Measuring medicine, also called dosing, can be confusing! Health care providers and pharmacists may use terms such as milligrams (mg), milliliters (mL), micrograms (mcg), grams (g or gm), international units (IU), or other units of measure when talking about medicine.
Poisonings Throughout History: Olive Thomas
![Split photo with a black and white portrait of Olive Thomas on the left and an antique bottle of Mercury Bichloride on the right](https://blog.mdpoison.com/wp-content/uploads/2023/08/Olive-Thomas-Blog-724x483.png)
Olive Thomas was a well-known model and silent-film actress in the early 1900s. She died from what was likely accidental poisoning of mercury bichloride.
Meet Our Experts: Victoria
![Victoria Macdonald](https://blog.mdpoison.com/wp-content/uploads/2023/08/Meet-Victoria-724x483.png)
One of the goals of our eAntidote blog is to introduce you to the real poison experts who answer the phones at the Maryland Poison Center (MPC), as well as our staff members. Read this Q&A to get to know one of our toxicology fellows: Victoria Macdonald.
Little to Large Problem: The Danger of Water Beads
![A bowl of hydrated water beads and a child's hands above holding some water beads](https://blog.mdpoison.com/wp-content/uploads/2023/07/Water-Beads-724x483.png)
Water beads can cause physical harm and have the potential of causing a severe, and sometimes deadly, small bowel obstruction in children.
Meet Our Experts: Amy
![Dr. Amy B.](https://blog.mdpoison.com/wp-content/uploads/2023/06/Meet-Amy-724x483.png)
One of the goals of our eAntidote blog is to introduce you to the real poison experts who answer the phones at the Maryland Poison Center (MPC), as well as our staff members. Read this Q&A to get to know one of our specialists: Amy B.
Pitfalls of Fruit Pits and Seeds
![Collage of cut open apples, cherries, and apricots showing their seeds/pits inside](https://blog.mdpoison.com/wp-content/uploads/2023/06/Fruit-Pits-and-Seeds-724x483.png)
With the spring and summer season, you may find yourself reaching for a refreshing fruit as a snack. Some fruits contain pits and/or seeds that can be harmful.
What You Should Know About Skin Lightening Products
![Beautiful woman hands with container of cream on dark background.](https://blog.mdpoison.com/wp-content/uploads/2023/05/Skin-Lightening-Creams-724x483.jpg)
Skin lightening products often say they’ll give you lighter, clearer skin and reduce the appearance of dark spots on your face, like acne scars or freckles. However, many skin lightening products contain dangerous ingredients that can actually harm the health of your skin and cause serious, long-term health problems.
Mushrooms: Hungry for Trouble
![Collage of toxic mushrooms](https://blog.mdpoison.com/wp-content/uploads/2023/04/Mushrooms-724x483.png)
As winter fades, mushroom hunters may begin looking for their favorite treats in local forests and meadows. However, mushroom picking should be done with caution, as there are many toxic mushrooms that resemble edible ones.
Meet Our Experts: Liz
![Liz Fugate](https://blog.mdpoison.com/wp-content/uploads/2023/04/Meet-Liz-724x483.png)
One of the goals of our eAntidote blog is to introduce you to the real poison experts who answer the phones at the Maryland Poison Center (MPC), as well as our staff members. Read this Q&A to get to know one of our specialists: Liz Fugate
What You Should Know About Heart Medicines
![Tiny Doctor Characters with Drugs and Equipment at Huge Human Heart Measure Pulse and Cholesterol Level for Diagnose and Treatment. Cardiology Health Care, Medicine. Cartoon People Vector Illustration](https://blog.mdpoison.com/wp-content/uploads/2023/03/Cardiovascular-Medicines-724x483.jpg)
Cardiovascular (heart) medicines are used to treat diseases of the heart and high blood pressure. According to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, one of the most common prescription drugs taken by adults are for cardiovascular disease.