Many have been wondering why certain medicines should be taken before meals and some should be taken after meals or with food. This is because of the different interactions of specific medications with food in the stomach. Some medicines cause stomach upsets or GI (gastrointestinal) tract disturbances when taken with an empty stomach. Most anti-inflammatory drugs for example are advised to be taken with food or directly after meals. (see table below: TAKEN WITH FOOD OR AFTER MEAL MEDICATIONS) On the other hand, most antibiotics are recommended to be taken before each meal (usually an hour or two before). Drugs under this category are most effective and are quickly absorbed with an empty stomach. (see table below: BEFORE MEAL MEDICATIONS) BEFORE MEAL MEDICATIONS Generic Name Extra Reminder Generic Name Extra Reminder Alendronate Oxacillin Ampicillin Penicillamine Astemizole Perindopril Bethanechol Repaglinide Bisacodyl Rifampin Captopril 1 hour before meals Rifabutin Cefibuten Riluzole Cilostazol Roxithromycin Take 15 minutes before meal Ciprofloxacin Can also be taken with meals but it is best to take with an empty stomach Sucralfate Demeclocycline Sulfadiazine Dicloxacilling Sulfamethoxazole Etidronate Tetracycline Never take with milk and other daily products Felodipine Tolcapone Indinavir Zafirlukast Lansoprazole Take right before meal Zalcitabine Levothyroxine Mycophenolate Omeprazole TAKEN WITH FOOD OR AFTER MEAL MEDICATIONS Generic Name Extra Reminder Generic Name Extra Reminder Allopurinol Take right after meal Metronidazole Atovaquone Misoprostol Augmentin Methanamine Aspirin Mebendazole Amiodarone Methylprednisolone Baclofen Naltrexone Bromocriptine Naproxen Clofazimine Nelfinavir Carvedilol Nitrofurantoin Carbamazepine Niacin Cefpodoxime Olsalazine Chloroquine Perphenazine Cimetidine Pentoxifylline Diclofenac sodium and potassium Pergolide Divalproex sodium Piroxicam Doxycycline Potassium salts Felbamate Prednisone Fenofibrate Procainamide Fiorinal Ritonavir Fludrocortisone Salsalate Fenoprofen Saquinavir Griseofulvin Sevelamer Glyburide Taken after breakfast Spironolactone Hydrocortisone Sulfasalazine Hydroxychloroquine Sulfinpyrazone Ibuprofen Sulindac Indomethacin Ticlopidine Iron preparations Take between meals-if GI upset occurs Tolmetin Itraconazole Trazodone Ketorolac Troglitazone Lithium Valproic acid
Before and After Meal Medications
Monday, September 29, 20080 comments
Amalgam Fillings
Amalgam filling is another type of mixture used to restore teeth. It is made of silver, tin, zinc, copper and mercury which comprises about 50% of the whole mixture. Amalgam filling is usually used in filling backs of the teeth and molars. Advantages of amalgam fillings are: Disadvantages of amalgam fillings are: Related topic:
Tuesday, September 23, 20080 comments
White Composite Fillings
Introduced in the 1960s, a white composite filling is a mixture composed of glass (silicon dioxide to be particular). The two main purposes of white fillings are to restore decayed parts of the teeth and for cosmetic improvements such as changing the uncolored teeth or reshaping deformed teeth. The white fillings were first designed to sit on the front part of the teeth because they were not good enough to withstand the pressure induced to back teeth especially to the molars. It was later enhanced which can now be placed in the back teeth and molars unlike before. Disadvantages using white composite fillings: Related topic:
Below are some advantages using white composite fillings:
What are EPA and DPA?
Both Eiscosapentaenoic acid (EPA) and docosahexaenoic acid (DPA) are popularly termed as essential fatty acids. EPA and DHA are the two active ingredients of the Omega-3 fatty acids which are polyunsaturated fats having very important roles for the body to function well. Importance of EPA and DHA in the body: Other benefits from having enough amounts of EPA and DPA in the body are:
Omega-3 Fatty Acids
Recommended omega-3 fatty acid dosage:
- For patients without any heart related problems, it is recommended to eat fatty fish twice a week.
- For patients suffering from any type of heart disease should atleast have fatty fish everyday. There are also omega-3 fatty acid preparations in capsules and liquid forms which are available in the market today which the patient can consider with proper consultation with the physician. These preparations contain EPA+DHA (furhter discussed here) which contains 1 gram of the required EPA+DHA daily allowance for a healthier heart.
- For patients who are concerned in lowering their triglyceride levels, it is recommended to take atleast 2 to 4 grams of EPA+DHA per day. Still, this procedure is under the advice of your physician.
Note: It is not recommended to take more than 3 grams of omega-3 fatty acids without a proper advice from the doctor. This is because of the fact that high intakes of this fatty acid may possibly lead to excessive bleeding in some people.
Aside from keeping the heart healthy, omega-3 fatty acids are also proven by doctors and researchers to combat autism, low birth issues and some psychological disorders. It is also beneficial to people who are suffering from:
- Diabetes
- Menstrual cramps
- Asthma
- Burns
- High cholesterol levels
- Arthritis
- Allergies due to inflammation
Herbal Green Peel
Skin Problems Treated by Herbal Green Peel:
Monday, September 22, 20080 comments
Common Facts About Botox
Botox is a process in keeping the skin look young and healthy. It is a known method in reversing the aging process of the skin. Compared to having face lists and plastic surgery, Botox is a lot cheaper, easier process, quicker results and shows very minimal side effects. Botox is actually a protein which is obtained from botulism toxin (is a neurotoxin which is known to attack nerve cells). It is injected underneath the skin which then promotes smoother skin. It is also very effective in reducing fine lines and wrinkles. The process does not really take a very long time to perform. Usually, it is only done in two hours or less. Botox is not a permanent solution to problems regarding skin aging. The younger appearance obtained by a person after administration of Botox to the skin may last somewhere between four to six months. This is because of the fact that the muscles will again begin to contract and wrinkles will again start to appear. It is therefore one can repeat Botox treatments to smoothen the skin again. Individuals who are not allowed to undergo the Botox Treatment are those with: Just like any other health procedures, there will always be risks but it is always very rare in Botox procedures. The most common side effects are: Note: Difficulty in swallowing and neck pains occur only when inaccurate and too much amount of Botox has been injected to the skin. It can also result to having the right measurement of Botox which has been injected to the wrong muscle. So be sure to contact a licensed physician who will make the procedure for you to avoid complications.
Sunday, September 21, 20080 comments
Faitox-25 Your Botox Alternative
Benefits from using FAITOX-25:
- lightens deep wrinkles and deep furrows within 30 days
- retains skin firmness
- keeps the skin hydrated
- even out skin tone
- restores clarity
- promotes collagen and elastin formation.
FAITOX-25's major components are:
- Argireline (25%) – is a peptide (hexapeptide) which has been proven to relax the muscles and decrease its movements therefore reducing the depth of wrinkles and has been tested to minimize the production of new lines.
- Hyasol-BT (50%)- (hyaluronic acid) is a lubricant which promotes moisture to the skin by leaving a thin invisible surface film. It also smoothens, fixes elasticity and tones the skin.
- Matrixyl 3000 (15%) – (combination of two peptides: palmitoyl oligopeptide and palmitoyl tetrapeptide-3) is known to stimulate the matrix molecules (the skin's collagen – responsible in the skin elasticity) hence, reducing the appearance of wrinkles by firming the skin.
- Snap-8 (10%) – (octapeptide) is the peptide which is responsible in keeping the muscles relaxed even when smiling or winking. The idea behind this substance is that the more the muscles are relaxed, the production of fine lines will also be less.
- It also contains important typical antioxidants such as Vitamins C and E.
Product specifications:
- Bottle size: 1 oz. (30 mL)
- Price: ranges from US$ 58 – 80 per bottle
Saturday, September 20, 20080 comments
Depression
Categories/types and symptoms of depression:
I. Major depression – this type of depression is considered to be the most serious category. It has a higher number and severity of symptoms. There is still no official diagnosis about major depression up to this time.
Symptoms of major depression:
- Rapid weight loss or extreme weight gain
- Increased appetite
- Either having difficulties in sleeping or having extended hours of sleeping
- Too much movement or slowing down which are generally observed by the people around
- Decrease in self-confidence
- Quick loss of energy and fatigue
- Excessive feeling of guilt
- Difficulty in focusing, concentrating, thinking
- Difficulty in making own decisions
- Although not all people under this category attempt suicide, most of them do atleast think about committing death
Symptoms of dysthymic disorder or dysthymia:
- Increased appetite
- Difficulty or increased hours sleeping hours
- Fatigue and decreased amount of energy
- Very low self-confidence
- Difficulty concentrating and thinking
III. Manic depression – which is also known as Bipolar disorder is another type of this illness which covers periods of mania and depression. This type of depression is comprised of a constant increased or extreme irritable mood which usually lasts for about a week.
Symptoms of manic depression or bipolar disorder:
- Slow but recognizable decrease in self-esteem
- Decreased hours of sleep
- Either became more talkative or less talkative compared before
- Distracted easily even by small things
- Excessive movement
- Sudden increase in social, school, work or sexual interests
- Too much involvement in very risky but pleasurable things like overspending and unwise approach in business engagements and decisions
Dark Underarms
Reasons why underarms get dark:
- The natural growth of underarm hair is one most common reasons why it darkens in color. Usually, people who suffer from this are those whose hair follicles are a lot thicker compared to others. So, at any hour of the day when the hair starts sprouting out of the underarm skin, the skin therefore starts to become darker, too.
- Sweating also is a reason for having dark underarms. This is because of the fact that underarm sweat mixed with dead skin cells of the skin will accumulate on that area making it look darker.
- Others say that using deodorants promotes underarm darkening. This is not actually true although using very strong deodorants might cause irritation to sensitive skin thus leading to unsightly skin color. So, when choosing a deodorant, make sure that is compatible with the type of skin you have. The main reason why using deodorants lead to skin darkening is that the leftover residues of deodorants stick to the skin even if we take a shower everyday. If it isn't scrubbed away, it will stay there covering the natural lighter color of your underarms.
- Blouses or shirts having very tight underarm holds also lead to skin darkening. Underarms are one of the most sensitive areas of the body. Tight clothing which squeezes them promotes pressure and heat which then result to underarm discoloration.
- Genetics is also one great factor in having hyperpigmented underarms.
Thursday, September 18, 20080 comments
Eye Bags
Some factors which possibly cause eye-bag formation:
- Experts say that this usually happens especially to people who have taken too much amount of water or liquid or have eaten salty foods before going to bed. The swelling around the eyes usually diminishes after a few hours when the fluids have been re-absorbed by the body.
- There are people who still wake up having puffy eyes even though they have had enough hours sleeping overnight. Please consider the fact that it might also be due to allergic reactions. Say for example, you might have eaten something you are allergic from or perhaps, your pillows are not suitable for your skin type.
- Most women may also suffer from eye bags especially during their menstrual visits. This is because of the monthly hormonal changes in the body.
- Aging is another factor for having eye bags. While we age, our skin also ages. Through the years, the skin located around the eyes becomes thinner and thinner. The skin also loses its elasticity therefore causing the underlying fat around the eyes bulges out resulting to what we call eye bags.
- If the swelling around the eyes is similar to round pouches rather than just simple puffiness, consult your physician immediately as it might be a sign of underlying disease, usually connected to a thyroid condition commonly known as Grave's disease. It can also be related to kidney issues.
Wednesday, September 17, 20080 comments
Bio-Oil - Scar and Stretch Mark Treatment
Bio-Oil is a new skincare preparation available in the market today containing Pur-Cellin Oil.
The product has been tested and proven to eliminate scars, stretch marks and uneven skin tone with continued use. It also helps the skin reverse its aging process while keeping the skin hydrated. Below are short summaries on how Bio-Oil helps eliminate unwanted skin conditions:
- Bio-Oil improves the condition of the skin having scar tissues therefore slowly minimizes the appearance of both the new and old scars.
- Bio-Oil prevents the occurrence of stretch marks which usually start appearing when there is a quick change in the body size during pregnancy, adolescence and weight loss. It also diminish the appearance of other exisiting stretch marks.
- Bio-Oil minimizes uneven skin pigmentations and blemishes.
- Bio-Oil improves the skin's elasticity thus reversing the aging process of the skin. It repairs wrinkled areas of the skin and makes skin smooth.
- Bio-Oil protect the skin from drying and losing water. It therefore promote skin hydration, soothing the skin and preventing it from chapping.
Other important ingredients of Bio-Oil are Vitamins A and E, Calendula, Lavender and Rosemary Oils, Chamomile Extract, Mineral Oil, Triisononanoin, Cetearyl EthylHexanote, Isopropyl Myristate, Retinyl Palmitate, Tocopheryl Acetate, Sunflower Oil, Soybean Oil, BHT, Bisabolol, Perfume and Cl26100 which is also known as Red 17. If you are allergic to any of the mentioned components, please consult your physician or dermatologist first before trying it on your skin.
The product is available in 60 mL (price ranges from US$12-15), 125 mL (price ranges from US$20-24) and 200 mL (price ranges from US$28-33) bottles.
Tuesday, September 16, 20080 comments