Category: A

  • Amniotomy

    A puncture of the amnion to help induce labour. Deliberate surgical breakage of the fetal membranes; used to induce labor. Surgical incision of the amnion to induce labor. A procedure used to start or speed up labor. The membranes of the amniotic sac surrounding the baby are broken and the amniotic fluid is released, leading…

  • Amniotic cavity

    A space formed by the amnion, full of amniotic fluid. The fluid-filled cavity between the embryo and the amnion. It forms initially within the inner cell mass of the ‘blastocyst and later expands over the back of the embryo, eventually enclosing it completely. The liquid-filled space where the fetus resides before birth.  

  • Amniotic

    Relating to the amnion.  

  • Amnioscope

    An instrument used to examine a fetus through the cervical channel, before the amniotic sac is broken. An examination of the amniotic fluid during pregnancy. An endoscope that allows the fetus and amniotic fluid to be observed through the intact amniotic membrane.  

  • Amnihook

    A hooked instrument used to induce labour by pulling on the amniotic sac.  

  • Ammonium

    An ion formed from ammonia. A radical, NH4, that forms salts analogous to those of alkaline metals.  

  • Amlodipine

    A drug that helps to control the movement of calcium ions through cell membranes. It is used to treat hypertension and angina. A calcium channel blocker and antihypertensive, administered orally to control high blood pressure, angina pectoris, and Prinzmetal’s angina. Amlodipine, a medication categorized as a calcium channel blocker, is prescribed for the prevention of…

  • Amiodarone

    A drug that makes the blood vessels wider, used in the treatment of irregular heartbeat. Oral parenteral antiarrhythmic useful in the treatment of arrhythmias that are difficult to control. Since this agent is associated with potentially fatal toxic side effects, including interstitial pneumonia, its use is limited to patients for whom no safer agent has…

  • Aminophylline

    A drug that makes the bronchial tubes wider, used in the treatment of asthma. Bronchodilator used to treat asthma, bronchitis, and emphysema. Adverse effects include gastrointestinal upset and central nervous system stimulation. A drug that relaxes smooth muscle and stimulates respiration. It is widely used to dilate the air passages in the treatment of asthma…

  • Amiloride

    A drug which helps to increase the production of urine and preserve the body’s supply of potassium. A diuretic that causes the increased excretion of sodium and chloride-It may produce dizziness and weakness and its continued use may lead to an excessive concentration of potassium in the blood. Amiloride, a potassium-sparing diuretic medication, is utilized…