Author: Andy Dargon - Page 6
Learn safe, age-specific antihistamine dosing for children, including Zyrtec and Claritin vs. Benadryl. Discover what to avoid, how to measure correctly, and when to call for help.
Lithium is effective for bipolar disorder but dangerously sensitive to NSAIDs, diuretics, and dehydration. Learn how common medications and everyday habits can trigger toxic levels - and what to do to stay safe.
Chest pain can signal a heart attack or other serious condition. Learn the warning signs that require immediate emergency care, how hospitals evaluate chest pain, and why calling 9-1-1 is always the safest choice.
Actinic keratoses are common precancerous skin lesions caused by sun damage. Learn how field treatments like topical creams and photodynamic therapy can prevent them from turning into skin cancer.
Neoadjuvant therapy treats cancer before surgery to shrink tumors and test drug effectiveness, while adjuvant therapy clears leftover cells after surgery. Learn how sequencing impacts survival, side effects, and personalized care in lung and breast cancer.
Chemotherapy uses cytotoxic drugs to kill rapidly dividing cancer cells, but it also affects healthy cells, causing side effects like fatigue, nausea, and hair loss. Learn how it works, why it's still essential, and how modern care helps manage symptoms.
St. John’s Wort can dangerously reduce the effectiveness of warfarin, birth control, HIV meds, and antidepressants. Learn which prescription drugs it interferes with and why even 'natural' supplements aren't safe to mix.
Statins help prevent heart disease, but muscle pain can make exercise feel risky. Learn the truth about exercise and statins, which types are safest, how to keep moving without harm, and what actually works to manage pain.
Verbal prescriptions are still used in healthcare for emergencies and urgent care. Learn the best practices for clarity and safety-including read-back verification, phonetic spelling, and avoiding high-alert medication errors-to prevent dangerous mistakes.
Learn how to spot allergens and hidden inactive ingredients on food and prescription labels to avoid dangerous reactions. Know what to look for, who to ask, and how to stay safe every time you buy or take something.