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More than 2,500 barbiturates have been synthesized. At the height of their popularity, about 50 were marketed for human use.
In the United States, an estimated 50 million unnecessary antibiotics are prescribed for viral respiratory infections.
The highest suicide rate in the United States is among people ages 65 years and older. Almost 15% of people in this age group commit suicide every year.
Drugs are in development that may cure asthma and hay fever once and for all. They target leukotrienes, which are known to cause tightening of the air passages in the lungs and increase mucus productions in nasal passages.
Acetaminophen (Tylenol) in overdose can seriously damage the liver. It should never be taken by people who use alcohol heavily; it can result in severe liver damage and even a condition requiring a liver transplant.