Tag

Medications

All articles tagged with #medications

Hot Weather, Higher Risk: Common Meds That Can Elevate Heat Illness
health10 days ago

Hot Weather, Higher Risk: Common Meds That Can Elevate Heat Illness

A heat wave can make it harder for the body to cool and stay hydrated, and several everyday medications can increase the risk of dehydration, dizziness, and heat illness. The article outlines drug classes to watch during hot weather, including diuretics, beta blockers, ACE inhibitors/ARBs, mental-health meds (antipsychotics, SSRIs, TCAs), ADHD stimulants, allergy/sleep aids like diphenhydramine, and diabetes medications (SGLT2 inhibitors, GLP-1 drugs, insulin). It emphasizes not stopping medications without a clinician, suggests a “hot day plan,” and advises hydration, avoiding peak heat, breaks in shade/AC, proper medication storage, and recognizing warning signs of heat stress or heat stroke requiring urgent care.

Heat waves heighten heart risk, experts warn
health1 month ago

Heat waves heighten heart risk, experts warn

Summer heat can be dangerous for people with heart conditions, as higher temperatures make the heart work harder and can trigger problems, especially for older adults. Hydration with electrolytes is essential, but sugary or caffeinated drinks can worsen dehydration. Many heart medications can increase sun sensitivity, shortening safe outdoor time; knowing your condition and meds and staying mindful of exposure is key to protecting heart health in heat.

The Aging Gut: Why Digestive Woes Worsen as We Get Older
health1 month ago

The Aging Gut: Why Digestive Woes Worsen as We Get Older

As we age, the GI tract’s nerves and muscles can slow and coordinate less effectively, leading to reflux, slower gastric emptying, and changes in bowel habits. A thinner stomach lining, reduced protective prostaglandins, and dry mouth from medications raise risks of gastritis and ulcers, while slower small-bowel movement can cause bloating or diarrhea and slower colon motility can lead to constipation or diverticulosis. Chronic conditions and NSAID use can worsen symptoms, but practical steps—chewing well, staying hydrated, eating more plant-based fiber, moving after meals, prioritizing sleep, and consulting a doctor about medications or new red-flag symptoms—can help manage digestion as you age.

Beyond Fiber: Sleep, Meds, and Stress Behind Constipation
health1 month ago

Beyond Fiber: Sleep, Meds, and Stress Behind Constipation

Constipation isn’t just about fiber and water. Doctors explain that factors like insomnia, certain antihistamines, calcium or iron supplements, ignoring the urge to go, and anxiety or depression can slow gut movement via the gut-brain axis. The piece advises ensuring adequate fiber and hydration, getting enough sleep and exercise, reviewing medications for constipation side effects, and consulting a gastroenterologist if symptoms persist or there are alarm signs.

Sterol-Pathway Meds in Pregnancy Tied to Higher Autism Risk, Large U.S. Study Finds
science2 months ago

Sterol-Pathway Meds in Pregnancy Tied to Higher Autism Risk, Large U.S. Study Finds

A national study of 6.14 million U.S. births links prenatal exposure to sterol biosynthesis‑inhibiting medications (SBIMs)—a class including certain antidepressants, antipsychotics, beta-blockers, and statins—with increased autism risk in children. Any SBIM exposure raised ASD risk about 1.47-fold, increasing to 2.33-fold for four or more SBIMs used concurrently. SBIM exposure grew from 4.6% of pregnancies in 2014 to 16.8% in 2023. The researchers stress cautious prescribing during pregnancy, the need for safer options when possible, and further research into the mechanisms, noting many SBIMs are medically necessary.

Medications That May Trigger Gynecomastia in Men
health3 months ago

Medications That May Trigger Gynecomastia in Men

An article lists 10 medicines linked to gynecomastia in men, explaining how hormone balance shifts—lower testosterone, higher estrogen, or raised prolactin—can enlarge breast tissue. Drugs highlighted include spironolactone, finasteride, anabolic steroids, antipsychotics, nonsteroidal antiandrogens, diazepam, cimetidine, ketoconazole, and metronidazole. In many cases the condition resolves after stopping the drug, but it can linger and may require treatment or surgery in some men.

New VA rule ties disability ratings to medication effects, sparking veteran concern
policy4 months ago

New VA rule ties disability ratings to medication effects, sparking veteran concern

The VA issued a Federal Register rule allowing disability ratings to reflect improvements from medications or treatments, potentially lowering ratings during reevaluation even when the underlying disability remains. Veterans groups warn this could reduce benefits and deter care, especially for PTSD and toxic-exposure conditions, while VA officials say the rule formalizes a longstanding practice and won’t affect current ratings. The rule has drawn widespread backlash and thousands of public comments as questions about implementation and legal implications remain unresolved.

VA rule ties disability ratings to treatment relief, sparking veteran concerns
policy4 months ago

VA rule ties disability ratings to treatment relief, sparking veteran concerns

The VA published a final rule effective Feb. 17 that will determine disability ratings based on whether prescribed medications or treatments improve a veteran’s condition, potentially lowering ratings for those whose symptoms are alleviated. VA says it formalizes a longstanding practice, while veterans groups warn it changes how claims are evaluated, could discourage treatment, and may affect millions of beneficiaries.

Eno Valley mail delays linger as winter storms calm, USPS under scrutiny
local-news5 months ago

Eno Valley mail delays linger as winter storms calm, USPS under scrutiny

Residents of Durham's Eno Valley have faced about a two-week gap in mail delivery after back-to-back winter storms, with essential items like medications and bills affected; USPS says routes are resuming but some Triangle-area deliveries remain disrupted, prompting residents to call for clearer communication and a formal inquiry by Congresswoman Valerie Foushee's office.