Medscetera

Anemia is undesirable in both males and females, but it has a substantial impact on Women. Anemia is defined as the absence of healthy Red blood cells in the blood, leading to reduced oxygen flow to the various body organs. It is characterized by hemoglobin levels less than - 12 grams/dL in Women and 13.5 grams/dL in men.  Anemia is characterized by shortness of breath, hair loss, weakness, dizziness, irregular heartbeat, headache, pale skin, lethargy, brain fog, etc.  Anemia may begin in early childhood and is associated with Pica (eating non-nutritious substances - mud, ice, chalk, etc.) Anemia in childhood is associated with stunted growth, poor cognition, delayed development of motor skills, etc.  Anemia is seen in Women with menorrhagia, uterine fibroids, and endometriosis. Anemia in pregnant and lactating women may cause poor brain development of the baby, pre-term delivery, low birth weight infants, and weakness, delayed healing for the mother, reduced work capacit...

As winter comes in full force with a dip in the temperature, we may also notice a dip in our mood and energy.  Winter blues or SAD may be due to decreased sunlight exposure in winter, causing reduced serotonin levels, disrupted circadian rhythm, and disrupted melatonin levels. This leads to reduced energy levels, demotivation, lethargy, oversleeping, weight gain, increased cravings for carbs and sugar, fatigue, brain fog, difficulty concentrating, and even depression. Though SAD is usually observed during fall and winter, it may rarely be observed in spring and summer as well.   So, how do we manage/avoid Winter blues and SAD? 1) Phototherapy - Taking in the sunlight in winter by spending at least 15-20 mins every day under the sun is important.  2) Physical activity - Make a conscious effort to be physically active every day. Incorporating walking, running, and aerobic exercises into the daily routine helps improve energy levels.  3) Maintaining a routine - You...

LAXATIVES Laxatives are a class of drugs used in the treatment of Constipation. Laxatives and Purgatives are known as Cathartics as they are known to cause Catharsis. Catharsis is the evacuation of the bowel and is usually done before the diagnostic procedures or surgeries of the bowel. Constipation is a functional impairment in the inherent capacity of the colon to produce normal stools at regular intervals. It is usually associated with difficulty in emptying the bowels and hard faeces.  Causes: Constipation is mainly caused by a decrease in colonic motility due to ageing, emotions, low bulk diet, low liquid intake, spastic colon, chronic amoebiasis, or drugs. The drugs that cause this effect are Diuretics, anti-diarrhoeal, Anticholinergics, MAOI (Mono Amine Oxidase Inhibitors), Opioids, Tricyclic anti-depressants, Analgesics, and Antacids. Laxatives are further classified into -  Bulk-forming agents -  This includes - Dietary fibre bran, Psyllium (Plantago), Ispaghula...

Basic Drug Information of some of the commonly used drugs.  https://drive.google.com/file/d/1y0YUrJMC9WIccD5VEzR9RCX9sySLLv4s/view?usp=drivesdk

•Brand names - Crocin, Dolo, Calpol, Parasafe, Tylenol, Panadol, Paraglass •Class - NSAID •Uses - Analgesic & Antipyretic  (reduces pain and fever) •Commonly used doses - 325mg, 500mg, 650mg, 1 gram •Frequency - every 6th hourly  •Toxic dose - not to exceed 4 grams/ day  Dose modifications done in -  • Children     • Individuals with severe renal impairment  • Individuals with hepatic impairment / active liver disease (Since it is metabolized in liver, the risk of toxicity is more in individuals with impaired hepatic function. If it cannot be avoided in individuals with hepatic impairment, limit the therapy to short term use with dose not exceeding 2 grams/ day)  • Pregnancy and lactation - lowest possible dose for shortest possible duration  Mechanism of Action  -  •PCM has a central analgesic effect ( mediated through activation of descending serotonergic pathways) and raises pain threshold, thereby reducing pain. •But it...