Archive for January, 2009

Title: Gene Discovered for Most Common Form of Epilepsy
Category: Health News
Created: 1/29/2009 2:00:00 AM
Last Editorial Review: 1/29/2009

Title: Alternative Vaccine Schedule Stirs Debate
Category: Health News
Created: 12/29/2008
Last Editorial Review: 1/23/2009

Title: Health Tip: Dizziness During Pregnancy
Category: Health News
Created: 1/22/2009 2:00:00 AM
Last Editorial Review: 1/22/2009

Title: Newer Contraceptives Don’t Increase Heart Risk
Category: Health News
Created: 1/16/2009 2:00:00 AM
Last Editorial Review: 1/16/2009

Title: Researchers Zero In on GI Cancers
Category: Health News
Created: 1/15/2009 2:00:00 AM
Last Editorial Review: 1/15/2009

GENERIC NAME: ampicillin

BRAND NAME: Omnipen, Polycillin, Principen

DRUG CLASS AND MECHANISM: Ampicillin belongs to a class of antibiotics called penicillins that are used for treating bacterial infections. Other members of this class include amoxicillin (Amoxil), piperacillin (Pipracil), ticarcillin (Ticar) and several others. These antibiotics all have a similar mechanism of action. They stop bacteria from multiplying by preventing bacteria from forming the walls that surround them. The walls are necessary to protect bacteria from their environment and to keep the contents of the bacterial cell together. Bacteria cannot survive without a cell wall. Penicillins are most effective when bacteria are actively multiplying and forming cell walls. Ampicillin is effective against many bacteria including H. influenzae, N. gonorrhoea, E. coli, Salmonella, and Shigella, streptococci and certain strains of staphylococci. Ampicillin was approved by the FDA in 1963.

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	Our Fabry disease Main Article provides a comprehensive look at the who, what, when and how of Fabry disease

Definition of Fabry disease

Fabry disease: A genetic disease due to deficiency of the enzyme alpha-galactosidase A. This enzyme is essential to the metabolism of molecules known as glycosphingolipids. Without the enzyme, glycosphingolipids accumulate in the kidneys, heart, nerves and throughout the body.

Males with Fabry disease are more severely affected than females since the gene for Fabry disease is on the X chromosome. Males have only one X while females have a second X and therefore some enzyme activity.

Boys with Fabry disease usually have discomfort of the hands and feet with abnormal sensation (paresthesia) or burning pain by adolescence. Red raised lesions known as angiokeratomas occur on the skin and within the mouth. The ability to sweat is decreased. The cornea and lens of the eye become clouded. There may be painful abdominal crises. Renal impairment may require dialysis or kidney transplant. The kidney failure may cause hypertension. Heart function can be impaired.

Females with partial enzyme activity may not show any symptoms or only late in life. Impaired heart function may be their primary problem.

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Title: Optimal Warfarin Dosing Improves Anticoagulation Control
Category: Health News
Created: 12/31/2008 2:00:00 AM
Last Editorial Review: 12/31/2008