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Erectile Dysfunction
Impotence is a common problem among men characterized by the consistent inability to sustain an erection sufficient for sexual intercourse or the inability to achieve ejaculation, or both. Impotence can vary. It can involve a total inability to achieve an erection or ejaculation, an inconsistent ability to do so, or a tendency to sustain only very brief erections.
The risk of impotence increases with age. It is four-fold higher in men in their 60s compared with those in their 40s according to a study published in the Journal of Urology (2000;163:460-463). Men with less education are also more likely to experience impotence, perhaps because they tend to have less healthy lifestyles, eat a less healthy diet, drink more and exercise less. Physical exercise tends to lessen the risk of impotence.
Main Articles on Impotence
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Causes of Impotence
Alcohol Abuse and Alcoholism
Depression
Diabetes
High Blood Pressure
Kidney Failure
Multiple Sclerosis
Prostate Cancer
Smoking and How to Quit Smoking
Stress
Other Causes of Impotence
Atherosclerosis
Injuries or Surgery (to the penis, spinal cord, prostate, bladder, and pelvis)
Medications (both Prescription and Non-prescription)
Examples of Medications for Impotence
sildenafil, Viagra
tadalafil, Cialis
vardenafil, Levitra
WebMD offers experts' sex tips for men who have sex with women.
By Martin F. Downs WebMD Feature
Reviewed by Louise Chang, MD
Hey guys, think you know everything there is to know about having sex with women? That erotic encyclopedia you carry around in your head may contain a lot of basic errors and omissions about women's sexuality -- errors that can lead to sex mistakes.
That's because -- after learning the facts of life -- most of us are left to figure out sex for ourselves. Guys tend to take a lot of cues from adult movies, and we all know how true-to-life those are. Experience may help, but many women can be shy when talking about what they like.
To help us with some sex tips, WebMD asked two acclaimed sex educators, Tristan Taormino and Lou Paget, to tell us what they think are the most common sex mistakes men make with women.
Taormino is a prolific author, lecturer, and video producer. Her latest project is the Expert Guide educational video series from Vivid Ed.
Paget is author of The Great Lover Playbook and other sex manuals, and she gives seminars nationwide.
Sex Mistake No.1: You Know What She Wants
Men often make assumptions about what a woman wants based upon what they've done with other women. But women aren't all the same.
"You develop a repertoire as you mature sexually, but you should never assume that what worked for the last person is going to work for this person," Taormino says.
That applies not only to sexual predilections, but also to relationships, she says. "There are women who can have no-strings-attached sex, and women who can get attached very easily, and then everyone in between."
Sex Mistake No. 2: You Have All She Needs
Some women can't have an orgasm with less than 3,000 rpm. No human tongue or fingers can generate that kind of vibration. But men typically think something is wrong if a woman needs a vibrator.
"If the only way that a woman can achieve orgasm is with a vibrator, she's not broken," Taormino says.
Think of a vibrator as your assistant, not your substitute. Many couples use vibrators together. "While you're doing one thing, or two things, the vibrator can be doing something else," Taormino says.
Sex Mistake No. 3: Sex Feels the Same for Men and Women
Paget says there tends to be a "huge disconnect" between men and women in the ways that sex feels good.
"When a man has intercourse with a woman, and his penis goes into her body, that sensation is so off the charts for most men, they cannot imagine that it isn't feeling the same way for her," Paget says. "It couldn't be further from the truth."
The inside of the vagina is probably less sensitive than the outer parts for most women. Also, deep thrusting may not feel so nice on the receiving end. If the penis is too long, "it feels like you're getting punched in the stomach," Paget says. "It makes you feel nauseous."
Sex Mistake No. 4: You Know Your Way Around a Woman's Anatomy
Most guys know generally what a clitoris is and where to find it. That's not to say that they really understand it.
More than 30 years ago, at the start of the "sexual revolution," a best-selling book called the Joy of Sex got Americans hip to the orgasmic importance of the clitoris. But the belief that women must be able to orgasm from vaginal penetration stubbornly persists.
"I still get letters from people who say things like, my wife can't [orgasm] from intercourse unless she has clitoral stimulation -- please help," Taormino says. "I want to write back and say, 'OK, what's the problem?'"
"For the majority of women, it's not going to happen that way," Paget says.
Men also lack information about how to touch it and how sensitive it is, Taormino says.
A touch that's bliss for one woman may feel like nothing special, or may even be painful for someone else. Some prefer indirect stimulation.
How can you find out how she likes to be touched? Try asking her.
Sex Mistake No. 5: Wet = Turned On
Guys sometimes get hung up if a woman doesn't get slippery enough for easy penetration. Don't worry about it.
"I think there's a myth that if you're turned on, you're wet," Taormino says. Not necessarily.
Some women tend to get wetter than others, and how much natural lubrication a woman has can change from day to day. It varies by the phase of her menstrual cycle, and it's subject to influences like stress and medications.
Sex Mistake No. 6: Silence Is Golden
A lot of guys think they should be silent during sex, but unless you speak up, your partner has to guess what's doing it for you and what isn't.
If you're respectful about it, a woman who wants to please you will probably appreciate some directions.
"I'm not saying push her head in your lap," Taormino says. "I think that, 'this is how I like it,' is a very useful conversation to have."
SOURCES: Tristan Taormino, sex educator; producer, Expert Guide video series. Lou Paget, sex educator; author, The Great Lover Playbook. Schober, J. BJU International, September 2004; vol 94: pp 589-594. Mayo Clinic. Reviewed on May 13, 2008 © 2008 WebMD, LLC. All rights reserved.
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Erectile Dysfunction(Impotence, ED)
Medical Author: Dennis Lee, MD Medical Editors: Jay W. Marks, MD, and Jacob Rajfer, MD
What is erectile dysfunction?
How common is erectile dysfunction?
What is normal penis anatomy?
How does erection occur? 
How is erection sustained?
What are the causes of erectile dysfunction?
How is erectile dysfunction diagnosed?
Patient history
Physical examination
Laboratory tests for erectile dysfunction
Other tests for erectile dysfunction
Psychosocial examination for erectile dysfunction
What erectile dysfunction treatments are available?
Adjusting medications
Lifestyle improvements
What medications are used to treat erectile dysfunction?
sildenafil (Viagra)
vardenafil (Levitra)
tadalafil (Cialis)
Intracavernosal injections
Intraurethra suppositories
Vacuum devices
Surgery for erectile dysfunction
What will the future bring for erectile dysfunction?
Erectile Dysfunction At Glance
Related erectile dysfunction articles:Erectile dysfunction - on WebMD
Read what your doctor is reading:Erectile Dysfunction - on Medscape What is erectile dysfunction? Erectile dysfunction (ED), also known as impotence, is the inability to achieve or sustain an erection for satisfactory sexual activity. Erectile dysfunction is different from other conditions that interfere with sexual intercourse, such as lack of sexual desire and problems with ejaculation and orgasm. This article focuses on the evaluation and treatment of erectile dysfunction.
How common is erectile dysfunction? Erectile dysfunction (ED, impotence) varies in severity; some men have a total inability to achieve an erection, others have an inconsistent ability to achieve an erection, and still others can sustain only brief erections. The variations in severity of erectile dysfunction make estimating its frequency difficult. Many men also are reluctant to discuss erectile dysfunction with their doctors, and thus the condition is under-diagnosed. Nevertheless, experts have estimated that erectile dysfunction affects 30 million men in the Untied States.
While erectile dysfunction can occur at any age, it is uncommon among young men and more common in the elderly. By age 45, most men have experienced erectile dysfunction at least some of the time. According to the Massachusetts Male Aging Study, complete impotence increases from 5% among men 40 years of age to 15% among men 70 years and older. Population studies conducted in the Netherlands found that some degree of erectile dysfunction occurred in 20% of men between ages 50 to 54, and in 50% of men between ages 70 to 78. In 1999, the National Ambulatory Medical Care Survey counted 1,520,000 doctor-office visits for erectile dysfunction.
What is normal penis anatomy? The penis contains two chambers, called the corpora cavernosa, which run the length of the upper side of the penis (see figure 1 below). The urethra, which is the channel for urine and ejaculate, runs along the underside of the corpora cavernosa. Filling the corpora cavernosa is a spongy tissue consisting of smooth muscles, fibrous tissues, spaces, veins, and arteries. A membrane, called the tunica albuginea, surrounds the corpora cavernosa. Veins located in the tunica albuginea drain blood out of the penis.
Impotence (ED) (cont.)
In this Article
What is erectile dysfunction?
How common is erectile dysfunction?
What is normal penis anatomy?
1. How does erection occur?
2. How is erection sustained?
3. What are the causes of erectile dysfunction?
How is erectile dysfunction diagnosed?
What erectile dysfunction treatments are available?
What medications are used to treat erectile dysfunction?
sildenafil (Viagra)
vardenafil (Levitra)
tadalafil (Cialis)
Intracavernosal injections
Intraurethra suppositories
Vacuum devices
Surgery for erectile dysfunction
What will the future bring for erectile dysfunction?
Erectile Dysfunction At Glance
Testosterone
Oral phosphodiesterase type 5 (PDE5) inhibitors (sildenafil (Viagra), vardenafil (Levitra), and tadalafil (Cialis)
Intracavernosa injections
Intraurethral suppositories
Impotence (ED) Glossary
Impotence (ED) Index
How does erection occur? Erection begins with sexual stimulation. Sexual stimulation can be tactile (for example, by touching the penis), or mental (for example, by having sexual fantasies). Sexual stimulation generates electrical impulses along the nerves going to the penis and causes the nerves to release nitric oxide, which in turn increases the production of cyclic GMP (cGMP) in the smooth muscle cells of the corpora cavernosa. The cGMP causes the smooth muscles of the corpora cavernosa to relax, and allow rapid blood flow into the penis. The in-coming blood fills the corpora cavernosa, making the penis expand.
How is erection sustained? The pressure from the expanding penis compresses the veins (blood vessels that drain the blood out of the penis) in the tunica albuginea, helping to trap the blood in the corpora cavernosa, thereby sustaining erection. Erection is reversed when cGMP levels in the corpora cavernosa fall, causing the smooth muscles of the corpora cavernosa to contract, stopping the inflow of blood and opening veins that drain blood away from the penis. The levels of the cGMP in the corpora cavernosa fall because it is destroyed by an enzyme called phosphodiesterase type 5 (PDE5)
What are the causes of erectile dysfunction?
The ability to achieve and sustain erections require:
A healthy nervous system that conducts nerve impulses in the brain, spinal column, and penis,
Healthy arteries in and near the corpora cavernosa,
Healthy smooth muscles and fibrous tissues within the corpora cavernosa, and
Adequate levels of nitric oxide in the penis.
Erectile dysfunction can occur if one or more of these requirements are not met. The causes of erectile dysfunction include:
Aging: There are two reasons why older men are more likely to experience erectile dysfunction than younger men. First, older men are more likely to develop diseases (such as heart attacks, angina, strokes, diabetes mellitus, and high blood pressure) that are associated with erectile dysfunction. Second, the aging process alone can cause erectile dysfunction in some men; primarily by decreasing the compliance of the tissues in the corpora cavernosa, although it has been suggested, but not proven, that there is also decreased production of nitric oxide in the nerves that innervate the corporal smooth muscle within the penis.
Diabetes mellitus: Erectile dysfunction tends to develop 10-15 years earlier in diabetic men than among nondiabetic men. In a population study of men with type I diabetes for more than 10 years, erectile dysfunction was reported by 55% of men between the ages of 50 to 60 years. The increased risk of erectile dysfunction among men with diabetes mellitus may be due to the earlier onset and greater severity of atherosclerosis that narrows the arteries and thereby reduces the delivery of blood to the penis. When insufficient blood is delivered to the penis, it is not possible to achieve an erection. Diabetes mellitus also causes erectile dysfunction by damaging both sensory and autonomic nerves, a condition called diabetic neuropathy. Smoking cigarettes, obesity, poor control of blood glucose levels, and having diabetes mellitus for a long time further increases the risk of erectile dysfunction in diabetes. In addition to atherosclerosis and/or neuropathy causing ED in diabetes, many diabetic men develop a myopathy (muscle disease) as their cause of ED in which the compliance of the muscle in the corpora cavernosa is decreased and clinically this presents as an inability to maintain the erection. For additional information, please read the Diabetes article.
Hypertension (high blood pressure): Patients with essential hypertension or arteriosclerosis have an increased risk of developing erectile dysfunction. Essential hypertension is the most common form of hypertension; it is called essential hypertension because it is not caused by another disease, (for example, by kidney disease). It is not clearly known how essential hypertension causes erectile dysfunction; however, patients with essential hypertension have been found to have low production of nitric oxide by the arteries of the body, including the arteries in the penis. Scientists now suspect that the decreased levels of nitric oxide in patients with essential hypertension may contribute to erectile dysfunction. For more information, please read the High Blood Pressure article.
Cardiovascular diseases: The most common cause of cardiovascular diseases in the United States is atherosclerosis, the narrowing and hardening of arteries that reduces blood flow. Atherosclerosis typically affects arteries throughout the body and is aggravated by hypertension, high blood cholesterol levels, cigarette smoking, and diabetes mellitus. When coronary arteries (arteries that supply blood to the heart muscle) are narrowed by atherosclerosis, heart attacks and angina occur. When cerebral arteries (arteries that supply blood to the brain) are narrowed by atherosclerosis, strokes occur. Similarly, when arteries to the penis and the pelvic organs are narrowed by atherosclerosis, insufficient blood is delivered to the penis to achieve an erection. There is a close correlation between the severity of atherosclerosis in the coronary arteries and erectile dysfunction. For example, men with more severe coronary artery atherosclerosis also tend to have more erectile dysfunction than men with mild or no coronary artery atherosclerosis. Some doctors suggest that men with new onset erectile dysfunction should be evaluated for silent coronary artery diseases (advanced coronary artery atherosclerosis that has not yet caused angina or heart attacks). For more information, please read the Heart Attack Prevention article.
Cigarette smoking: Cigarette smoking aggravates atherosclerosis and thereby increases the risk for erectile dysfunction. For more information, please read the Smoking and Quitting Smoking article.
Nerve or spinal cord damage: Damage to the spinal cord and nerves in the pelvis can cause erectile dysfunction. Nerve damage can be due to disease, trauma, or surgical procedures. Examples include injury to the spinal cord from automobile accidents, injury to the pelvic nerves from prostate surgery, multiple sclerosis (a neurological disease with the potential to cause widespread damage to nerves), and long-term diabetes mellitus.
Substance abuse: Marijuana, heroin, cocaine, and alcohol abuse contribute to erectile dysfunction. Alcoholism, in addition to causing nerve damage, can lead to atrophy of the testicles and lower testosterone levels. For more information, please visit the Drug Abuse Center.
Low testosterone levels: Testosterone (the primary sex hormone in men) is not only necessary for sex drive (libido) but also is necessary to maintain nitric oxide levels in the penis. Therefore, men with hypogonadism (diminished function of the testes resulting in low testosterone production) can have low sex drive and erectile dysfunction.
Medications: Many common medicines produce erectile dysfunction as a side effect. Medicines that can cause erectile dysfunction include many used to treat high blood pressure, antihistamines, antidepressants, tranquilizers, and appetite suppressants. Examples of common medicines that can cause erectile dysfunction include beta-blockers such as propranolol (Inderal), hydrochlorothiazide, digoxin (Lanoxin), amitriptyline (Elavil), famotidine (Pepcid), cimetidine (Tagamet), metoclopramide (Reglan), indomethacin (Indocin), lithium (Eskalith; Lithobid), verapamil (Calan, Verelan, Isoptin), phenytoin (Dilantin), and gemfibrozil (Lopid). For more, please visit the Medications Index.
Depression and anxiety: Psychological factors may be responsible for erectile dysfunction. These factors include stress, anxiety, guilt, depression, low self-esteem, and fear of sexual failure. For more information, please visit the Depression Center.
Medications A-Z List
Find relevant and reliable medical information on common medications. Find your topic by using the A-Z list (select a letter - over 2500 common drugs listed) or the search function above -- if you're not sure of the spelling, type the first few letters, followed by an asterisk(*) or review the list below for commonly searched drugs. Visit our Medications Center. For help identifying pills and medications, try the Pill Identification Tool on Rxlist.
Popular Medications (as read on MedicineNet)(Drugs listed alphabetically by generic name with brand name in parentheses)
ACE (angiotensin converting enzyme) inhibitors-Angiotensin converting enzyme inhibitors are used to treat high blood pressure. They cause the blood vessels to relax and become larger and, as a result, blood pressure is lowered. When blood pressure is reduced, the heart has an easier time pumping blood. This is especially beneficial when the heart is failing. ACE inhibitors also cause the process of hypertensive- and diabetes-related kidney diseases to slow down and prevent early deaths associated with high blood pressure. ACE inhibitors cannot be taken during pregnancy since they may cause birth defects. Generic ACE inhibitors are available.
acetaminophen (brand name: Tylenol)-A pain reliever and fever reducer. The exact mechanism of action of acetaminophen is not known. Acetaminophen relieves pain by elevating the pain threshold (that is, by requiring a greater amount of pain to develop before it is felt by a person). Acetaminophen reduces fever through its action on the heat-regulating center of the brain. Generic is available.
alprazolam (brand name: Xanax)- A benzodiazepine sedative that causes dose-related depression of the central nervous system. Alprazolam is useful in treating anxiety, panic attacks, insomnia, and muscle spasms. Generic is available.
amoxicillin (brand names: Amoxil, Polymox, Trimox)-An antibiotic of the penicillin type that is effective against different bacteria such as Haemophilus influenzae, Neisseria gonorrhoea, Escherichia coli, Pneumococci, Streptococci, and certain strains of Staphylococci, particularly infections of the middle ear, tonsillitis, throat infections, laryngitis, bronchitis, and pneumonia. Amoxicillin is also used in treating urinary tract infections, skin infections, and gonorrhea. Generic is available.
atenolol (brand name: Tenormin)-A medication that blocks the action of a portion of the involuntary nervous system that stimulates the pace of the heartbeat. By blocking the action of these nerves, atenolol reduces the heart rate and is useful in treating abnormally rapid heart rhythms. Atenolol also reduces the force of heart muscle contraction, lowers blood pressure, and is helpful in treating angina. It is also used for the prevention of migraine headaches and the treatment of certain types of tremors. Generic is available.
bupropion (brand names: Wellbutrin, Zyban, Wellbutrin SR)-An antidepressant medication that affects chemicals within the brain that nerves use to send messages to each other. These chemical messengers are called neurotransmitters. The neurotransmitters that are released by nerves are taken up again by the nerves that release them for reuse (referred to as reuptake). Many experts believe that depression is caused by an imbalance among the amounts of neurotransmitters that are released. Bupropion is unrelated to other antidepressants. It works by inhibiting the reuptake of the neurotransmitters dopamine, serotonin, and norepinephrine, resulting in more of these chemicals being available to transmit messages to other nerves. Bupropion is unique in that its major effect is on dopamine. Wellbutrin and Wellbutrin SR are used for the management of depression. Zyban has been approved as an aid to patients who want to quit smoking. Generic is not available.
cephalexin (brand names: Keflex, Keftabs)-A semisynthetic cephalosporin antibiotic that is chemically similar to penicillin. Cephalexin is effective against a wide variety of bacterial organisms, such as Staphylococcus aureus, Streptococcus pneumoniae, Haemophilus influenzae, and Escherichia coli, particular involving infections of the middle ear, tonsillitis, throat infections, laryngitis, bronchitis, and pneumonia. Cephalexin is also used in treating urinary tract infections and skin and bone infections. Generic is available.
ciprofloxacin (brand name: Cipro)-An antibiotic that stops multiplication of bacteria by inhibiting the reproduction and repair of their genetic material (DNA). Ciprofloxacin is used to treat infections of the skin, lungs, airways, bones, and joints that are caused by susceptible bacteria. Ciprofloxacin is also frequently used to treat urinary infections caused by bacteria such as Escherichia coli. Ciprofloxacin is effective in treating infectious diarrheas caused by E. coli, Campylobacter jejuni, and shigella bacteria. Generic is not available.
citalopram (brand name: Celexa)-An antidepressant medication that affects neurotransmitters, the chemical messengers within the brain. Neurotransmitters manufactured and released by nerves attach to adjacent nerves and alter their activities. Thus, neurotransmitters can be thought of as the communication system of the brain. Many experts believe that an imbalance among neurotransmitters is the cause of depression. Citalopram works by preventing the uptake of one neurotransmitter, serotonin, by nerve cells after it has been released. The reduced uptake caused by citalopram results in more free serotonin being available in the brain to stimulate nerve cells. Citalopram is in the class of drugs called selective serotonin reuptake inhibitors (SSRIs). Generic is not available.
clonazepam (Klonopin)-Used to treat anxiety, clonazepam works by enhancing the response to gamma-aminobutyric acid (GABA) in the brain, a neurotransmitter that inhibits the activity of many parts of the brain. It is believed that too much activity can lead to anxiety. By enhancing the response to GABA, clonazepam inhibits activity in the brain and relieves the short-term symptoms of anxiety. Clonazepam should not be taken during pregnancy, as the effects are known to cause damage to the fetus. More than half of those who take clonazepam experience the side effect of sedation. Generic clonazepam is available.
codeine (brand name: Empirin 2, 3, 4, Tylenol 2, 3, 4, Tylenol with Codeine Elixir)-Codeine is a pain reliever used to temporarily relieve mild to severe pain. Codeine has the ability to impair thinking and physical ability necessary for driving, and, when combined with alcohol, the impairment can be worsened. Those taking codeine have the ability to become dependent on the drug mentally and physically. Those patients allergic to aspirin and pregnant mothers should not take codeine. Codeine often is combined with acetaminophen (Tylenol) or aspirin to add to its effectiveness. Side effects of codeine include light-headedness, dizziness, nausea, vomiting, shortness of breath, and sedation. Generic codeine is available.
doxycycline (brand name: Vibramycin)-A synthetic broad-spectrum antibiotic that is derived from tetracycline and is effective against a wide variety of bacteria, such as Haemophilus influenzae, Streptococcus pneumoniae, Mycoplasma pneumoniae, Chlamydia psittaci, Chlamydia trachomatis, and Neisseria gonorrhoea. Doxycycline is particularly helpful for treating respiratory tract infections and for treating nongonococcal urethritis (due to ureaplasma), Rocky mountain spotted fever, typhus, chancroid, cholera, brucellosis, anthrax, syphilis, and acne. Generic is available.
fluoxetine (brand name: Prozac)-A class of antidepressant medications that affects chemical messengers within the brain. These chemical messengers are called neurotransmitters. Many experts believe that an imbalance in these neurotransmitters is the cause of depression. Fluoxetine is used in the treatment of depression and obsessive-compulsive disorders. Fluoxetine is believed to work by inhibiting the release of or affecting the action of serotonin. Generic is available.
hydrocodone/acetaminophen (brand names: Vicodin, Vicodin ES, Anexsia, Lorcet, Lorcet Plus, Norco)-A narcotic pain reliever and a cough suppressant that is similar to codeine and is used for the relief of moderate to moderately severe pain. The precise mechanism of pain relief by hydrocodone and other narcotics is not known. Acetaminophen is a nonnarcotic pain reliever and fever reducer. It relieves pain by elevating the pain threshold and reduces fever through its action on the heat-regulating center of the brain. Generic is available.
hydroxyzine (brand names: Vistaril, Atarax)-An antihistamine with anticholinergic (drying) and sedative properties that is used to treat allergic reactions and to relieve nasal and nonnasal symptoms such as those from seasonal allergic rhinitis. Histamine is released by the body during several types of allergic reactions and to a lesser extent during some viral infections, such as the common cold. When histamine binds to its receptors on cells, it causes changes within the cells that lead to sneezing, itching, and increased mucus production. Antihistamines compete with histamine for cell receptors; however, when they bind to the receptors, antihistamines do not stimulate the cells. In addition, antihistamines prevent histamine from binding and stimulating the cells. Generic is available.
ibuprofen (brand names: Advil, Motrin, Medipren, Nuprin)-A traditional nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drug (NSAID) that is effective in treating fever, pain, and inflammation in the body. As a group, NSAIDs are nonnarcotic relievers of mild to moderate pain of many causes, including injury, menstrual cramps, arthritis, and other musculoskeletal conditions. Generic is available.
levothyroxine sodium (brand names: Synthroid, Levoxyl, Levothroid, Unithroid)-A synthetic version of the principal thyroid hormone thyroxine (T4), which is made and released by the thyroid gland. Levothyroxine sodium is used to treat hypothyroidism and to suppress thyroid hormone release in the management of cancerous thyroid nodules and growth of goiters. Thyroid hormone increases the metabolic rate of cells of all tissues in the body. Thyroid hormone helps to maintain brain function, food metabolism, and body temperature, among other effects. Generic is available.
lisinopril (brand name: Zestril, Prinivil)-Lisinopril is an ACE inhibitor that works to lower blood pressure by relaxing and enlarging blood vessels. It also is used to treat heart failure. Lisinopril should be taken at the same time each day in order to ensure consistent blood levels. Pregnant mothers should avoid lisinopril, and it is important to avoid taking lisinopril within two hours of an antacid since antacid binds the lisinopril and prevents it from being absorbed into the body. Side effects of lisinopril include dizziness that is felt when the blood pressure begins to drop, and kidney damage as well. Those taking potassium supplements or diuretics that cause potassium to be retained by the body should not take lisinopril because blood potassium levels may rise to dangerously high levels. Generic lisinopril is available.
lithium (brand name: Eskalith, Lithobid)-Since the 1950s, lithium has been used in the treatment of bipolar disorder as well as depression. Lithium is a mineral that has a positive charge, similar to sodium, potassium, calcium and magnesium. It works by interfering inside cells with other minerals with positive charges such as potassium, calcium and magnesium. Lithium impacts the brain by affecting both the concentrations of tryptophan and serotonin within the brain's cells, and neurotransmitters, chemical messengers that nerves use to communicate with each other. It is recommended that lithium be taken together with food. The full clinical effects of lithium are seen about 2-3 weeks after beginning treatment. Goiters of the thyroid gland develop in one out of every 25 persons taking lithium. Generic lithium is available.
lorazepam (brand names: Ativan)-An antianxiety medication in the benzodiazepine family. Lorazepam and other benzodiazepines act by enhancing the effects of gamma-aminobutyric acid (GABA) in the brain. GABA is a neurotransmitter, a chemical that nerves in the brain use to send messages to one another. GABA inhibits activity in many of the nerves of the brain, and it is thought that this excessive activity is what causes anxiety and other psychological disorders. Lorazepam has fewer interactions with other medications and is felt to be potentially less toxic than most of the other benzodiazepines. Lorazepam is also used to treat insomnia and panic attacks. Generic is available.
meloxicam (brand name: Mobic)-Meloxicam is a nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drug (NSAID) that is used in the treatment of inflammation due to osteoarthritis and rheumatoid arthritis. Meloxicam, like other NSAIDs, reduces the pain, tenderness and swelling caused by inflammation by preventing the formation of chemicals that contribute to inflammation. Individuals who are prone to asthma attacks, hives or have an allergy to aspirin and other NSAIDs should not take meloxicam. Aspirin should not be taken with meloxicam as such a combination raises the risk for developing ulcers of the stomach or small intestine. Generic meloxicam is available..
metformin (brand name: Glucophage)-Approved by the FDA in 1994, metformin is used to lower blood glucose levels in type 2 diabetes in adults and children. Metformin also reduces complications of diabetes including heart disease, blindness and kidney disease. When used alone, metformin does not increase insulin levels in the blood and, therefore, does not result in extremely low blood glucose levels. Metformin increases the effects that insulin has on the liver, muscle, fat, and other tissues. As a result, the reduced levels of insulin have more of an effect than they otherwise would. Metformin also has been used to prevent diabetes from worsening and also has been used to treat polycystic ovaries. Side effects of metformin include nausea, vomiting, gas, bloating, diarrhea, and loss of appetite. Generic metformin is available.
methotrexate (brand names: Rheumatrex, Trexall)-A drug that is capable of blocking the metabolism of cells (an antimetabolite). As a result of this effect, methotrexate has been found to be helpful in treating certain diseases associated with abnormally rapid cell growth, such as cancer of the breast and psoriasis. Recently, methotrexate has been shown to be effective in inducing miscarriage (for example, in patients with ectopic pregnancy). This effect of methotrexate is attributed to its action of killing the rapidly growing cells of the placenta. Methotrexate has also been found to be very helpful in treating rheumatoid arthritis, although its mechanism of action in this illness is not known. Methotrexate seems to work, in part, by altering aspects of immune function that may play a role in causing rheumatoid arthritis. Generic is available.
methylprednisolone (brand name: Medrol)- Methylprednisolone is a synthetic corticosteroid that is used to reduce inflammation in inflammatory diseases such as arthritis, lupus, Crohn's disease, and ulcerative colitis. The body produces corticosteroids naturally in the adrenal glands. Methylprednisolone may be used during pregnancy as it does not cause abnormalities in the fetus. However, using methylprednisolone for long periods of time can cause the body to stop producing its own corticosteroids. This can lead to a serious problem, i.e., inadequate amounts of corticosteroids, if the methylprednisolone is stopped for any reason. Generic methylprednisolone is available.
metoprolol (brand names: Lopressor, Toprol XL)-A medication that blocks the action of a portion of the involuntary nervous system. The sympathetic nervous system stimulates the pace of the heart beat. By blocking the action of these nerves, metoprolol reduces the heart rate and is useful in treating abnormally rapid heart rhythms. Metoprolol also reduces the force of heart muscle contraction, lowers blood pressure, and is helpful in treating angina. Generic is available.
metronidazole (brand name: Flagyl)-Metronidazole is an antibiotic used to fight infections caused by a class of bacteria called anaerobic bacteria as well as some parasites. Metronidazole is used for infections of the small intestine, amebic liver abscesses, dysentery and trichomonas vaginal infections. It also is used to treat infections of the colon caused by the bacterium, Clostridium difficile. Taking metronidazole with alcohol is dangerous as it can cause nausea, vomiting, cramps, flushing and headache. Pregnant mothers and nursing mothers should not use metronidazole. Side effects of metronidazole, although they are few, include seizures and nerve damage that can lead to numbness and tingling of the hands and feet. Generic metronidazole is available.
naproxen (brand names: Naprosyn, Naprelan, Anaprox, Aleve)-A traditional nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drug (NSAID) that is effective in treating fever, pain, and inflammation in the body. As a group, NSAIDs are nonnarcotic relievers of mild to moderate pain of many causes, including injury, menstrual cramps, arthritis, and other musculoskeletal conditions. Generic is available.
phentermine (brand names: Adipex-P, Fastin, Obenix, Oby-Trim)-An appetite suppressor that decreases appetite by possibly changing brain levels of serotonin. Phentermine is a nervous system stimulator like the amphetamines, causing stimulation, elevation of blood pressure, and increased heart rates. Phentermine is used for short periods, along with diet and behavior modification, to treat obesity. Generic is available.
prednisone (brand names: Deltasone, Liquid Pred, Prednisolone, Pediapred Oral Liquid, Medrol)-An oral, synthetic corticosteroid that is used for suppressing the immune system and inflammation. Synthetic corticosteroids mimic the action of cortisol (hydrocortisone), the naturally occurring corticosteroid that is produced in the body by the adrenal glands. Corticosteroids have many effects on the body, but they most often are used for their potent anti-inflammatory effects, particularly in conditions in which the immune system plays an important role. Such conditions include arthritis, colitis, asthma, bronchitis, certain skin rashes, and allergic or inflammatory conditions of the nose and eyes. Generic is available.
tramadol (brand name: Ultram)-A pain reliever (analgesic) that is used in the management of moderate to moderately severe pain. Its mode of action resembles that of narcotics, but tramadol has significantly less potential for abuse and addiction than narcotics. Tramadol is as effective as narcotics in relieving pain, but it does not depress respiration, which is a side effect of most narcotics. Generic is not available.
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Diseases & Conditions A-Z List
Find relevant and reliable medical information on common diseases and conditions. Find your medical topic by using the A-Z list (select a letter - over 700 topics listed) or the search function above. If you're not sure of the spelling, type the first few letters, followed by an asterisk(*).
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AllergiesAllergy, Allergy Proofing Your Home, Anaphylaxis (Severe Allergic Reaction), Chronic Rhinitis, Cold / Flu / Allergies, Food Allergy, Hives, Latex Allergy, Sinusitis
Alzheimer'sAlzheimer's Disease, Alzheimer's Warning Signs, Bladder Incontinence, Dementia, Senior Health
ArthritisAnkylosing Spondylitis, Fibromyalgia, Gout, Lupus, Osteoarthritis, Psoriatic Arthritis, Reactive Arthritis, Rheumatoid Arthritis
AsthmaAir Filtration, Asthmatic Complexities, Asthma, Asthma: Over The Counter Treatment
CancerCancer Causes, Cancer Detection, Cancer - General, Brain Tumor, Bladder Cancer, Breast Cancer, Cervical Cancer, Colon Polyps, Liver Cancer, Lung Cancer, Pancreatic Cancer, Prostate Cancer, Skin Cancer, Testicular Cancer
CholesterolCholesterol, Fiber, HDL, LDL, Heart, Stroke Prevention, Triglycerides
Chronic PainAcupuncture, Acute and Chronic Pain, Cortisone Injection, Degenerative Disc, Low Back Pain
Cold & FluAches, Pain, Fever, Chronic Cough, Cold, Flu, Allergy: (OTC Remedies), Common Cold, Encephalitis and Meningitis, Eustachian Tube Problems, Flu (Influenza), Flu Vaccination, Immunizations, Pneumonia, Pneumonia Vaccination, SARS, Sinusitis, Sore Throat, Strep Throat, Tonsillitis and Adenoiditis
DepressionBipolar Disorder, Depression, Dysthymia, Panic Disorder, Post Traumatic Stress Disorder, Seasonal Affective Disorder (SAD), Stress
DiabetesDiabetes Mellitus, Diabetic Home Care and Monitoring, Diabetes Insipidus, Insulin, Insulin Pump
DigestionAbdominal Pain, Appendicitis, Ulcerative Colitis, Constipation, Crohn's Disease, Diarrhea, Dyspepsia (Indigestion), Inflammatory Bowel Disease (IBD), Intestinal Gas, GERD (Heartburn, Acid Reflux), Hemorrhoids, Irritable Bowel Syndrome (IBS), Lactose Intolerance, Laxatives for Constipation, Motion Sickness, Ulcerative Colitis
Disease PreventionDisease Prevention, Exercise & Activity, First Aid, Home and Family, Nutrition: Healthy Eating, Obesity
EyesightCataracts, Eye Allergy, Eye Care, Glaucoma, LASIK Eye Surgery, Macular Degeneration, Pink Eye (Conjunctivitis), Retinal Detachment, Sjogren's Syndrome
HearingDeafness, Eustachian Tubes, Ear Wax, Hearing Loss, Tinnitus, Vertigo (Dizziness)
HeartAngina, Atherosclerosis Prevention, Congenital Heart Disease, Coronary Angiogram, Coronary Angioplasty, Coronary Artery Bypass, Heart Attack, Heart Murmurs, Heart Palpitations, High Cholesterol, Stroke
Hepatitis CCirrhosis of the Liver, Essential Mixed Cryoglobulinemia, Hepatitis B, Hepatitis C, Hepatitis A and B Immunizations, Jaundice, Lichen Planus, Liver Cancer, Non-Hodgkin's Lymphomas
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HIVAcquired Immunodeficiency Disease (AIDS) and Human Immunodeficiency Virus (HIV)
Infectious DiseaseBotulism, Dengue Fever, Mad Cow Disease, Malaria, Meningitis, MRSA, Rabies, Staph Infection, Thrush, West Nile Virus
LiverCirrhosis of the Liver, Non-alcoholic Fatty Liver, Hemochromatosis (Iron Overload), Hepatitis B, Hepatitis C, Jaundice, Liver Blood Tests, Primary Biliary Cirrhosis (PBC), Primary Sclerosing Cholangitis (PSC)
LungsAsthma, Chronic Obstructive Pulmonary Disease (COPD), Emphysema, Lung Cancer, Pneumonia, Severe Acute Respiratory Syndrome (SARS), Smoker's Lung Photo Essay, Smoking and Quitting Smoking
MenopauseDepression, Hormone Creams, Hormone Replacement Therapy, Hot Flashes - Alternative Treatments, Menopause, Vitamin and Calcium Supplements
Men's HealthAngina, Benign Prostatic Hyperplasia (BPH), Erectile Dysfunction (Impotence), Hair Loss (Baldness), Prostate Cancer, Prostatitis, Sexually Transmitted Diseases, Testicular Cancer, Vasectomy, Viagra
Mental HealthA-Z List of related mental health articles, Acute Stress Disorder, How To Eat Smart, Postpartum depression, Social Phobia, What Makes Marriage Work?
Migraine HeadachesCluster Headaches, Headache, Migraine Headaches and Prevention, Tension Headache
OsteoporosisBone Density, Calcium Supplements, Estradiol, Hormone Replacement Therapy, Menopause, Osteoporosis Prevention
Pediatrics / Healthy KidsAttention Deficit Disorder (ADD), Bedwetting, Birth Defects, Chickenpox, Colic, Diaper Rash, Lactose Intolerance, Nosebleeds, Pink Eye, Measles, Mumps, Tonsillectomy, Vaccinations and Immunizations
Rheumatoid ArthritisArthroscopy, Celebrex, Cortisone Injection, Remicade, Total Hip Replacement, Total Knee Replacement
Senior HealthAlzheimer's Disease, Anemia, Angina, Cataracts, Dementia, Glaucoma, Macular Degeneration, Hearing Loss, Heart Attack Prevention, Osteoporosis, Sleep Disturbance, Stroke, Wrinkles
SkinAcne, Actinic Keratosis, Atopic Dermatitis (Eczema), Boils, Bumps and Bruises, Burns, Dandruff, Hives, Itch, Keloid, Melanoma, Nail Fungus, Poison Ivy, Psoriasis, Rash (Dermatitis), Rosacea, Scleroderma, Shingles, Skin Cancer, Warts, Wrinkles
SleepInsomnia, Jet Lag, Narcolepsy, Sleep, Sleep Apnea, Snoring (Somnoplasty)
ThyroidHyperthyroidism, Hypothyroidism, Hypothyroidism During Pregnancy, Synthroid (levothyroxine sodium), Thyroid Cancer, Thyroid Nodules
UrologyBlood In Urine (Hematuria), Cystinuria, Interstitial Cystitis, Kidney Stone, Prostatitis, Urinalysis, Urinary Incontinence, Urinary Tract Infections
Weight Loss & ManagementAnorexia Nervosa, Bulimia, Calories Burned During Exercise, Cellulite, Obesity and Weight Loss, Weight Loss
Women's HealthBirth Control, Breast Cancer, Breastfeeding, Hormone Therapy, Hysterectomy, Menopause, Miscarriage, Osteoporosis, Ovarian Cancer, Ovarian Cysts, PMS (Premenstrual Syndrome), Sexually Transmitted Diseases (STDs), Uterine Cancer, Varicose Veins, Yeast Infections
Unable to find the medical or health topic you are looking for? See our search help or the Diseases & Conditions A-Z list below (select a letter - over 700 topics listed) or use the search function below. If you're not sure of the spelling, type the first few letters, followed by an asterisk(*).
