Understanding the Side Effects of Eyedrops: Concerns and Clarifications
Drug side effects Hello Director Hong, the ophthalmologist prescribed Aifermu P sterile ophthalmic solution 0.15, to be used twice daily. I would like to ask: 1) This medication is an adrenal stimulant; what long-term effects might it have on my adrenal glands? 2) Why is an eye m...
Dr. Hong Kunyi Reply:
Hello Mr. Guding: This medication is Alphagan P (Brimonidine Tartrate Ophthalmic Solution 0.15% 5ML), indicated for open-angle glaucoma or ocular hypertension. You may have some concerns regarding its mechanism of action, but when used under the guidance of an ophthalmologist, it...[Read More] Understanding the Side Effects of Eyedrops: Concerns and Clarifications
Understanding the Side Effects of Eyedrops on Adrenal Health and Heart Rate
Drug side effects Hello Dr. Hong, The ophthalmologist prescribed Aifermu P sterile ophthalmic solution 0.15, to be used twice daily. I would like to ask: 1) This medication is an adrenal stimulant. What long-term effects might it have on my adrenal glands? 2) Why is an eye m...
Dr. Hong Kunyi Reply:
Hello Mr. Guding: This medication is Alphagan P (Brimonidine Tartrate Ophthalmic Solution 0.15% 5ml), indicated for open-angle glaucoma or ocular hypertension. You may have some concerns regarding its mechanism of action, but when used under the supervision of an ophthalmologist,...[Read More] Understanding the Side Effects of Eyedrops on Adrenal Health and Heart Rate
Understanding the Synergistic Effects of Ritalin and Subutex in Treatment
Litalir (Latanoprost) and Subitram (Sufentanil) Hello, some time ago I asked you about the co-administration of Aripiprazole and Subutex (or Buprenorphine) because my doctor prescribed these medications to alleviate my stomach discomfort and suggested taking them together with Ar...
Dr. Liao Lingmei Reply:
Hello: When taken at low doses, Sulpiride (or Domperidone) tends to act on dopamine receptors outside the striatum, such as for gastrointestinal discomfort. Its pharmacological action involves presynaptic blockade of D2 and D3 dopamine receptors, enhancing dopamine transmission. ...[Read More] Understanding the Synergistic Effects of Ritalin and Subutex in Treatment
Is Meikang Ointment Safe for Infants with Hearing Loss?
Regarding the ototoxicity of Meikang ointment? Hello, pharmacist. My daughter is currently six months old and has a red ring around her anus. The doctor prescribed Meikang ointment to apply to the affected area. However, since my daughter has congenital hearing loss, a previous d...
Dr. Hou Fangmin Reply:
Dear Mr. Wei Xi, Every parent worries about their child's health. The Meikang ointment contains Triamcinolone acetonide (1.0 mg, a corticosteroid), Neomycin (2.5 mg, an antibiotic), and Gramicidin (0.25 mg, an antibiotic). As for ear drops, applying them directly into the e...[Read More] Is Meikang Ointment Safe for Infants with Hearing Loss?
Do Colchicine and Terbinafine Interact? Safety Concerns Explained
Is there an interaction between Colchicine and Terbinafine when taken orally? Due to prostate issues, I am currently undergoing treatment with Finasteride in the morning, and I am taking Terbinafine orally at noon for onychomycosis. One is an antibiotic and the other is an antifu...
Dr. Hou Fangmin Reply:
Hello Mr. Kunkun: There are no interactions found between the levofloxacin and lamisil you are taking; however, consuming certain foods like coffee may cause headaches, insomnia, diuresis, and agitation, so it is advisable to avoid coffee. Wishing you a pleasant mood.[Read More] Do Colchicine and Terbinafine Interact? Safety Concerns Explained
Do Dietary Supplements Interact with Bayer's Birth Control Pills?
Are there any interactions between the enteric-coated tablets and these vitamin components? Hello, I would like to ask if the following ingredients in the dietary supplements I have been taking will affect the efficacy of the Bayer Yaz (combined oral contraceptive pill) or cause ...
Dr. Hou Fangmin Reply:
Hello Nina: The components of Yasmin you are taking are drospirenone 3mg and ethinylestradiol 0.03mg, and there are no interactions with the medications you are currently taking. However, consuming it with foods such as coffee and grapefruit juice may lead to central nervous syst...[Read More] Do Dietary Supplements Interact with Bayer's Birth Control Pills?
Does Doxycycline Cause Irreversible Side Effects After Four Months?
Does doxycycline have irreversible side effects? Will stopping doxycycline after four months of use cause any drug-related side effects? Will it affect male fertility or cause infertility?
Dr. Hou Fangmin Reply:
Hello Mr. Xiao: 1. DOXYCYCLINE is an antibiotic that inhibits bacterial protein synthesis and is effective against most Gram-positive and Gram-negative bacteria. 2. Side effects: Patients with photosensitivity should avoid direct sunlight during treatment with this medication....[Read More] Does Doxycycline Cause Irreversible Side Effects After Four Months?
Prescription Coverage for Nutritional Deficiencies in Taiwan
Prescription reimbursement issues with health insurance? Hello Dr. Hou, I have been experiencing long-term muscle and nerve pain in my shoulders and neck. I visited an orthopedic doctor and took anti-inflammatory medications and muscle relaxants, but they haven't been very e...
Dr. Hou Fangmin Reply:
Hello Mr. He: Vitamin B12 deficiency can occasionally occur in individuals using the diabetes medication metformin. A blood test can determine if there is a deficiency. Vegetarians are most likely to experience deficiencies in vitamins B1 and B12 due to dietary issues. If supplem...[Read More] Prescription Coverage for Nutritional Deficiencies in Taiwan
Understanding Diane-35: Effects on Weight and Appetite for PCOS
Dalian Medication Consultation I have polycystic ovary syndrome (PCOS), and my doctor prescribed me Diane (Diane-35) for six months to improve my irregular menstrual cycle. (1) I would like to know if this medication contains steroids. (2) Will taking it for six months cause weig...
Dr. Chen Yuemei Reply:
Hello: 1. The ingredient in "Dalian" does not contain steroids. 2. Taking this medication may cause side effects such as nausea, increased appetite, and weight gain. 3. Recommendations: (1) To effectively manage the condition, weight control is advised to prevent diseas...[Read More] Understanding Diane-35: Effects on Weight and Appetite for PCOS
Should You Take Iron Supplements for Heart Palpitations and Dizziness?
Health food consultation Hello, doctor. Three to four years ago, I experienced frequent palpitations and chest tightness, and I went to the hospital for two examinations (with over a year in between). I was diagnosed with mitral valve prolapse and autonomic nervous system dysfunc...
Dr. Chen Yuemei Reply:
Hello: Since you have been diagnosed with mitral valve prolapse and autonomic nervous system dysfunction, it is recommended that you follow up with a cardiologist every few years. If you have iron deficiency anemia, a blood test to check your red blood cell indices can assist in ...[Read More] Should You Take Iron Supplements for Heart Palpitations and Dizziness?
Does Taking Vitamin B2 Always Result in Yellow Urine? Understanding the Variations
Does taking B-complex vitamins that contain riboflavin (vitamin B2) always result in yellow urine? Hello, it is normal for urine to appear yellow after consuming B-complex vitamins that contain riboflavin (vitamin B2). If there is no yellow discoloration in the urine, is that con...
Dr. Hou Fangmin Reply:
Hello, Sang Sang: 1. The B vitamins include a total of eight water-soluble vitamins: B1, B2, niacin, B6, folate, B12, pantothenic acid, and biotin. The most prominent yellow vitamin among the B group is vitamin B2 (also known as riboflavin), which exhibits a strong yellow-green ...[Read More] Does Taking Vitamin B2 Always Result in Yellow Urine? Understanding the Variations
Understanding PRILTHMOW Tablets: Do Steroids Cause Weight Gain?
PRILTHMOW TABLETS I have inflammation at the base of my tongue and took PRILTHMOW TABLETS. I found online that this medication contains steroids, but don't steroids cause weight gain?
Dr. Liao Lingmei Reply:
Hello: Is it "PRITHMOW"? I couldn't find any information on the medication "PRILTHMOW." The steroid component Prednisolone is quite effective for relieving acute inflammation. If used as directed by a physician and not abused long-term on your own, there ...[Read More] Understanding PRILTHMOW Tablets: Do Steroids Cause Weight Gain?
Understanding the Interaction Between Ritalin and Sulpiride for Better Health
Litalir (Latanoprost) and Subitram (Brimonidine) Hello, I would like to ask about my experience with taking Ritalin, which has caused me severe stomach discomfort and poor appetite (I was prescribed to take 3 tablets daily). Therefore, my doctor prescribed me one tablet of Sulpir...
Dr. Liao Lingmei Reply:
Hello: Subilan is a "strong inhibitor of dopamine-like stimulating effects such as Apomorphine or Meta-Amphetamine," indicated for daily doses of 300-600 mg for psychiatric disorders. The "dopamine-like stimulating effects" work synergistically with Ritalin, w...[Read More] Understanding the Interaction Between Ritalin and Sulpiride for Better Health
Can You Safely Combine Agomelatine with Metformin and Alprazolam?
Medication consultation Due to polycystic ovary syndrome, I take one Metformin 500 mg tablet every night. I also have anxiety, for which my doctor prescribed Agomelatine 25 mg tablet to be taken at bedtime, and one Alprazolam 0.5 mg tablet to be taken as needed during episodes of...
Dr. Chen Yuemei Reply:
Hello: 1. Agomelatine has no interactions with the medications you are taking and can be taken simultaneously. 2. Alprazolam needs to be absorbed through the gastrointestinal tract before it takes effect, so it will not cause immediate sedation; this medication is used to allevia...[Read More] Can You Safely Combine Agomelatine with Metformin and Alprazolam?
Consultation on Anticoagulants and Vitamin E for Liver Health
Consultation on Anticoagulants and Vitamin E Hello, Pharmacist Chen. My mother is 68 years old and has a history of mild ischemic stroke. She is currently taking an anticoagulant (Pradaxa 110 mg once daily). Recently, due to high cholesterol and fatty liver, her liver enzyme leve...
Dr. Chen Yuemei Reply:
Hello: 1. One of the non-drug approved uses of vitamin E by the FDA in the United States is for "non-alcoholic fatty liver disease" (NAFLD). Some literature reports indicate that vitamin E can improve liver function tests in patients with NAFLD, and its effectiveness is...[Read More] Consultation on Anticoagulants and Vitamin E for Liver Health
Can Your Family Use Moisturizers While on Anticoagulants?
Anticoagulants Hello, doctor. A family member is taking anticoagulant medication due to pulmonary embolism. Recently, they have experienced dry skin with slight peeling. I would like to ask if it is safe to use lotions such as Australian sheep oil (with evening primrose oil), she...
Dr. Hou Fangmin Reply:
Hello, Xiao Qi: 1. Anticoagulant medications can be affected by herbal medicines, such as ginkgo biloba, angelica, salvia miltiorrhiza, or other herbs with blood-activating and stasis-resolving effects, which may enhance the effects of anticoagulants. On the other hand, ginseng...[Read More] Can Your Family Use Moisturizers While on Anticoagulants?
Understanding Emergency Contraceptive Pills: Delayed Menstruation Concerns
Emergency contraceptive pill Your girlfriend's menstrual period started around August 11 and ended around August 18. On August 20, they had sexual intercourse (with a condom), but the condom slipped off, and it is uncertain if there was any ejaculation inside. On August 21, ...
Dr. Hong Kunyi Reply:
Hello: After discussing with the obstetrician-gynecologist at our hospital, here are a few points for your reference: (1) If emergency contraception is taken within 24 hours, the effectiveness is generally quite good. (2) Taking emergency contraception can easily cause irregular ...[Read More] Understanding Emergency Contraceptive Pills: Delayed Menstruation Concerns
Thank You Dr. Weng for Your Detailed Medication Guidance
Thank you, Dr. Weng, for your detailed explanation of the medication? Dear Dr. Weng, Thank you very much for your detailed explanation of the medication usage and timing. I truly benefited a lot from it. I originally intended to give you a five-star rating, but due to my slow t...
Dr. Weng Yiji Reply:
Mr. He: I am honored that the information provided can be of assistance to you.[Read More] Thank You Dr. Weng for Your Detailed Medication Guidance
Understanding High-Dose Iron Supplements: Benefits and Precautions
100 mg of iron I previously had anemia and took iron prescribed by my doctor, but after finishing the treatment, I didn't return for follow-up visits. Occasionally, when I felt unwell, I would buy over-the-counter iron supplements and took them intermittently to avoid side e...
Dr. Hou Fangmin Reply:
Hello: 1. The iron supplement you mentioned is ferrous iron. When comparing ferrous (Fe²⁺) and ferric (Fe³⁺) iron, ferrous iron has better absorption but a higher likelihood of causing gastrointestinal discomfort, and it is more affected by food (co-administration with food can...[Read More] Understanding High-Dose Iron Supplements: Benefits and Precautions
How to Properly Take Your Medications: Timing and Interactions Explained
Dosage and Administration of Medication Hello Dr. Hou, may I ask whether Yuli Shufen tablets should be taken before or after meals? I took Jing An Ning tablets before bed; can I take Yuli Shufen tablets at the same time, or should I space them out for a certain duration? Thank yo...
Dr. Hou Fangmin Reply:
1. Uliberone tablets: The most common side effects are drowsiness and lightheadedness (dizziness). It is advisable to take this medication after meals to minimize side effects. 2. Xanax (Alprazolam) and Uliberone tablets both belong to the benzodiazepine class of anxiolytics. I...[Read More] How to Properly Take Your Medications: Timing and Interactions Explained