicine. There are other industries and applications which use it as dietary supplement. In some cases especially in mainstream pharmaceuticals, medicines are basically still offered in their [...]
What is VRT? VRT is the abbreviation for Vestibular Rehabilitation Therapy. This is a program using exercise based techniques. These are designed for the promotion of the central nervous system basically for inner ear ailments. This type of treatment is also used to help different types of vestibular health dilemmas including conditions such as unilateral [...]
What is Amoxicillin Used For? There are several different types of penicillin antibiotics that include Ampicillin, Dicloxacillin, Oxacillin and Amoxicillin. They are generally used to fight bacterial infections of different kinds. They achieve this by stopping the multiplication of bacteria and destruction of the protective wall that surrounds bacteria and helps them survive in their [...]
What is Cephalexin? Cephalexin is a type of prescription drug under the cephalosporin antibiotic group. It is widely used as treatment for bacterial infections on various parts of the body, including the skin, ears, respiratory and urinary tracts among others. This particular antibiotic may also be used for prevention of bacterial endocarditis, a type of [...]
What is Dexamethasone? Dexamethasone is a drug which is also known as a corticosteroid. This type of drug is derived from hormones present in the body like cortisol and aldosterone. This drug is said to have anti-inflammatory properties and has an effect on the number of white blood cells circulating in the blood. Dexamethasone helps [...]
What is Immunology? Immunology refers to the study of the body’s immune system. It is a broad branch of biomedicine involved in studying the whole process of immunity, including health and disease processes. Various diseases and plagues were already reported as early as 400 BC. But it was only in 1798 when records were made [...]
What is AMA? The AMA (American Medical Association) is a group that holds morals and the goal of healing in high regard. The mission of the organization is to promote the art and science of medicine and the betterment of public health. In essence, they hope to cure people, enhance medical education, and have a [...]
What is Fev1? FEV1 stands for first expiratory volume in the first second, the maximum amount of air a person can expel in one second of forceful exhalation. FEV 1 is used in spirometry, the most common of pulmonary function tests which measures the volume and flow of inhalation and exhalation. This test is used [...]
What is Amitriptyline? Amytriptyline is a drug used as an anti-depressant. The drug is most commonly known in its brand name Elavil. However, Elavil is no longer offered in the United States market. Depression is believed to be caused by an imbalance in the neurotransmitters in the brain. Patients suffering from depression may feel gloominess, [...]
What is Epidemiology? Epidemiology is the study of diseases, illnesses and health risks in populations. The term is derived from the Greek ‘epi’ which means upon, ‘demos’ meaning people, and ‘logos’ which means study (of). While this term generally applies to humans, it can also loosely apply to animals and plants. People who practice epidemiology [...]
What is Endoscopy? Endoscopy is a medical technique used for examination of the interior parts of the human body. This technique makes use of an instrument called the endoscope. The instrument comprises a camera and a light source attached to its tubular end which enables the physician to take pictures of the organs which needs [...]
What is Tea Tree Oil? Tea tree oil is produced through a steam distillation process of the leaves of the Melaleuca alternifolia plant. This particular plant only grows in the New South Wales part or region of Australia. Tea tree oil has been known even in the past to have medicinal effects. Many people are [...]
What is Zometa? Zometa is a drug belonging to the bisphosphonates group and is commonly used for cancer patients, especially those with complications to their skeletal system secondary to increased blood calcium levels. This drug acts to reduce the release of calcium from the bones thereby reducing its level on the blood. Zometa is prescribed [...]
What does AED mean? AED stands for Automatic External Defibrillator, an electronic device used for monitoring abnormal heart rhythms or arrhythmias. It is a helpful medical tool for patients with heart illnesses as not only does it help in checking heart activity but it could also be used as “defibrillator”. Meaning this same device or [...]
What is HSV? HSV or commonly called Herpes Simplex Virus is a two-strand (HSV1 and HSV 2) type that penetrates the body via mucous membranes. Generally, the membranes are located near the genitals or the area around the mouth. Upon entering the body, Herpes Simplex Virus attacks nerve cells (primary sensory neurons) that are located [...]
What is IVF? IVF stands for “In Vitro Fertilization” and refers to a treatment for couples who have infertility problems. Literally the procedure involves fertilization of the woman’s egg cell with the man’s sperm “in vitro” or outside of the body. Usually this is the last option of treatment for couples who are unsuccessful in [...]
What is Tylox? Tylox is a prescription-only drug for use in the treatment of moderate pain up to severe pain. It is part of a drug group called “narcotic pain relievers” and is a combination of two potent pain-relieving agents namely acetaminophen and oxycodone. And since this drug is considered to be “narcotic”, the use [...]
What is Peyote Drug? Peyote drug is a drug taken from the peyote plant with scientific name “Lophophora williamsii”. This particular plant belongs to the cactus family but is small and has no spines. Peyote is said to contain a substance called mescaline which has psychoactive or hallucinogenic properties. In the past, peyote has been [...]
What Is BPS? The BPS or the Board of Pharmacy Specialties has been giving certification maintenance and recertification over the past few years. Their goal is to provide certification to different pharmacists across different states. BPS has been specializing different areas of pharmacy. This includes ambulatory care pharmacy, nuclear pharmacy, nutrition support pharmacy, oncology pharmacy, [...]
What is Omeprazole used for? Omeprazole is a drug that acts to decrease acid formation in the stomach. Part of a group of drugs called proton pump inhibitor, omeprazole is a commonly prescribed medicine for the treatment of various conditions that causes acid build-up in the stomach. In some countries, omeprazole is considered an OTC [...]
What is Aortic Aneurysm? Aortic aneurysm refers to a swelling and/or enlargement of the aorta, which is the body’s biggest blood vessel originating from the heart and thoracic area and extending down to the abdominal area. When the aorta dilates abnormally, it is usually due to some weakness in the blood vessel’s walls. But this [...]
What is CPAP? CPAP refers to “continuous positive airway pressure”, a treatment procedure that utilizes a mild form of air pressure to help those with breathing difficulties. This procedure may be administered to adults to keep their airways open and to babies who are born prematurely. In the case of premature babies, CPAP is administered [...]
What is DOA? In the medical community, DOA stands for “dead on arrival”. It simply means that a particular person is considered to be “clinically dead” upon arrival at a medical facility. DOA may also be used when the first medical respondents will find a person clinically dead upon initial checking. In cases wherein medical [...]
What is Ibuprofen? Ibuprofen is a commonly used drug for pain, fever, muscle soreness, and soft-tissue inflammation and swelling. It is part of a drug group called NSAIDs or non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drug. It is also classified as an OTC drug or an “over-the-counter” drug, which simply means that one doesn’t need a doctor’s prescription to [...]
What is Legal Weed? Legal weed is a synthetic form of marijuana. Others call it by different names like “legal bud”, “fake weed”, “herbal tobacco”, or “herbal buds” among others. It contains various dried leaves of herbal plants and is marketed as a legal form of marijuana. Some products even claim that this product contains [...]
What is Doxycycline Hyclate? Doxycycline Hyclate is an antibiotic that is sourced synthetically from oxytetracycline. It is a drug that is commonly used to fight bacterial infections. Its main action is to slow the growth of bacteria inside the body to allow for the body’s immune system to work and perhaps eliminate them all throughout. [...]
What is Z Pak? Z Pak is the other term used for Zithromax drug which has the generic name known as azithromycin. There are two main packages for this medication, the one with 250 grams and the other with 600 grams for oral use. This medication belongs to the family of drugs containing macrolide antibiotics. [...]
What is Thyroxine? Thyroxine refers to the hormone basically created from the thyroid gland. This vital compound is produced with great effects on the mitochondria activities of the body cells. It binds with the human DNA and functions for the regulation of the body system specifically its rate of metabolism. Deficiency of this salient body [...]
What is Celebrex used for? Celebrex is a trade or brand name for a non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drug typically used for the treatment of pain in a variety of medical conditions. It is manufactured by the drug company Pfizer with the generic name “Celecoxib” and is available in capsule form. It is a prescription-only type of [...]
What is FVRCP? FVRCP is quite a long term, standing for feline viral rhinotracheitis (FVR), calcivirus infection (C), and panleukopenia (P). this is a series of vaccination given to household cats in order to prevent certain diseases. FVRCP injections are administered to kittens as early as 6-8 weeks of age. During this early age, a [...]
What is Baha? Baha refers to a hearing implant system for people who have lost their hearing. The “Baha system” or the “Baha implants” function to aid hearing problems by means of direct bone conduction or “moving sound waves through the bone structures”. This type of hearing implant system is said to have been available [...]
What is Aricept? Aricept is a brand of drug prescribed for patients who are diagnosed to have Alzheimer’s disease. Its generic name is donepezil and it works to normalize and/or improve the functioning of nervous cell tissues in the brain. Through its effect in inhibiting the enzyme acetyl cholinesterase, Aricept effectively blocks the breakdown of [...]
What is an Ostomy? Ostomy is a surgical procedure that involves the creation of an opening from the surface of the body to a specific internal organ. This procedure can either be permanent or temporary, meaning depending on the condition patients may have the surgical opening stay for as long as it is needed or [...]
What is VOM? VOM is the abbreviated form of Veterinary Orthopedic Manipulation. It is a type of therapeutic and healing technology which basically diagnose what area of the nervous system is affected in an animal. The diagnosis determines what area has essentially mal-functioned and gone out of the proper communication. It is also use to [...]
What is Tamsulosin? Tamsulosin is a prescription medication used to treat symptoms of those with prostate enlargements, which are medically known as benign prostatic hyperplasia. Men with enlarged prostates will at some point experience difficulty in urinating. And with Tamsulosin acting as an alpha-adrenergic blocker, relaxation and loosening of the blood vessels will result which [...]
What is MDAI? Differences of MDAI and MDMA MDAI is a drug also named as 5, 6-Methylenedioxy-2-aminoindane. This was developed by David E. Nichols at Purdue University together with his team. MDAI acts as a non-neurotoxic releasing agent and also as a highly selective serotonin releasing agent (SSRA) in producing entactogen effects in humans. On [...]
What is Xyzal? Xyzal is a brand of anti-histamine drug with the generic name of “levocetirizine”. It comes in tablets and oral solutions and is typically used to counter allergy-related symptoms. Xyzal is also considered a “non-drowse” anti-histamine since this drug does not have sedative effects. As the label “anti-histamine” suggests, this drug opposes the [...]
What is Tamiflu? Tamiflu is a prescription drug used for the treatment of influenza. Specifically, this drug is called an “anti-viral” drug because it blocks the action of the influenza virus, particularly types A and B. Tamiflu is said to work best if administered by people with flu-like symptoms within 2 days of onset. This [...]
What is Lexapro used for? Lexapro is a drug intended for the treatment of adult and adolescent depression and adult anxiety. It is an SSRI type of anti-depressant drug. SSRI stands for “serotonin reuptake inhibitor”. Its generic name is “escitalopram oxalate”. There are various types of depression and anxiety disorders, but Lexapro is specifically prescribed [...]
What is Ephedrine? Ephedrine is a drug that can stimulate the central nervous system, suppress a person’s appetite, help in concentration tasks, decongest clogged nasal pathways, and treat lowered blood pressure resulting from anesthesia. This drug has similar structure to amphetamines and methamphetamine or shabu, owing to its abuse by a lot of people or [...]
What is Ketamine? Ketamine is a type of anesthetic that may be used for both human and veterinary medicine. Most of its use is on animal anesthesia, but because of its effect of “dissociative anesthesia” or hallucinations, this drug is commonly abused by many people, especially the younger generation. But aside from hallucinations, ketamine’s other [...]
What is Amiodarone for? Amiodarone is a kind of medicine that is usually used to treat irregular heart beat. This medicine is called an antiarrhythmic agent that has been discovered in the year 1961 but has never been approved until 1985. Amiodarone is widely used to treat heart conditions that are difficult to treat. Although [...]
What is Mupirocin used for? Mupirocin is an antibiotic or anti-bacterial drug which is used for some infections involving the skin. It is said to have bacteriostatic and bactericidal effects. Bacteriostatic means this particular drug has the ability to stunt the growth and development of bacteria present on the skin. Bactericidal meanwhile means its ability [...]
What is Bactrim used for? Bactrim is a type of antibiotic commonly used for various infections. It contains sulfamethoxazole and trimethoprim which are both antibiotics and work by inhibiting the action of folic acid, which is helpful in the multiplication and/or growth of bacteria. Bactrim is a common antibiotic choice for ear infections, respiratory, urinary, [...]
What is HCTZ? HCTZ stands for hydrochlorothiazide and when this chemical is combined with valsartan, the result is a medication for hypertension. Commercially, the name of the medication is known as Diovan HCT. The medicine is particularly developed for patients who suffer from high blood pressure. Patients with such condition require numerous medications to manage [...]
What is HACCP? HACCP stands for Hazard Analysis and Critical Point. It is a system to promote prevention-based food safety programs. This system tries to identify the various hazards that can possibly affect food drug safety. From the production line of raw materials, to handling and processing, up to distribution and consumption, food safety is [...]
What is Naproxen? You probably thought this is some kind of a drug, and that’s exactly what it is. Naproxen is used to reduce the hormones that cause inflammation or pain, and it belongs to a group of medicines called nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory. If you are suffering of bursitis, spondylitis, tendinitis, gout, arthritis or even menstrual [...]
Quinine is a white powdery substance obtained from the bark of the cinchona tree. The word “quinine” has its roots from the Peruvian Indian word “kina”, which means “bark of the tree”. Historically, quinine was used as treatment for malaria, and some other conditions. Today, many anti-malarial drugs still contain quinine, but many other substances [...]
What is Lopressor? Lopressor is a brand of drug used in the treatment of angina or chest pain and hypertension. Its generic name is “metoprolol” which is part of a drug-group called “beta-blockers” that targets the heart and the blood vessels. Aside from chest pain and high blood pressure, doctors may also prescribe Lopressor as [...]
