Medications

The bigger the better? Not when we're talking bad-cholesterol numbers. The drug Lipitor takes that number way down. How does a little pill pack such a punch?

By Molly Edmonds

With drug pictures learn about the most used, most addictive and most controversial drugs on the market. Take a look at drug pictures to learn more.

Statins fight that ugly villain -- cholesterol. And they fight that foe well. But do these drugs pose adverse side effects? Some doctors fear they cause memory loss in certain patients.

By Charles W. Bryant

Lots of folks take a daily aspirin to lower their risk of getting heart disease. How does this little white pill help prevent blood clots from forming?

By Julia Layton

Rainbow-colored pee? No, you're not crazy -- it could be a side effect of a medication you're taking. What's the weirdest thing a drug can do?

By Shanna Freeman

Among people over 65 years of age who are admitted to the hospital, heart failure is the most common diagnosis. And because the American population is aging, the number of heart failure diagnoses is increasing every year. Heart failure medication may be able to help.

By Jill Ferguson

Inotropic drugs, which are used to manage various heart conditions, alter the force of your heartbeat. How do they work, and what are some of their side effects?

By Jill Ferguson

Vasodilator drugs help lower blood pressure by widening blood vessels. How do they work, exactly -- and are there any serious side effects?

By Jill Ferguson

Doctors are prescribing more antidepressant drugs than ever. What does this trend suggest? Are these drugs being overprescribed, or are patients simply more comfortable with confiding in doctors about depression?

By Jane McGrath

Diuretics are used to treat a wide variety of conditions. Learn about diuretics in this article and find out what conditions diuretics can treat.

By Jill Ferguson

About half of all prescriptions are filled with a generic equivalent of a brand-name drug. Generic drugs have the same active ingredients, safety and effectiveness as brand-name medications, but are they really just as good? And why are they so much cheaper than brand-name drugs?

By Melissa Jeffries

We often hear that antidepressants, cholesterol medicines, blood pressure drugs and countless other prescription medications are widely used in the U.S. How do the most commonly-used prescription drugs compare in terms of sales?

By the Editors of Publications International, Ltd.

A new diet pill is in the works that suppresses your appetite differently from most diet pills. Find out how an expanding diet pill can make you feel full.

By Jacob Silverman

Insulin therapy is a lifesaver for those with type 1 diabetes. Learn the history of insulin, how it was first extracted, where it comes from, and which type is used today.

By Timothy Gower

High blood pressure is the leading cause of death among Americans. Fortunately, there are a number of blood pressure medications that can vastly reduce a patient's risk. Learn more about blood pressure medications.

By Alex Nechas

Malaria is curable with accurate diagnosis and timely treatment. Learn about the latest approaches and preventive actions you can take before you leave home.

By Sherry Kahn

Following more than 200 reports of strange behavior in minors taking Tamiflu, including 15 deaths, the FDA has made an addition to the drug's warning label.

By Julia Layton

Prescription drug costs are out of control. But you, as a consumer, don't have to just sit back and pay them or, worse, forgo proper medical treatment. Learn how to pay less for prescription drugs.

By Editors of Consumer Guide

OTC painkillers come with warnings that should be taken seriously. Learn about OTC painkillers warnings in this article.

By the Editors of Publications International, Ltd.

Medications for the ears and the eyes range from antibiotics and steroids for ear infections to beta blockers and carbonic anhydrate inhibitors for glaucoma. Read more information about how ear and eye prescription drugs work.

By Editors of Consumer Guide

Few things are more uncomfortable than a gastrointestinal issue, whether it’s nausea, diarrhea, or an ulcer. Thankfully, there are a variety of medications designed to treat stomach and bowel problems. Learn more about gastrointestinal medications.

By Editors of Consumer Guide

Hormones are substances that are produced and secreted to stimulate and regulate body functions. Hormone medications mimic the effects of naturally produced hormones. Learn about hormone medications, including oral contraceptives and anti-inflammatory drugs.

By Editors of Consumer Guide

If you’ve ever been given an antibiotic, such as penicillin, to treat an infection, then you’ve taken an anti-infective medication. This category of drugs also includes antivirals and vaccines. Learn about how anti-infective medications work.

By Editors of Consumer Guide

Central nervous system medications are used to treat the effects of a wide variety of medical conditions and diseases, including Alzheimer’s disease, depression, and Parkinson’s disease. Learn more about how these medications work.

By Editors of Consumer Guide

Whether your problem is as minor as a cough or as serious as an asthma attack, the drug likely prescribed for you will fall under the category of respiratory medications. Learn how these medications work.

By Editors of Consumer Guide