Category: O

  • Office of Alternative Medicine

    An agency within the National Institutes of Health (NIH) established by an Act of Congress in 1991. Its purpose is to evaluate the efficacy of alternative treatments which are currently outside the mainstream of medicine, that is, treatments not taught in medical school. Many alternative therapies are provided and promoted by individuals other than physicians.…

  • Occurrence reporting

    A system of reporting cases which have been detected in occurrence screening and then, in the judgment of reviewers, merit further study within the hospital. This is a step in the Medical Management Analysis (MMA) system employed by some hospitals in quality management.  

  • Occupational health nursing

    Nursing which involves care to individuals in the work setting. Its purpose is to promote health, and improve productivity and social adjustment.  

  • Oxytocia

    Labor and childbirth of exceptionally short duration.  

  • Oxyphencyclimine

    A drug with actions similar to atropine. Since it slows down the digestive processes, it is used to treat stomach and duodenal ulcers and other digestive disorders. It is administered by mouth; side-effects include dry mouth, thirst, and disturbances of vision.  

  • Oxyphenbutazone

    An analgesic that also reduces inflammation and fever. It is used mainly to relieve pain in rheumatoid arthritis, gout, and similar conditions. It is administered by mouth or in suppositories; common side-effects include nausea, rashes, dizziness, and mouth ulcers.  

  • Oxypertine

    A major tranquilizer used to treat anxiety and tension in mental illnesses such as schizophrenia. It is administered by mouth and commonly causes drowsiness, dizziness, and restlessness, especially in high doses.  

  • Oxymesterone

    A synthetic male sex hormone with body-building action. It has the same action and uses as methandienone.  

  • Oxprenolol

    A drug that controls the activity of the heart, used to treat angina, high blood pressure, and abnormal heart rhythm. It is administered by mouth or injection; side-effects may include dizziness, drowsiness, headache, and digestive upsets. A medication categorized as a beta-blocker, employed to manage hypertension (elevated blood pressure), angina (chest discomfort due to inadequate…

  • Oxolinic acid

    An antibacterial drug used to treat infections of the urinary system. It is administered by mouth; side-effects may include digestive upsets and disturbances of vision.