Patient Education

Heart Health Library

Our Health Library does not replace the advice of a doctor. Please be advised that this information is made available to assist our patients to learn more about their heart health. Our providers may not see and/or treat all topics found herein.

Our Health Library information does not replace the advice of a doctor. Please be advised that this information is made available to assist our patients to learn more about their health. Our providers may not see and/or treat all topics found herein.

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Your searched on: Medications

Daily Medicine Schedule
Use this form to remind you when to take your medicines. Post this sheet where you can see it, such as near your medicine cabinet or wherever you store your medicines. Bring it to your doctor appointments. And take it with you when you travel. Name of medicine Before breakfast What time? ____ With breakfast Before lunch...

Quick Tips: Helping Children Take Medicine
Giving medicine to a child can be tricky. Some liquid medicines taste or smell bad. Or they may have a strange texture. And when a child doesn't feel well, they can act grumpy or more stubborn than usual. But you can take steps to avoid power struggles, give your child a sense of control, and make taking medicines a bit...

Quick Tips: Safely Giving Over-the-Counter Medicines to Children
Over-the-counter (OTC) medicines are medicines you can buy without a doctor's prescription. This doesn't mean that OTC medicines are harmless. Like prescription medicines, OTCs can be very dangerous for children if not taken the right way. Be sure to read the package instructions on OTC medicines carefully. Talk to your...

Quick Tips: Taking Medicines Wisely
Medicines can help you manage your health, but only if you take them correctly. If you're having problems taking your medicine as prescribed, try thinking about why you're having trouble. You might not be sure why your medicine is important or if it is working. Maybe you just can't remember to take your medicine every...

Causes of Hair Loss: Medicines and Medical Treatments
Medicines and medical treatments can cause hair loss. Medicines Many medicines that can cause hair loss include: Medicines used to treat cancer ( chemotherapy). Birth control pills. Women who lose hair while taking birth control pills usually have an inherited tendency toward hair thinning. If hair thinning occurs, a...

Keeping Track of Medicines
Using medicines can be confusing, especially if you take a lot of medicines. Here are some tips to help you keep track of when and how to take them. Make a master list of all your medicines. Write down the medicine names and doctors' names. Include doses and side effects too. And write down why you take each medicine...

Osteopathic Medicine
Osteopathic medicine focuses on a whole-person approach to treatment and care. Osteopathic physicians (also called doctors of osteopathic medicine, or DOs) are doctors who practice the full scope of modern medicine like medical doctors (MDs). They have special training in the connection between the body's nerves...

Traditional Chinese Medicine
Discusses system of medicine partly based on the idea that energy flows along pathways in the body called meridians. Covers acupuncture, acupressure, Chinese herbs, cupping, diet, and massage. Covers safety and side effects.

Over-the-Counter Medicine Precautions
Before using over-the-counter medicines, be sure you know the benefits and side effects of a medicine. Use medicines only if non-medicine approaches are not working. These steps can help you stay safe when taking over-the-counter medicine. Carefully read and follow all directions on the medicine bottle and box. Take the...

Complementary Medicine
Describes complementary and alternative medicine, including how well it works and how to use it safely. Provides links to various therapies, including homeopathy, yoga, acupuncture, and chiropractic.

Obesity: Should I Take Weight-Loss Medicine?
Guides you through the decision about taking weight-loss medicine. Describes different types of medicine. Covers side effects like headaches, nausea, and bowel problems. Includes interactive tool to help you make your decision.

Master List of Medicines
List each medicine that you take. Be sure to include over-the-counter medicines, herbs, vitamins, and other natural health products. Use this as a guide when you fill out the chart. Medicine names. Include both the brand name and the generic name for all prescription medicines, even those prescribed by another doctor...

Comparing Stop-Smoking Medicines
Several medicines can help you quit using tobacco. You can take medicine to reduce your craving for nicotine. You also can use nicotine replacement products to reduce cravings and give you smaller and smaller amounts of nicotine. Your doctor can help you decide which medicine—or combination of medicines—may work better...

Medical Marijuana
Marijuana, also called cannabis, is a drug that's made of the leaves, flowers, and buds of the cannabis plant. Medical marijuana can help treat symptoms like pain, nausea, and lack of appetite. It may be used by people who have health problems like cancer, AIDS, or multiple sclerosis. Is medical marijuana helpful and...

Preventing Falls in Older Adults Who Take High-Risk Medicines
What does "high risk" mean? "High risk" means that a medicine can cause serious health problems or accidents. Some high-risk medicines include muscle relaxers, anxiety and sleep medicines, opioid pain medicines, and some over-the-counter allergy and cold medicines. They're called high-risk because they may make you feel...

Monitoring Your Medicines in the Hospital
Medicine errors can happen when you're in the hospital. As an active patient, you can keep careful track of the medicines you're getting and help prevent mistakes. Here are some things you can do to monitor your medicines and stay safe. If you are allergic to a drug, check your wristband to be sure it lists all drug...

Electronic Medical and Health Records
There are three types of medical records commonly used by patients and doctors: Personal health record (PHR) Electronic medical record (EMR) Electronic health record (EHR) PHR, or personal health record Technically, any medical record you keep for yourself is a personal health record (PHR). You can keep records: On...

How to Get Rid of Medicines
It's important to get rid of your medicines when you no longer need to take them. You should also get rid of expired medicine. An expired medicine is past its "use by" or "discard by" date. It may not work as well. And it may no longer be safe to use. Make sure to get rid of medicine safely. Doing so can help prevent...

Staying Safe When You Take Several Medicines
Older adults and people with long-term diseases often need to take a lot of pills. That can cause problems. If you take more than one medicine that works the same way, you could get too high a dose. And sometimes medicines work against each other. It's important to ask every doctor you visit to look at your complete...

Medicine Blood Level Test
A medicine blood level test measures how much of your medicine is in your blood. Your doctor checks it to make sure that you are taking a safe and effective dose. This testing is also called therapeutic drug monitoring. This information is about medicines that are not used to control seizures.

Seizure Medicine Levels in Blood Test
A medicine blood level test measures how much of your medicine is in your blood. Your doctor checks it to make sure that you are taking a safe and effective dose. This testing is also called therapeutic drug monitoring.

Weight-Loss Medicines
Make sure you know about each of the medicines you take. This includes why you take it, how to take it, what you can expect while you're taking it, and any warnings about the medicine. The information provided here is general. So be sure to read the information that came with your medicine. If you have any questions or...

Knowing Where to Get Medical Care
What are your options for medical care? Today your options for where to get your medical care are greater than ever before. You may not even have to leave your home to get the care you want and need. You can choose based on what your health problem is and what works best for you. And you don't have to use one option for...

Taking Medicine to Support Your Mental Health
This article addresses common questions or concerns people often have about medicines for mental health, which may keep them from getting treatment.

Starting Medicines for ADHD: How to Care for Your Child
Learn how to care for your child if they start taking medicines for ADHD.

Supporting Someone Who Takes Medicines for a Mental Health Condition
Treatment for a mental health condition often includes medicine along with counseling. Medicine may help relieve symptoms so someone can get more benefit from counseling. But some people may struggle with taking these medicines. It often takes time to find the right dose and the medicine that works the best. Sometimes...

Inhaled Quick-Relief Medicines for Asthma
Make sure you know about each of the medicines you take. This includes why you take it, how to take it, what you can expect while you're taking it, and any warnings about the medicine. The information provided here is general. So be sure to read the information that came with your medicine. If you have any questions or...

Medicines for Bone Loss
Make sure you know about each of the medicines you take. This includes why you take it, how to take it, what you can expect while you're taking it, and any warnings about the medicine. The information provided here is general. So be sure to read the information that came with your medicine. If you have any questions or...

Stopping Medicine for Epilepsy
If you haven't had a seizure in several years, you may ask your doctor if you can slowly stop or reduce your medicine. You and your doctor will need to weigh the benefits of stopping treatment against the risk that your seizures may return. You have a lower risk of having a seizure after you stop medicine if: You...

Medical History and Physical Exam for Dementia or Alzheimer's Disease
A person's medical history and a physical exam are important parts of the evaluation when the person has symptoms of dementia or Alzheimer's disease. Medical history The doctor will ask questions during a medical history to assess a person's past and current overall health and to find out how well the person functions...

Asthma: Overcoming Obstacles to Taking Medicines
Taking medicines for asthma every day can be hard to get used to. You may have several reasons why you find it hard to take your medicines. But figuring out how to handle these challenges can help you take good care of yourself. Here are some challenges and possible solutions. Maybe some of the reasons below are...

Prevent Medical Errors
Medical errors are mistakes in health care that could have been prevented. They can occur in hospitals, clinics, surgery centers, doctors' offices, nursing homes, pharmacies, and your home. Errors can involve medicines, surgery, diagnosis, home treatment, equipment, or lab reports. Medical errors may result in injury or...

Noninsulin Medicines for Type 2 Diabetes
Make sure you know about each of the medicines you take. This includes why you take it, how to take it, what you can expect while you're taking it, and any warnings about the medicine. The information provided here is general. So be sure to read the information that came with your medicine. If you have any questions or...

Mood-Stabilizing Medicines
Make sure you know about each of the medicines you take. This includes why you take it, how to take it, what you can expect while you're taking it, and any warnings about the medicine. The information provided here is general. So be sure to read the information that came with your medicine. If you have any questions or...

Medicines for ADHD (Attention Deficit Hyperactivity Disorder)
Make sure you know about each of the medicines you take. This includes why you take it, how to take it, what you can expect while you're taking it, and any warnings about the medicine. The information provided here is general. So be sure to read the information that came with your medicine. If you have any questions or...

Reducing Medication Costs
Discusses reducing medicine costs with lifestyle changes, generic medicines, and shopping around. Also covers buying medicines online, pill splitting, and buying prescriptions in bulk. Discusses how your insurance plan and doctor can help you save money.

Childbirth: I.V. Medicines
Intravenous (I.V.) medicines may be used in childbirth to help with pain during labor. They also may help you relax. They include opioids and other medicines. You may get one or more medicines through an I.V. How are these medicines given? A nurse will insert a small tube into a vein in your arm (intravenously, or...

Grapefruit Juice and Medicines
How does grapefruit juice affect medicines? Grapefruit juice contains chemicals that can cause problems with how your body breaks down certain medicines. This can cause you to have too much, or too little, medicine in your blood. This increases your chances of side effects. Or it may prevent the medicine from working as...

Organizing Your Medical Records
It's a good idea to keep copies of your medical records. You'll need them if you change doctors, move, get sick when you're away from home, or end up in an emergency room. If any of these things happen and you have your records, you may get treatment more quickly, and it will be safer. Here are some steps to get your...

Nuclear Medicine Scan
Radioactive tracers are used in imaging tests that help find problems inside the body. These tracers give off particles that can be detected and turned into a picture to help find problems in organs or other structures. The tracer is usually given through an intravenous (I.V.) line placed in a vein. But the tracer also...

Tips for Swallowing Medicines
Some people have a hard time swallowing medicines. Large pills or capsules can get stuck in your throat, especially if your mouth is dry. Sometimes stuck pills can lead to heartburn and other problems. Here are some tips to help make swallowing easier. Take a few sips of water to moisten your throat before you swallow...

Pediatric Preparation for Medical Tests
Includes tips to comfort a child before a medical test. Offers tips based on age, from newborns through the teen years.

Medicines During Pregnancy
Medicines you can take during pregnancy It can be hard to know if a medicine is safe during pregnancy. Most medicines are not studied in people who are pregnant. That's because researchers worry about how the medicines might affect the baby. But some medicines have been taken for so long by so many people during...

Asthma: Ways to Take Inhaled Medicines
When you use inhaled asthma medicine, you usually use a device that delivers the medicine directly to your lungs. Different types of delivery systems are available. And one type may be better for certain people or age groups or certain medicines. Here are the different types of devices and some things to think about for...

Asthma: Overuse of Quick-Relief Medicines
Quick-relief beta2-agonists quickly reduce symptoms. For this reason, people sometimes overuse them instead of adding the slower-acting, long-term medicines. Overuse of quick-relief medicines may be harmful. If you overuse quick-relief beta2-agonists, you may feel that your asthma is under control. But, in fact...

Dealing With Medicine Side Effects and Interactions
All medicines can cause side effects. Many people don't have side effects. And minor side effects sometimes go away after a while. But sometimes side effects can be a problem or can be serious. If you're having problems with side effects, talk to your doctor. Your doctor may be able to lower your dose or change to a...

Questions to Ask About Your Medicines
It's important to know as much as possible about the medicines you're taking. Here are some examples of questions you might ask your doctor or pharmacist. What can you tell me about this medicine? What is the name of the medicine? What will the medicine do (for example, lower blood pressure)? How will I know that this...

Medical Tests: Questions to Ask the Doctor
Use this form for any tests your doctor recommends, such as blood tests, urine tests, or X-rays. General questions What is the name of the test? Why do I need this test? What might happen if the test is delayed or not done? How accurate is the test? Are there other tests that are more accurate? How much does the test...

Taking Medicines as Prescribed
Taking medicine as your doctor prescribes may improve your health and may prevent future problems. Not taking medicines properly could put your health or your life at risk. Taking your medicines safely is especially important for those who take a lot of medicines. Taking a lot of pills increases your chances of having...

Your Family Medical History
Health problems sometimes run in the family. That's why it's important to know as much as you can about the health problems of your birth family. This information can help your doctor provide better care. Start with what you know. Then ask your parents or other relatives for more information. It's a good idea to update...

Dietary Supplements (Herbal Medicines and Natural Products)
Explains what dietary supplements are. Covers uses including preventing illness, reducing fever, curing infection, easing pain, and healing wounds. Covers safety issues like side effects and interaction with other medicines or supplements being taken.

Naturopathic Medicine
Naturopathic medicine (or naturopathy) is an alternative medical practice based on the belief that the body can heal itself. It aims to improve health and prevent disease and illness through the use of organic foods and exercise; a healthy, balanced lifestyle; and the use of Ayurvedic, homeopathic, and herbal therapies...

Non-Diabetes Medicines That May Raise Blood Sugar
Some medicines for conditions other than diabetes can raise your blood sugar level. This is a concern when you have diabetes. Make sure every doctor you see knows about all of the medicines, vitamins, or herbal supplements you take. This means anything you take with or without a prescription. Examples include: Thiazide...

Diabetes: Dealing With Low Blood Sugar From Insulin or Medicine
If you take insulin or certain diabetes pills that lower blood sugar, your blood sugar may get too low at times. Low blood sugar can happen if you: Take too much diabetes medicine in a day, take your doses too close together, or take your full dose of medicine when you aren't going to eat your usual amount of food...

Medicine or Other Drug Use and Sleep Problems
Many prescription and nonprescription medicines can cause sleep problems. A few examples of these medicines are: Antidepressants. Cold medicines. Steroid medicines. Nonprescription diet aids. Other substances Other substances that may cause sleep problems include: Alcohol. At first, drinking alcohol may cause...

Schizophrenia: Encouraging Someone to Take the Medicines
Here are ways to help your family member take the medicines: Talk about medicines in a way that is meaningful to the person. For example, point out the reasons to take medication. Say, "Your medicines help quiet the voices you hear," or "Your medicines help you study and keep your grades up." Link taking the medicines...

Medical Checkups for Adolescents
During your adolescent's yearly medical checkup, most doctors: Check your child's height and weight, body mass index, blood pressure, vision, and hearing. Listen to your child's heart and lungs. Also, the doctor will feel the lymph nodes and the thyroid gland in the neck as well as the spleen, liver, and kidneys in the...

Medicines and Other Substances That Can Cause Symptoms of Depression
Many medicines can cause changes in how we feel. Some can cause symptoms of depression. These include: Blood pressure medicines, such as clonidine (Catapres). Barbiturates. Some examples are pentobarbital (Nembutal), phenobarbital, and secobarbital (Seconal). Benzodiazepines. Some examples are alprazolam (Xanax)...

Warfarin: Taking Your Medicine Safely
Warfarin (such as Coumadin) is a medicine that helps prevent blood clots. It is often called a blood thinner. Doctors give warfarin to reduce the risk of blood clots. Warfarin slows the time it takes for your blood to clot. That means it can cause bleeding problems. So it's important to know how to take it safely. Foods...

Tony's Story: Taking Medicine for High Cholesterol
Tony has done well with getting his cholesterol under control. And he's had a notable failure. But as Tony tells it, "I've learned as much from the failure as I have from the success. Maybe more." About 2 years ago, Tony's doctor told him that he had a high risk for heart attack and that his cholesterol was high. So...

Medicines for Cluster Headaches
Medicines may stop a cluster headache after it starts or prevent more headaches from occurring. If you don't get headaches often, you may only need to take medicines after the headaches begin. If you get headaches often, you may need to take medicines daily during a cluster period to prevent a future headache or reduce...

Organ Transplants: Antirejection Medicines
How are antirejection medicines used for an organ transplant? People who've had an organ transplant need antirejection medicines. That's because the immune system will try to destroy the new organ. These medicines weaken your immune system and make it harder for your body to destroy your new organ. But they also make it...

Steroid Medicine for Asthma: Myths and Facts
Medicine helps you breathe easier and keeps your asthma under control. Controller medicines help stop problems before they happen. They also reduce inflammation in your lungs. Quick-relief medicines are used when you can't prevent symptoms and need to treat them fast. One of the best tools for managing asthma is a...

High Blood Pressure: Over-the-Counter Medicines to Avoid
Some over-the-counter (OTC) medicines can raise your blood pressure or keep your blood pressure medicine from working the way it should. So if you have high blood pressure or other heart or blood vessel problems, you need to be careful with OTC medicines. That includes vitamins and supplements. Your doctor or pharmacist...

Diabetes: Making Medical Decisions as Your Health Changes
For many people, diabetes leads to serious health problems. These life-changing conditions bring with them new medical decisions and plans. Medical decisions are very personal. Different people handle them in different ways. "In the past year, I've learned I have kidney disease from my diabetes. Wow. My wife and I...

Complementary Medicine for Arthritis
A lot of people use some form of complementary medicine to treat osteoarthritis. These treatments are often used along with standard care to help relieve their arthritis symptoms. Some of these treatments may help you move more easily and deal with the stress and pain of arthritis. But in some cases, not much is known...

Long-Acting Injectable Antipsychotic Medicines
Learn about getting antipsychotic medicines as shots instead of taking them as pills.

Genetic Testing for Medicines
Learn about genetic testing for medicines and how doctors use it to make choices about medicines.

Complementary Medicine
Provides links on yoga, massage therapy, and dietary supplements. Also links to information on naturopathic medicine. Interactive links include stress management, muscle relaxation, and deciding whether to use complementary medicine.

Acid-Reducing Medicines
Make sure you know about each of the medicines you take. This includes why you take it, how to take it, what you can expect while you're taking it, and any warnings about the medicine. The information provided here is general. So be sure to read the information that came with your medicine. If you have any questions or...

Over-the-Counter Medicines for Allergies
Make sure you know about each of the medicines you take. This includes why you take it, how to take it, what you can expect while you're taking it, and any warnings about the medicine. The information provided here is general. So be sure to read the information that came with your medicine. If you have any questions or...

Breastfeeding: Using Medicines Safely
Talk to your doctor before you take any prescription or over-the-counter medicines while breastfeeding. That's because some medicines can affect your breast milk. Many medicines are safe to use when you breastfeed. These include: Pain relievers, such as acetaminophen (Tylenol) and ibuprofen (Advil, Motrin). Some cold...

Dementia: Medicines to Treat Behavior Changes
The decision to try medicine to treat behavior problems in Alzheimer's disease is different for each person. The decision weighs the risks and benefits of these medicines. Your doctor can help you decide. Medicines for behavior problems linked to dementia do not work very well for most people and may have serious risks...

Closed-Angle Glaucoma: Medicines to Avoid
If you have narrow drainage angles or you have long-term (chronic) closed-angle glaucoma, you may need to avoid medicines that widen (dilate) the pupil, the dark spot in the center of the eye. Having wide pupils when you have these other problems may cause acute closed-angle glaucoma. This is a dangerous condition that...

Infertility: Questions to Ask About Medicine or Hormone Treatment
When thinking about medicine or hormone treatment for infertility, ask your doctor these questions. Are there are any long-term risks related to the treatment? Do I need to change my sexual activities during treatment? Your doctor may have suggestions for timing sex to increase the chance of getting pregnant. How long...

Medicinal Mushrooms (PDQ®): Integrative, alternative, and complementary therapies - Health Professional Information [NCI]
Medicinal mushrooms have been used for hundreds of years, mainly in Asian countries, for treatment of infections. More recently, they have also been used in the treatment of pulmonary diseases and cancer. Medicinal mushrooms have been approved adjuncts to standard cancer treatments in Japan and China for more than 30...

Medicinal Mushrooms (PDQ®): Integrative, alternative, and complementary therapies - Patient Information [NCI]
Medicinal mushrooms are mushrooms that are used as medicine. They have been used to treat infection for hundreds of years, mostly in Asia. Today, medicinal mushrooms are also used to treat lung diseases and cancer. For more than 30 years, medicinal mushrooms have been approved as an addition to standard cancer...

Antiretroviral Medicines for HIV
Make sure you know about each of the medicines you take. This includes why you take it, how to take it, what you can expect while you're taking it, and any warnings about the medicine. The information provided here is general. So be sure to read the information that came with your medicine. If you have any questions or...

Antipsychotic Medicines
Make sure you know about each of the medicines you take. This includes why you take it, how to take it, what you can expect while you're taking it, and any warnings about the medicine. The information provided here is general. So be sure to read the information that came with your medicine. If you have any questions or...

Medicines That Can Cause Weakness or Fatigue
Many prescription and nonprescription drugs can cause weakness and fatigue. A few examples are: Antianxiety medicines. Antidepressants. High blood pressure medicines. Statin medicines for high cholesterol. If you think a prescription or nonprescription medicine may be causing your weakness or fatigue, call your doctor.

Nervous System Problems Caused by Medicines
Many prescription and nonprescription medicines can cause symptoms related to the nervous system. A few examples are: Antipsychotic medicines. Medicines taken to control nausea. Medicines used to treat Parkinson's disease, restless legs syndrome, and other nervous system problems. Nervous system problems are often side...

Medical Specialists
Info on healthcare professionals with training in specific areas. Links to info on physicians and other specialty doctors. Also includes links to info on other health professionals like physician assistants. Offers tips on preparing for appointments.

Depression: Dealing With Medicine Side Effects
Discusses dealing with side effects of antidepressants. Links to more info on medicines, including selective serotonin reuptake inhibitors (SSRIs) and tricyclic antidepressants. Explains reasons to take medicine. Includes a warning to watch for serious side effects.

Osteoporosis: Should I Take Bisphosphonate Medicines?
Guides you through decision to take bisphosphonate medicines for osteoporosis. Lists medicine names like alendronate (Fosamax) and risedronate (Actonel). Lists risks and benefits. Includes interactive tool to help you make your decision.

Medicines That Cause Hearing Loss
Medicines that damage the ear and cause hearing loss are known as ototoxic medicines. They are a common cause of hearing loss, especially in older adults who have to take medicine on a regular basis. Hearing loss caused by these types of medicine tends to happen quickly. The first symptoms usually are ringing in the...

Epilepsy: Taking Your Medicines Properly
You may be taking one or more medicines to prevent seizures. To get the most benefit from them, you need to consistently take the right dose of the right medicine at the right time. This can be difficult. But by following a few key tips, you can do it. Become informed about the medicines you are taking. Learn their...

Resistance to HIV Medicines
Drug resistance happens when disease-causing organisms change (mutate) over time. Those changes can make the organisms survive treatment that would usually kill or control them. Because HIV mutates often, it can easily become drug-resistant. This can make HIV harder to treat. Sometimes people become infected with HIV...

Medicines or Vitamins That Can Cause Gas, Bloating, or Burping
Many nonprescription and prescription medicines and supplements can cause gas and bloating. A few examples are: Aspirin. Antacids. Diarrhea medicines, such as Imodium, Kaopectate, and Lomotil. Opioid pain medicines. Fiber supplements and bulking agents, such as Citrucel, Fiberall, and Metamucil. Multivitamins and iron...

Medicines That Can Cause Blisters
Many prescription and nonprescription medicines, including some that you put directly on the skin, may cause blisters. A few examples are: Antibiotics. Nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drugs (NSAIDs), such as ibuprofen (for example, Advil or Motrin), naproxen (for example, Aleve), or piroxicam (for example, Feldene)...

Decision Points for Medical Tests
Decision Points are designed to guide you through key health decisions, combining medical information with your personal information to make a wise health decision. Click on a link below to learn more about the medical test you are considering: Abdominal Aortic Aneurysm: Should I Get a Screening Test? Breast Cancer...

Decision Points for Medicines
Decision Points are designed to guide you through key health decisions, combining medical information with your personal information to make a wise health decision. Click on a link below to learn more about medicines for your condition: Allergies: Should I Take Allergy Shots? Allergies: Should I Take Shots for Insect...

Chronic Kidney Disease: Medicines to Be Careful With
Many medicines may impair kidney function and cause kidney damage. If you have chronic kidney disease, your doctor may advise you to continue to take a medicine but may change how much you take. Or you may change to a different medicine. Make sure you talk with your doctor before you start or stop any medicine...

Medicines That Can Cause Acute Kidney Injury
Many medicines can cause acute kidney injury (acute renal failure), such as: Antibiotics. These include aminoglycosides, cephalosporins, amphotericin B, bacitracin, and vancomycin. Some blood pressure medicines. One example is ACE inhibitors, such as lisinopril and ramipril. Another is angiotensin receptor blockers...

Medicines That Can Cause Changes in Menstrual Bleeding
Many prescription and nonprescription medicines can affect the menstrual cycle. A few examples are: Aspirin and other medicines (called blood thinners) that prevent blood clots. Nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drugs (NSAIDs), such as ibuprofen (for example, Advil or Motrin) and naproxen (for example, Aleve). Hormonal...

Medicines That May Cause Vaginal Symptoms
Many prescription and nonprescription medicines can cause vaginal symptoms. A few examples are: Antibiotics. Birth control pills. Hormone therapy. Chemotherapy for cancer. Vaginal sprays, douches, and spermicides. Vaginal symptoms may clear up on their own once you stop taking a medicine. A yeast infection can be...

Alzheimer's Disease: Should I Take Medicines?
Guides you through decision to take medicines for Alzheimer's disease. Covers medicine choices and their side effects. Lists reasons for and against taking medicines. Includes interactive tool to help you make your decision.

Carole's Story: Taking Medicine Right Away to Stop a Migraine
Carole lost a lot of time to migraines. Instead of playing with her children, she would lie on her bed in the dark, with a bag of ice on her head. "I kept thinking I could stop the migraines if I would just lie down and be still and quiet," says the 41-year-old mother of two. "It hardly ever worked." When a migraine got...

Medicines That Can Cause Pancreatitis
In certain cases, medicines may cause an inflamed pancreas ( pancreatitis). These include: Antibiotics. Drugs that suppress the immune system. Drugs used to treat high blood pressure. Aminosalicylates. Diuretics. Corticosteroids. Estrogen. Drugs used to treat diabetes. Valproate. General anesthetics. Antidepressants...

Cirrhosis: Vasoconstrictor Medicines for Variceal Bleeding
Vasoconstrictor medicines are used to treat sudden (acute) bleeding from enlarged veins (varices). They make small blood vessels constrict, which reduces blood flow to veins that carry blood to the liver (portal veins). These medicines also may be used along with endoscopic treatment. What are the side effects? Side...

Child Who Is Overweight: Medical Evaluation
Doctors sometimes use the terms "overweight" or "at risk of overweight" to refer to children who weigh more than what is healthy for their height. Doctors use the U.S. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention growth charts or the body mass index (BMI) to measure a child's weight compared to their height. If you are...