Category: M

Irregularly shaped areas of bluish-black pigmentation found occasionally on the buttocks, lower back or upper arms in newborn infants of African, Chinese and Japanese parentage, and sometimes in the babies of black-haired Europeans. They measure from one to several centimeters in diameter, and usually disappear in a few months. They are sometimes mistaken for bruises.…

A reversible monoamine oxidase inhibitor, this drug is used as occasional treatment for patients with severe depression. Moclobemide is an antidepressant medication utilized for treating severe, unresponsive depression and social phobia. Functioning as a reversible monoamine oxidase inhibitor (MAOI), it poses a lower risk of causing elevated blood pressure compared to other MAOIs. Nevertheless, similar…

The basic unit of length in the modern version of the metric system, known as the International System of Units (SI). It is equivalent to 39-37 inches.  

Methyl is an organic radical whose chemical formula is CH3, and which forms the centre of a wide group of substances known as the methyl group, for example, methyl alcohol  and methyl salicylate (oil of wintergreen).  

Also known as Physeptone, this is a synthetic drug structurally similar to morphine, one of many opioid drugs used to treat severe pain. Methadone is less sedating, shorter lasting and more reliable when taken orally. Although vomiting is common, this is generally less severe than with morphine. A synthetic opioid analgesic with a long duration…

Also known as tympanites, this is a distension of the abdomen from excess gas or air in the intestine or peritoneal cavity. On percussion (tapping) the abdomen sounds resonant, like a drum. Causes include aerophagy (the swallowing of air), irritable bowel syndrome (IBS) and, uncommonly and usually associated with vomiting and absolute constipation, obstruction of…

An aminosalicylate drug used for the treatment of mild to moderate ulcerative colitis and the maintenance of remission. This medication is employed to decrease inflammation in the intestines for individuals with ulcerative colitis. It can be recommended to alleviate symptoms during sudden flare-ups or taken as a preventive approach. Undesirable outcomes of mesalazine encompass feelings…

A condition characterized by pain and paraesthesia (distorted sensantion, e.g. ‘pins and needles’) on the front and outer part of the thigh. It is due to compression of the lateral cutaneous nerve of the thigh. Reduction in weight, ‘improvement in general fitness and correction of faulty posture usually bring relief. If these fail, surgical decompression…

Diseases developing during a person’s lifetime may be the result of his or her lifestyle, environment, genetic factors and natural ageing factors.  

Description of a substance that contains a medicinal drug, commonly applied to items such as sweets and soaps.