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No drug stays in your system forever. In pharmacology, the time it takes for a drug to decrease by half its plasma (blood) concentration is called its half-life (t1⁄2). (Specifying that we’re talking about biological half-life is key because the half-life is a concept not specific to medicine. For example, in nuclear physics, half-life refers to radioactive decay.) More generally, the study of half-life reflects a measure of pharmacokinetics. Pharmacokinetics refers to the study of how a drug moves through the body—its entry, distribution, and elimination....

Milk allergy is the most common food allergy for children, and is the second most common food allergy for adults. The rate of milk allergy, similar to other food allergies, seems to be increasing and affects at least 3% of all children. While it is relatively common for children to outgrow their milk allergy, sometimes at very young ages, milk allergy can persist into adulthood and even last a lifetime....

For many people, affording medications is a difficult hurdle to overcome. New medications tend to be expensive and may not be covered by insurance. Even when drugs are covered by insurance, the copays can add up quickly, especially for people with inflammatory bowel disease (IBD), who may take several medications or medications that are patented and do not have alternatives available. Fortunately, there is hope when you can’t afford your drugs....

Healthcare workers are noticing that the two infections are occurring at the same time in some children who end up hospitalized with severe respiratory complications: respiratory syncytial virus (RSV) and COVID-19. Key Takeaways Healthcare workers in Texas are noting that kids are being diagnosed with respiratory syncytial virus (RSV) and COVID-19 at the same time.RSV is a common respiratory infection in young children that usually occurs in winter, but this year, it has been spreading during the summer....

Allegra is an over-the-counter allergy medication used to treat seasonal allergy symptoms. In 2011, Allegra transitioned from prescription-only availability to over-the-counter purchase. In addition, it is now available in generic form. Active Ingredient Fexofenadine is the active ingredient in the brand-name medication Allegra. Many store brands and other companies are now able to offer generic fexofenadine. Dosing Information Several forms of Allegra are available. Allegra 24-hr is a 180mg tablet taken once a day....

Axons are very thin nerve fibers that carry nerve impulses away from a neuron (nerve cell) to another neuron. A neuron is responsible for receiving sensory input, sending motor commands to your muscles, and transforming and relaying the electrical signals throughout these processes. Every neuron has one axon that connects it with other neurons or with muscle or gland cells. Axons come in all lengths, with some spanning the entire length of your body from your spinal cord to your toes....

Traditionally found in Asian, Mediterranean and Middle Eastern cuisines, chickpeas (Cicer arietinum)—also known as garbanzo beans—have grown to be a very popular addition to a healthy diet over the years. Chickpeas, as with other legumes, are chock-full of nutrients including cholesterol-friendly protein, phytosterols, and soluble fiber. In certain forms of Chinese medicine, chickpeas are also used to treat a variety of health ailments. Research studies have also shown that chickpeas can be used to maintain digestive health and healthy blood glucose levels in diabetics....

Polycystic ovarian syndrome, otherwise known as PCOS or Stein-Leventhal syndrome, is a medical condition where several small, fluid-filled follicles develop in your ovaries because of an imbalance of sex hormones in your body. However, this medical condition can affect more than your ovaries—it can also affect your heart health. It is estimated that up to 7 percent of women of childbearing age have PCOS. Due to the hormonal imbalances, you may experience the following health issues:...

A new report issued by the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) last Friday found that 74% of people who were infected in a COVID-19 outbreak in Massachusetts earlier this summer were fully vaccinated against the virus. Key Takeaways The majority of people infected in a July COVID-19 outbreak in Massachusetts were fully vaccinated against the virus.This report suggests that people who are fully vaccinated can still spread the virus to others....

Concerta is a central nervous system stimulant used to treat symptoms of attention deficit hyperactivity disorder (ADHD). The main ingredient in Concerta is methylphenidate, which is better known by the brand name Ritalin. Methylphenidate works to treat ADHD by inhibiting the reuptake of the neurotransmitters dopamine and norepinephrine. This increases neurotransmitter levels boosting activity in the prefrontal cortex, the brain area responsible for thinking, thought analysis, and regulating behavior. Concerta is a controlled-release tablet that provides a steady dose of methylphenidate throughout the day....

Cushing’s syndrome is an endocrine disorder caused when the adrenal glands produce excess cortisol. Also known as hypercortisolism, Cushing’s syndrome can occur for various reasons. One of the most common causes is long-term exposure to corticosteroid medications like prednisone. Cushing’s syndrome that’s caused by steroids is called iatrogenic (or exogenous) Cushing’s syndrome. How Steroid Use Can Lead to Cushing’s Cortisol is a substance that is naturally produced by the body, especially during times of stress....

Basically, the answer is yes. However, it’s not that simple. Good Samaritan laws protect caregivers from prosecution for medical mistakes, as long as the caregivers are acting in a voluntary manner without any expectation of reward (like the good Samaritan from the Bible story). The protection that Good Samaritan laws provide is not unlimited and is different from state to state. Reasonable Person Rule Good Samaritan laws are not meant to protect unpaid rescuers from making any and all mistakes possible....

Have you ever asked yourself or your healthcare provider “does weight affect asthma?” While it might not seem like much, gaining 5 just pounds has been shown to worsen asthma control and quality of life. In one study published in the journal Respiratory Medicine, gaining 5 pounds, compared to those who gained less or lost weight, was associated with: 22% poorer self-rated asthma control 18% poorer self-reported quality of life 31% increase in the odds of requiring a steroid burst The authors concluded that “strategies to prevent weight gain could help patients achieve better asthma control and improve asthma-related quality of life....

There isn’t currently an eczema cure. However, up to 80% of children with the condition will outgrow it by the time they become adults. People with eczema also experience periods of remission, where symptoms disappear temporarily. The best way to treat eczema is by using medications, alternative treatments and lifestyle changes. This article will discuss research on an eczema cures and eczema treatments that can help manage symptoms. Can You Permanently Cure Eczema?...

Calf-strengthening exercises can be an important component of your rehab after a lower-leg injury. They can also be done to help prevent problems with your mobility. Simple to perform, calf muscle exercises are easy to add to any exercise program. Your physical therapist can show you specific exercises that work best for you and recommend a training schedule that is both effective and safe. The Importance of Strong Calf Muscles The two calf muscles are called the gastrocnemius and soleus....

As the global tally for confirmed coronavirus cases passes 50 million and COVID-19 hospitalizations in the United States hit an all-time high, scientists are racing to develop both vaccines and tests that can tell us more about the deadly virus. A recent example includes an antibody (serology) test that earned emergency use authorization (EUA) from the Food and Drug Administration (FDA) on Friday, November 6. Key Takeaways The FDA recently approved a new blood test that detects neutralizing antibodies that can block SARS-CoV-2 from entering and infecting human cells....

Allergy medicine can get expensive. Fortunately, many medications are available in generic form, which typically translates to a lower cost. When a medication loses its patent, other companies are free to market the medication in a generic form. In addition, the Food and Drug Administration has approved many allergy medicines for over-the-counter (OTC) use. If you suffer from allergies, talk to your healthcare provider about the right medications for treating your symptoms....

Having the common cold when you’re pregnant is tough. It may be a challenge to eat well and get enough sleep. You also have to avoid some of the treatments that you’d otherwise be able to reach for. In this article, you’ll learn why you may get sick more when you’re pregnant, what symptoms may affect your baby, what treatments are safe, how to take care of yourself, and how to prevent the cold....

Increasingly extreme winters may be particularly hard on the heart. Key Takeaways Cold weather can increase someone’s chance of heart complications, like heart disease.Before threatening the heart, cold weather can cause blood vessels to constrict, leading to muscle spasms or cutting off circulation. A 16-year analysis in Europe found that cold weather can increase risks for cardiovascular diseases, hospitalization, and deaths. The analysis reviewed data 2.28 million adults from 1994 to 2010, and revealed that a drop in 10 degrees Celsius led to a 19% rise in death risk from cardiovascular disease....

HIV wasting syndrome is defined as the progressive, involuntary weight loss seen in patients with HIV. The U.S. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) classified HIV wasting as an AIDS-defining condition in 1987, and characterized it by the following criteria: Weight loss of at least 10% The presence of diarrhea or chronic weakness; Documented fever A duration of at least 30 days Not attributable to a concurrent condition other than HIV infection itself Wasting (cachexia) should not be confused with weight loss, the latter of which implies the loss of body weight....