Understanding Medication Guidelines for Patients Without Chronic Conditions
I would like to understand the issue of medication prescribed by doctors? For patients with cardiovascular disease or diabetes, the health insurance coverage criteria are triglycerides <160 mg/dL and LDL-C <100 mg/dL. Therefore, the physician adjusts the medication dosage b...
Dr. Hou Fangmin Reply:
Hello: As of August 1, 2014, the National Health Insurance in Taiwan has updated the guidelines for the use of lipid-lowering medications. The standards for low-density lipoprotein cholesterol (LDL-C) in patients with diabetes and cardiovascular disease have been revised, allowin...[Read More] Understanding Medication Guidelines for Patients Without Chronic Conditions
Understanding Medication Interactions: Managing Hypertension and Insomnia
Medication issues Hello, Dr. Hou. I have been taking medication for high blood pressure for about ten years and have been on insomnia medication for nearly four years. Recently, I have been experiencing nausea more often when taking my medication. Can long-term use of Western med...
Dr. Hou Fangmin Reply:
Hello Mr. Tsai: Hypertension is a common condition among the elderly, but it can be managed with attention. 1. CLONAZEPAM (Klonopin 0.5 mg): This medication has multiple uses, including aiding sleep and alleviating anxiety. Please avoid alcohol while taking this medication. Calci...[Read More] Understanding Medication Interactions: Managing Hypertension and Insomnia
Understanding the Risks and Side Effects of Multiple Heart Medications
Medication issues Dear Pharmacist, I have been taking medication for hypertension, including 10 mg of Bacten film-coated tablets, 5 mg of Anpress stable tablets, and 160 mg of Felodipine film-coated tablets. Three years ago, I added 10 mg of Valsartan film-coated tablets. In Oc...
Dr. Hou Fangmin Reply:
Hello: 1. Betaloc (Metoprolol) 10 mg: A highly selective β-1 adrenergic receptor blocker with no intrinsic sympathomimetic activity (ISA) and no membrane-stabilizing effects. It reduces heart rate and inhibits plasma renin activity. It is used to alleviate or reduce symptoms of...[Read More] Understanding the Risks and Side Effects of Multiple Heart Medications
Managing Digoxin Dosing for Atrial Fibrillation: Timing and Safety Concerns
Medication consultation Hello, Pharmacist Liao. My mother is 65 years old and has a history of atrial fibrillation. Four months ago, her cardiologist prescribed Digoxin 150 mg to be taken three times a day. Her atrial fibrillation is currently well-controlled. She takes her medic...
Dr. Liao Lingmei Reply:
Hello: The active ingredient in the enteric-coated tablet, Heart Rhythm, is Propafenone HCl 150mg, marketed under the brand name Rytmonorm. It is classified as an antiarrhythmic medication, typically administered every 8 hours. For hospitalized patients, due to the need for close...[Read More] Managing Digoxin Dosing for Atrial Fibrillation: Timing and Safety Concerns
Understanding Doctor's Decisions on Cholesterol Medication Adjustments
I would like to understand issues related to medication prescribed by doctors? Hello Doctor, I would like to ask about my lipid-lowering medication. I have been taking it for a while, and my last blood test results were as follows: the dosage is 10 mg taken every two days, with A...
Dr. Hou Fangmin Reply:
Hello: 1. Normal fasting blood glucose levels are between 70-100 mg/dL. Levels that are too low may indicate hypothyroidism or galactosemia. Temporary causes can include alcohol consumption, severe liver disease, starvation, and certain medications (such as antituberculosis dru...[Read More] Understanding Doctor's Decisions on Cholesterol Medication Adjustments
Can You Take Blood Pressure Medications with Red Yeast Rice?
Can antihypertensive medications and red yeast rice be taken together? Hello! I have been taking antihypertensive medication for a long time and my blood pressure is stable. Can I also take red yeast rice capsules? Thank you!
Dr. Liao Lingmei Reply:
Hello: There are no reported interactions between antihypertensive medications and the primary lipid-lowering component in red yeast rice. As long as your red yeast rice capsules do not contain any other active pharmaceutical ingredients, it should be fine. Wishing you health and...[Read More] Can You Take Blood Pressure Medications with Red Yeast Rice?
Understanding Side Effects of Long-term Use of Sleep Medications
Adverse drug reactions Hello, Dr. Liao. I have been taking medication for insomnia for almost four years. I would like to know what side effects may be associated with the medications I am taking, which are 0.5 mg of Lyrica (pregabalin) and 500 mg of calcium carbonate.
Dr. Liao Lingmei Reply:
Hello: If you are taking a medication long-term that helps improve your sleep quality, it indicates that this medication can achieve your treatment goals. Common side effects of Lipex (or similar medications) include daytime drowsiness, impaired coordination, and behavioral chang...[Read More] Understanding Side Effects of Long-term Use of Sleep Medications
Essential Dietary Supplements for Heart and Vascular Health
Regarding vascular health supplements? Ms. Liao is currently taking aspirin capsules, Concor 1.25, Kadyx extended-release tablets, Lipitor, Gastrogel, and Crestor. She takes Lipitor twice a day, while the others are taken once in the morning. To improve her health, she has also b...
Dr. Liao Lingmei Reply:
Hello: 1. The best methods for maintaining vascular and cardiac health include avoiding high-cholesterol dietary habits and increasing cardiovascular exercise. Therefore, diet and exercise remain the optimal approaches. 2. Concerns have been raised regarding specific classes ...[Read More] Essential Dietary Supplements for Heart and Vascular Health
How Long After Scabicide Treatment Can I Breastfeed?
How long after stopping the use of scabicide can I breastfeed? Hello, both my child (three months old) and I have been infected with scabies. I would like to ask how long after stopping the use of scabicide is it advisable to breastfeed (nurse) my baby? Thank you.
Dr. Chen Yuemei Reply:
Hello: Scabicide lotion is a topical medication. Literature indicates that the absorption of this drug through the skin is not significant. It is only mentioned that it is advisable to discontinue the medication before breastfeeding. Although there is limited reference data, base...[Read More] How Long After Scabicide Treatment Can I Breastfeed?
Do Patients on Aspirin or Warfarin Need Medication Adjustments for Tooth Extraction?
Use of Medications Patients taking aspirin or warfarin who are undergoing dental procedures such as tooth extraction may need to adjust their medication usage. It is essential to consult with the healthcare provider to determine the appropriate course of action, as discontinuing ...
Dr. Liao Lingmei Reply:
Hello: When patients who are routinely taking aspirin or warfarin need to undergo tooth extraction or dental treatment, it is essential to consider whether their medication should be adjusted. The adjustment method should be determined by the prescribing physician, and the dentis...[Read More] Do Patients on Aspirin or Warfarin Need Medication Adjustments for Tooth Extraction?
Do Cold Medications Affect the Efficacy of Birth Control Pills?
The impact of emergency contraceptive pills and cold medications? Hello, I am currently taking the oral contraceptive "Yueji" and recently I need to take cold medication. The doctor prescribed the following medications: Ibuprofen TAB 400mg, SINPRIM TAB 10M, Methylephedr...
Dr. Chen Yuemei Reply:
Hello: The cold medication prescribed by your doctor has been checked against the drug interaction database, and these medications will not affect the effectiveness of your oral contraceptive.[Read More] Do Cold Medications Affect the Efficacy of Birth Control Pills?
Impact of Long-term Medication on Pregnancy: A Liver Health Perspective
Liver medication consultation Hello, Doctor. I was diagnosed with elevated liver enzymes at the end of 2013. I received interferon treatment to lower the enzyme levels, and due to high viral load, my doctor prescribed Baraclude (entecavir) for treatment. I took it continuously fo...
Dr. Huang Shenggang Reply:
Hello, Xiao J: Thank you for your inquiry. According to the drug package insert, Entecavir is classified as Category C for use during pregnancy, indicating that there are no adequate and well-controlled studies in pregnant women. When pregnant rats and rabbits were administered E...[Read More] Impact of Long-term Medication on Pregnancy: A Liver Health Perspective
How Long to Wait After Taking Anxiety Meds Before Drinking Alcohol?
The time interval between taking anxiolytics and consuming alcohol? Hello, pharmacist. I was diagnosed with anxiety disorder last year and recently started medication. My doctor prescribed me to take Sertraline after meals and Taiwande Yang Yi Shu tablets, as well as Roche Rifamp...
Dr. Gu Zhenting Reply:
Alcohol is metabolized in the liver. For a person weighing 70 kilograms, consuming 360 milliliters of beer or 30 milliliters of whiskey results in an intake of approximately 12 grams of alcohol, which takes about 1.5 hours to metabolize. The higher the alcohol content consumed, t...[Read More] How Long to Wait After Taking Anxiety Meds Before Drinking Alcohol?
Pregnancy Safety: Concerns About Nasal Ointment and Sprays
Pregnancy Medication: Nasal Ointment I visited an otolaryngologist due to discomfort in my nose and informed the doctor that I am over four months pregnant. The doctor first sprayed a nasal spray for an endoscopic examination and then applied a layer of "Spersin Ointment&quo...
Dr. Liao Lingmei Reply:
Hello: The "Spersin Ointment" contains Neomycin, which is classified as Category D by the U.S. Food and Drug Administration (FDA) for use during pregnancy. This means that there is confirmed evidence of risk to human fetuses, but it may be used if absolutely necessary f...[Read More] Pregnancy Safety: Concerns About Nasal Ointment and Sprays
Understanding the Use of Provera for Menstrual Delay: What to Expect
Puvira Tablet Hello, my period usually starts at the beginning of the month. Since I am going abroad, I consulted a doctor about delaying my period. The doctor mentioned that delaying it for too many days (I will be abroad for a total of 9 days) is not very safe, so they prescrib...
Dr. Chen Yuemei Reply:
Hello: If you take the medication prescribed by your doctor on time, your period should arrive as expected. If it does not arrive on time, it could be due to emotional factors or other reasons. If there are no other factors, and your menstruation has not yet started, it may be de...[Read More] Understanding the Use of Provera for Menstrual Delay: What to Expect
Do These Urticaria Medications Contain Steroids and Are They Safe for Nursing?
Medication Inquiry Do these urticaria medications contain steroids? Can they be taken while breastfeeding? 1. OROLISIN 2. DONISONE 3. CIMEDIN
Dr. Huang Shenggang Reply:
Hello, Xiao Ru. According to the information reviewed regarding the three medications, there is no specific indication that they would cause harm to the fetus. Wishing you a speedy recovery.[Read More] Do These Urticaria Medications Contain Steroids and Are They Safe for Nursing?
Differences Between Ergometrine and Tranexamic Acid for Menstrual Issues
What is the difference between ergometrine 0.2 mg and ergometrine maleate 0.2 mg? Hello: I have uterine fibroids, and although my menstrual flow is normal, my periods have been prolonged. For the first two years, they lasted 7-10 days, but this year they have extended to 12-16 da...
Dr. Liao Lingmei Reply:
Hello, tranexamic acid 250mg is used for its hemostatic effects, while ergometrine maleate 0.2mg helps with uterine contraction. Both are used to assist in controlling bleeding. Wishing you good health.[Read More] Differences Between Ergometrine and Tranexamic Acid for Menstrual Issues
Weight Loss Medications and Their Safety During Pregnancy
Weight Loss Medications and Pregnancy Classification 1. Oe-fat 25 mg 2. Sinxac 3. Hapylief 100 mg 4. Zenmei 5. Potavian 6. Propranolol 7. Lonpan 8. Alosena 9. Ascorbic acid 10. Kunisan
Dr. Huang Shenggang Reply:
Hello Ms. Lee, regarding medication during pregnancy, please be sure to inform your physician before your appointment. If you notify them in advance, you can feel at ease![Read More] Weight Loss Medications and Their Safety During Pregnancy
Medication Safety During Early Pregnancy: What You Need to Know
Medication Use During Pregnancy I took the following medications during my pregnancy at 4 to 5 weeks (2 to 3 weeks post-conception) due to a cold: 1. Clarinase (Loratadine 5mg + Pseudoephedrine 120mg) and 2. Acetaminophen 500mg/tablet. I am unsure if these have any effects. Thank...
Dr. Huang Shenggang Reply:
Hello May, thank you for your question regarding the two medications mentioned above. If you inform your physician before your appointment, you can rest assured, as the physician will assess your condition and prescribe the appropriate medications.[Read More] Medication Safety During Early Pregnancy: What You Need to Know
Can You Take SSRIs with Calcium and Magnesium Supplements?
Can SSRIs be taken together with calcium and magnesium supplements? Hello, pharmacist. I am currently taking SSRIs for depression. Can I take calcium and magnesium supplements together with them? Thank you! 😊
Dr. Hou Fangmin Reply:
Hello, dear parent: 1. SSRIs work by increasing serotonin, which is a natural substance in the brain that helps maintain psychological balance and improve mood. 2. Calcium and magnesium are important for preventing osteoporosis, stabilizing the nervous system, and aiding sleep...[Read More] Can You Take SSRIs with Calcium and Magnesium Supplements?