Category: H

A genus of small widely distributed parasitic tapeworms. The dwarf tapeworm, H. nana, only 40 mm in length, lives in the human intestine. Fleas can be important vectors of this species, and children in close contact with flea-infested dogs are particularly prone to infection. H. diminuta is a common parasite of rodents; man occasionally becomes…

A drug that prevents cell growth and is used to treat some types of leukemia. It is administered by mouth. Hydroxyurea may lower the white cell content of the blood due to its effects on the bone marrow. An medication demonstrated to stimulate the synthesis of fetal hemoglobin, which consists of a pair of gamma-globin…

A drug used to treat infections caused by fungi and protozoa, such as blastomycosis. It is administered by injection and may cause dizziness, headache, nausea, and fainting if injected too quickly.  

A synthetic female sex hormone administered by injection to prevent miscarriage and to treat menstrual disorders. There may be pain at the injection site, and progestogens taken by mouth are often preferred.  

A drug similar to chloroquine, used mainly to treat lupus erythematosus and rheumatoid arthritis. Side-effects such as skin reactions, hair loss, and digestive upsets may occur and prolonged use can lead to eye damage.  

A sympathomimetic drug used in solution or sprays for the relief of nasal symptoms such as congestion, inflammation, and sinusitis. It is also used to dilate the pupil of the eye for eye examinations. Side-effects can include headache, nausea, vomiting, and palpitations.  

A cobalt-containing drug administered by injection to treat conditions involving vitamin B12 deficiency, such as pernicious anemia. Hydroxocobalamin, or vitamin B12, has now replaced cyanocobalamin in the treatment of pernicious anaemia. It has the practical advantage that fewer injections are required than of cyanocobalamin. Like cyanocobalamin, it belongs to the group of substances known as…

The accumulation of watery fluid in an ovary.  

A watery discharge. Hydrorrhea gravidarum occurs during pregnancy: excessive secretion by the glands of the womb leads to a discharge from the vagina. Copious watery discharge from any part, as from the nose.  

The state of certain infants severely affected by hemolytic disease. Fluid accumulates in the body cavities, especially in the peritoneal and pleural cavities, and the liver becomes enlarged: these are features of chronic heart failure due to profound anemia. Repeated intrauterine transfusions into the fetal peritoneum during pregnancy have saved some infants in whom hydrops…