Category: Public health

Over 60 million adults take acetaminophen weekly, yet for some, this common pain reliever carries significant risks. Knowing who cannot have acetaminophen is crucial for preventing potentially severe health complications, particularly involving the liver and kidneys.

Opioid side effects are extremely common, with up to 80% of patients in clinical trials reporting at least one adverse effect. Understanding **what are the major complications of opioids** is crucial for anyone taking these powerful medications for pain management, as it can inform safer use and better health outcomes.

In 2023, nearly 8.6 million Americans reported misusing prescription opioids [1.4.1, 1.4.5]. While there's no single answer to 'What is the most common cause of opioid addiction?', it often begins with exposure to these powerful medications, which can rapidly lead to dependence and addiction [1.2.3, 1.2.4].

First marketed in 1996, the prescription painkiller OxyContin is widely considered the medication that ignited the opioid crisis in the United States, triggering a widespread wave of addiction due to its deceptive marketing and powerful nature. The story of this drug, its manufacturer Purdue Pharma, and the consequences of its widespread use provides a critical understanding of the public health emergency still unfolding today.

Experts often recommend a maximum daily chocolate intake of approximately 30 grams, but this seemingly simple number can be misleading due to pharmacological factors and potential drug interactions. So, how many tabs of chocolate should you eat is a nuanced question with no single answer, depending heavily on your health status and medication list.

According to the CDC, more than 2.8 million antimicrobial-resistant infections occur in the U.S. each year, costing billions in healthcare. This statistic underscores a critical aspect of patient care: **are antibiotics time-critical medications?** The answer lies in the science of pharmacology, which reveals that consistent and timely dosing is essential for both treatment effectiveness and preventing resistance.

Antimicrobial resistance (AMR) was associated with nearly 5 million deaths globally in 2019, highlighting the urgent need for effective treatments. Understanding **what are critical antibiotics** is essential to preserve these vital last-resort medicines and combat the growing threat of resistant infections.

According to the Drug Enforcement Administration (DEA), drugs, substances, and certain chemicals are classified into five distinct categories or schedules based on their potential for abuse and accepted medical use. Understanding these classifications is essential for anyone involved in healthcare, law enforcement, or policy. This comprehensive guide explores what are the different levels of scheduled drugs and the criteria used for their designation.

According to a resource compiling drug withdrawal data, more than 578 drugs have been withdrawn or discontinued from markets globally due to various reasons, with safety issues being a primary cause. This highlights the critical nature of understanding what medications have been discontinued and why.

In 2022, while over half of adult smokers in the U.S. attempted to quit, less than 10% succeeded [1.6.2]. A promising new medication may soon offer help. So, what is the new no smoking pill? It's a plant-based drug called cytisinicline [1.2.2].