Ketotifen is an antihistamine and mast cell stabilizer that has been used in medicine for nearly 50 years. It is available in the FDA-approved form of an ophthalmic solution (topically administered to the eyes). In this form it is indicated to be used for reduction of eye itching associated with seasonal allergies. Besides this indication, doctors through the world prescribe ketotifen for managing other conditions like nasal allergies, irritable bowel…

Nitroglycerin has been known to improve erectile functioning for many years, although no product has ever been commercially available for this indication. While there is currently no recommendation on its use in the American Urological Association guidelines, many men are interested in trying this treatment and hoping it will become available in an FDA approved form soon. About half of men aged 40 to 70 will experience erectile dysfunction, meaning…

Tadalafil and sildenafil are well known as the active ingredients in Cialis and Viagra for treating erectile dysfunction. The commercially available tadalafil and sildenafil are in tablet form. Compounding pharmacies are able to make these drugs in the form of troches. This drug form is preferred by many patients and may provide a more rapid onset of action that is not affected by food ingestion. Tadalafil and Sildenafil Tablets –…

Growing evidence suggests that short chain fatty acid enemas have effects on various organs including the brain. The new research on the effects of SCFAs show that gut health may have a connection to mental health. Dysbiosis of the gut microbiota has been implicated in the pathology of conditions like depressions and Alzheimer’s. Now that this connection is better understood, researchers are considering whether SCFAs and be use as a…

You may think that the case is settled when it comes to dental anesthesia and pain management. However new research into this area of dentistry is being published all the time. Dental treatments of all complexities from simple to highly complex can involve pain for the patient. Anxiety about a procedure and the potential pain are the main reasons patients avoid the dentist and put off essential treatments. That is…

There are a variety of reasons why a dermatologist will prescribe lightening agents. They may be used to reduce the appearance of age spots (sun spots) and hyperpigmentation or to reduce the appearance of skin conditions like melasma and vitiligo. Skin depigmentation/skin lightening agents are not all made the same.  Hydroquinone and monobenzone are often the chemicals compared when assessing prescription skin lightening ingredients. These medications work very differently however…

The widespread increase in addiction to opioid medications and the serious consequences of this increase have been well publicized in recent years. Chronic pain affects many Americans who may also struggle with substance abuse. For patients who suffer from chronic pain who also struggle with an addiction to opioids, it can be difficult to find a medication that is both effective and non-addictive. Healthcare providers often use a multimodal approach…

The estimated prevalence of polycystic ovary syndrome (PCOS) ranges from 5 to 20% of women of reproductive age. It is a common condition that results in numerous symptoms that can decrease quality of life. Various drugs exist that are FDA approved and able to help women with PCOS manage their symptoms and improve fertility if they are trying to become pregnant. Naltrexone is one medication that is being studied as…

In a nationwide observational study in Sweden it was found that women age 50-80 who were receiving estrogen replacement therapy were less than half as likely to die from COVID-19 compared to those who were not receiving therapy. It is important to note that this was an observational study and that further research and clinical studies would be needed before this information could be put to use. Description of Study…

Acne scars are often the result of moderate to severe cases of acne. It is estimated that 1 out of every 5 people who suffer from acne will have some type of acne scar as a result of their outbreaks. Scars result from the body trying to recover from the skin damage caused by acne. The resulting scars can be either barely noticeable or very deep. Chemical peels are commonly…