Medications Archive

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Read More about What’s new in diabetes drugs
What’s new in diabetes drugs

What’s new in diabetes drugs
Two classes of diabetes drugs—GLP-1 receptor agonists and SGLT-2 inhibitors—have received much attention lately. They not only lower blood sugar, they also help with weight reduction and may lower the risk of heart attack, stroke, and chronic kidney disease. The drugs can be taken as daily oral tablets or in some cases weekly injections, both of which are preferable over daily insulin shots.
Read More about Over-the-counter drugs that can boost blood pressure
Over-the-counter drugs that can boost blood pressure

Over-the-counter drugs that can boost blood pressure
People with high blood pressure should avoid certain popular over-the-counter drugs used to treat cold and flu symptoms and pain. The problematic products are those that contain decongestants such as oxymetazoline, pseudoephedrine, and phenylephrine; and nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drugs (NSAIDs) such as ibuprofen and naproxen sodium. Because drugstores contain an overwhelming number of products that feature those drugs, people should ask their pharmacist to recommend a product.
Read More about The effects of marijuana on your memory
The effects of marijuana on your memory

The effects of marijuana on your memory
Read More about Less may be more when treating urinary tract infections
Less may be more when treating urinary tract infections

Less may be more when treating urinary tract infections
Researchers found that treating urinary tract infections with antibiotics for seven days was just as effective as treatment lasting 14 days. The shorter duration also can reduce the risk of medication side effects like diarrhea and nausea.
Read More about Is your medication making you lightheaded?
Is your medication making you lightheaded?

Is your medication making you lightheaded?
Many medications can cause lightheadedness, such as drugs to treat depression, high blood pressure, or bladder problems. It’s important to learn about a medication’s potential side effects and be on high alert if lightheadedness is a possibility. A person can jot down the day and time a drug is taken as well as any side effects that follow; those details can help a doctor determine if changes in medicines are required. Someone who continues to feel lightheaded after about a week should report it to the doctor.
Read More about Drug therapy needs time to treat heart-related chest pain
Drug therapy needs time to treat heart-related chest pain

Drug therapy needs time to treat heart-related chest pain
Chest pain with exertion affects about one-quarter of people with stable coronary artery disease. A 2021 study found that these individuals can often eliminate their symptoms by following conservative drug therapy, without needing a stent or bypass surgery.
Read More about Why are mRNA vaccines so exciting?
Why are mRNA vaccines so exciting?

Why are mRNA vaccines so exciting?
The  first vaccines approved in the US to prevent COVID-19 were an entirely new type: mRNA vaccines. Over the past year, they've proven unusually effective and safe. How do mRNA vaccines differ from traditional vaccines, and what makes them so exciting?
Read More about Some blood pressure drugs are linked with better memory
Some blood pressure drugs are linked with better memory

Some blood pressure drugs are linked with better memory
A 2021 analysis found that adults ages 50 and older who took an ACE inhibitor such as lisinopril or an ARB like candesartan that crosses the blood-brain barrier scored higher on memory recall tests after three years on the medication, when compared with those who took a different drug in the same class that doesn’t cross over.
Read More about Aspirin and bruising
Aspirin and bruising

Aspirin and bruising

Taking low-dose aspirin may increase bruising and minor bleeding from small cuts. Minor bleeding does not necessarily indicate a greater likelihood of experiencing major bleeding.

Read More about Stuck in a brain fog? Look in your medicine cabinet
Stuck in a brain fog? Look in your medicine cabinet

Stuck in a brain fog? Look in your medicine cabinet
Older adults may assume bouts of forgetfulness or "brain fog" are a natural part of aging. But one possible explanation is that the problem is a side effect from common medications, in particular sleep aids and pain killers. Older adults who have recently begun taking a new medication or increased their dosage should monitor their memory problems and then share the information with their doctor to see if adjustments should be made to their medication regimen.
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