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.

methotrexate (brand names: Rheumatrex, Trexall)-A

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.

heart surgery

A nurse prepares a robotic surgery system for heart surgery. The three approaches to robot surgery are shared-control, supervisory-controlled and the da Vinci surgical system. "Telesurgery" might also be an option in the future. Next, see heart technology that might keep you alive.

modern medicine

Vaccines developed in the 20th century took medicine to a new level, eradicating and preventing many illness. See the next page to take a look at what other modern medicine marvels and experimental treatments are available today.

Misdiagnosis of carcinoid syndrome

Some patients with carcinoid syndrome present with chronic pain in the lower right abdominal quadrant, and the condition is therefore frequently misdiagnosed as irritable bowel syndrome.

Medicine Reading Room Collection

The History of Medicine Reading Room collection includes the major bibliographic resources necessary for historical research, as well as standard works in the history of medicine.
The collection includes general histories of medicine, histories of diseases, medical directories, encyclopedias, biographies and collective biographies, and reprints of medical classics. Reference sources, such as directories, handbooks, regulations, abstract tools, statistical sources, and prepared bibliographies, are used by patrons and by staff to answer reference questions