Can You Eat Grapefruit After Taking Medications?
Taking Mirtazapine? The medication instructions indicate that you should not consume grapefruit juice while taking the medication. If you take the medication and wait for 2 hours, it is still advisable to avoid eating grapefruit, as it can interact with the medication and potenti...
Dr. Hou Fangmin Reply:
Hello: 1. Norvasc (amlodipine) is a medication that can be affected by grapefruit juice, primarily metabolized by the enzyme CYP3A4 in the body. This is particularly significant for drugs with a high first-pass effect. The mechanism involves grapefruit juice inhibiting the acti...[Read More] Can You Eat Grapefruit After Taking Medications?
Is It Safe for Pregnant Women to Use Gentamicin Ointment?
Body allergies Is it safe for pregnant women to use gentamicin ointment? Recently, due to the cold weather, my left nipple and areola have been very itchy, dry, and slightly peeling, and there is some pain. Can I apply this ointment? Thank you.
Dr. Hou Fangmin Reply:
Hello: Neomycin ointment is a combination of Neomycin and Tyrothricin, two antibiotics effective against various Gram-positive and Gram-negative microorganisms that cause localized infections in the skin, cornea, external and internal ear canal, and urethra. The pregnancy categor...[Read More] Is It Safe for Pregnant Women to Use Gentamicin Ointment?
Effects of Gcpc 001 on Early Pregnancy and Fetal Development
During the early stages of pregnancy, I took Gcpc 001 Renrenlifeng tablets? I am currently about 6 weeks pregnant and have been taking Xyzal for allergic rhinitis for a long time. Last week, due to severe allergies, I took a backup medication prescribed by my doctor, Gcpc 001. I ...
Dr. Liao Lingmei Reply:
Dear Miss: The indications for this medication are to relieve various symptoms of the common cold, which include four main active ingredients: dl-Chlorpheniramine maleate 1 mg, Phenylephrine HCl 5 mg, Acetaminophen (equivalent to paracetamol) 300 mg, and Caffeine anhydrous 30 mg...[Read More] Effects of Gcpc 001 on Early Pregnancy and Fetal Development
Does Using Dexamethasone for Mouth Sores Affect Early Pregnancy?
Pregnancy I am currently about 4-5 weeks pregnant and have been experiencing inflammation at the corners of my mouth. I applied an oral ointment containing Dexamethasone. Will this affect fetal development?
Dr. Liao Lingmei Reply:
Dear Miss Hsieh: The United States Food and Drug Administration (FDA) classifies Dexamethasone as a Category C drug, which means "animal reproduction studies have shown an adverse effect on the fetus (teratogenicity, embryonic death), but there are no controlled studies in p...[Read More] Does Using Dexamethasone for Mouth Sores Affect Early Pregnancy?
Understanding Pain Relief and Inflammation Treatment After Nerve Injury and Fractures
Pharmacotherapy Ulnar nerve injury has been surgically repaired, and the doctor prescribed pain relief and anti-inflammatory medication. Do these treatments have curative effects? In the case of a comminuted fracture, pain relief and anti-inflammatory medications are also prescri...
Dr. Lin Peiyu Reply:
Hello, anti-inflammatory pain relievers are used to treat pain and inflammatory responses caused by injury to body tissues. The medications commonly prescribed by physicians are non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drugs (NSAIDs), which have significant analgesic, anti-inflammatory, a...[Read More] Understanding Pain Relief and Inflammation Treatment After Nerve Injury and Fractures
Is Daily Use of Mentholatum Harmful to Health or Lungs?
Is it harmful to habitually use Mentholatum every day? Using mentholated products like Mentholatum daily for stimulation (applying some in the nostrils similar to the use of eucalyptus oil) can potentially have adverse effects on the body or lungs with long-term use. While mentho...
Dr. Lin Peiyu Reply:
Hello, Mentholatum is an over-the-counter medication approved by the Ministry of Health and Welfare. Over-the-counter medications can be purchased and used without a doctor's prescription. They are generally mild in action, easy to use, and have a low risk of accumulation in...[Read More] Is Daily Use of Mentholatum Harmful to Health or Lungs?
Concerns Over Taiwanese Medications: Efficacy and Quality Issues
The quality of pharmaceuticals produced by Taiwanese manufacturers is poor, resulting in ineffective therapeutic outcomes? Recently, I switched medications from a brand-name drug to a local Taiwanese generic, and I feel that the efficacy has decreased.
Dr. Gu Zhenting Reply:
The TFDA states that Taiwan officially implemented the PIC/S GMP standards in 2010. According to these standards, holders of manufacturing licenses must ensure that the pharmaceuticals they produce are suitable for their intended use, comply with the requirements of marketing aut...[Read More] Concerns Over Taiwanese Medications: Efficacy and Quality Issues
Does Taking Emergency Contraceptive Pills Multiple Times Affect Fertility?
Third time taking emergency contraceptive pills? Doctor, will taking the emergency contraceptive pill for the third time cause infertility? The intervals have been more than a month apart! I didn't experience significant side effects during the first two times, just that my ...
Dr. Yang Ruifa Reply:
Regarding your inquiry, here is the response: 1. Emergency contraceptive pills contain high doses of progestin and have significant side effects. In fact, emergency contraceptive pills are not foolproof; their efficacy can reach 95% if taken within 24 hours, but effectiveness d...[Read More] Does Taking Emergency Contraceptive Pills Multiple Times Affect Fertility?
Understanding Ergometrine: Effects on Uterine Contraction and Miscarriage Risks
Ergometrine, also known as ergonovine, is a medication that primarily acts as an ergot I took the second dose of medication for a medical abortion on December 31, 2015. The doctor also prescribed an oral medication, ergometrine, to be taken for three days. The prescription indica...
Dr. Hou Fangmin Reply:
Hello: 1. The pharmacological action of ergometrine: It has a powerful uterine contraction effect, thus it can be used for uterine hemorrhage control after childbirth and abortion. It is indicated for postpartum bleeding, bleeding after miscarriage, uterine atony during deliver...[Read More] Understanding Ergometrine: Effects on Uterine Contraction and Miscarriage Risks
Understanding Prolonged Side Effects of Motion Sickness Medication
Side effects of motion sickness medication? Hello doctor, I recently took a cruise and used motion sickness medication for three days. It has been three days since I disembarked, and I am still experiencing symptoms of dizziness, nausea, and gastrointestinal discomfort. Is it nor...
Dr. Lin Peiyu Reply:
Hello! If the symptoms persist without improvement, it is recommended that you visit a hospital for examination and diagnosis.[Read More] Understanding Prolonged Side Effects of Motion Sickness Medication
Understanding Anxiety Medication: Risks of Dependency and Side Effects
Regarding anxiety issues? I visited a neurologist at the beginning of November because I felt a slight rocking sensation in my body, similar to being on a boat. After undergoing cold and hot tests and an eye movement test, the cold and hot test indicated an issue with balance on ...
Dr. Liao Lingmei Reply:
Dear: Fuanyuan medication is indeed classified as a Schedule IV controlled substance. However, if prescribed by a physician, dispensed by a pharmacist, and used correctly, there is no need to worry about the potential for addiction before starting regular use. The medication may ...[Read More] Understanding Anxiety Medication: Risks of Dependency and Side Effects
Can I Switch Back to Sinolone After Taking Cephalexin for Pelvic Inflammation?
Medications for pelvic inflammation? I previously took Sinolone enteric-coated tablets 250 mg for three weeks. Today, my pelvis is inflamed again, but I couldn't go to my original hospital for a consultation, so I visited a general clinic. They prescribed cephalexin 500 mg a...
Dr. Liao Huiling Reply:
The original medication can be resumed.[Read More] Can I Switch Back to Sinolone After Taking Cephalexin for Pelvic Inflammation?
Understanding the Impact of Carotenoids and Lutein on Health
Questions about beta-carotene and lutein? 1. There are many articles online suggesting that consuming beta-carotene and lutein together may reduce the absorption of lutein. However, there are still products on the market that contain both ingredients. The rationale behind this ma...
Dr. Hou Fangmin Reply:
Hello: 1. Beta-carotene is a precursor of vitamin A (Provitamin A), while lutein is an important systemic antioxidant. It is the most effective carotenoid in inhibiting lipid peroxidation and plays a key role in the antioxidant mechanism alongside other antioxidants in mitigati...[Read More] Understanding the Impact of Carotenoids and Lutein on Health
How Long Should You Take Cholesterol-Lowering Medications?
How long should cholesterol-lowering medications be taken? What should be noted when taking lipid-lowering medications? Do they need to be taken for a long time? When can the medication be discontinued?
Dr. Hou Fangmin Reply:
Hello: Generally, during the course of taking lipid-lowering medications, cholesterol, HDL, and LDL levels need to be monitored every three months. The physician will adjust the dosage based on the test results. If there is hypertension, LDL should remain below 100, HDL should be...[Read More] How Long Should You Take Cholesterol-Lowering Medications?
Can You Take Ginkgo and Aspirin Together? Important Considerations
Can ginkgo biloba and aspirin be taken together? Can elderly family members take Aspirin and Ginkgo together? What should be noted?
Dr. Hou Fangmin Reply:
Hello: When taking Aspirin and Ginkgo together, please be aware of the following: 1. Gum bleeding, sudden weakness in the arms or legs, nosebleeds, bruising, persistent bleeding from minor cuts, severe headaches, extreme pain or swelling in the limbs, red or dark brown urine, and...[Read More] Can You Take Ginkgo and Aspirin Together? Important Considerations
Is It Safe for Pregnant Women to Use Gentamicin Ointment?
Can pregnant women use streptomycin? I stubbed my thumb on the table, and as a result, my nail was lifted. I went to see a doctor, who prescribed me a topical antibiotic ointment. However, I'm unsure if it's safe for pregnant women to use. Although the doctor said it is...
Dr. Liao Huiling Reply:
Topical medications used locally will not have adverse effects on the fetus, so please use them with confidence.[Read More] Is It Safe for Pregnant Women to Use Gentamicin Ointment?
Medication Safety During Early Pregnancy: What You Need to Know at 7 Weeks
Medication issues during pregnancy at 7 weeks? Due to being 7 weeks pregnant, I occasionally have brown discharge and some discomfort with abdominal cramping. The obstetrician said it is caused by uterine contractions. I would like to ask about the following prescribed medication...
Dr. Liao Huiling Reply:
The medications you listed are not classified as contraindicated during pregnancy, and short-term use should be considered safe.[Read More] Medication Safety During Early Pregnancy: What You Need to Know at 7 Weeks
Understanding the Side Effects of L-Carnitine for Weight Loss
Medication Consultation I would like to ask what side effects may be associated with the ingredient L-carnitine. Is it a weight loss component, and is it harmless?
Dr. Liu Huijun Reply:
Hello: The U.S. Food and Drug Administration has approved levocarnitine for patients with "levocarnitine deficiency," but it has not been approved for weight loss purposes. Possible side effects may include: rash, itching, skin redness, blistering, flaking; tightness in...[Read More] Understanding the Side Effects of L-Carnitine for Weight Loss
Combining Tuberculosis Medications with Birth Control Pills: Risks and Considerations
The use of antitubercular drugs in conjunction with contraceptive pills? Hello, pharmacist: I have been experiencing severe premenstrual syndrome, and recently my gynecologist prescribed me oral contraceptives. At that time, he did not ask me, and I also forgot to mention that I ...
Dr. Lin Peiyu Reply:
Hello, the component Rifampin in the medication Akurit-3 may accelerate the metabolism of drugs in the liver, thereby reducing the effectiveness of oral contraceptives. It is recommended that you discuss this with your obstetrician-gynecologist. If you experience any side effects...[Read More] Combining Tuberculosis Medications with Birth Control Pills: Risks and Considerations
Essential Medication Consultation: Wound Care and Antibiotic Concerns
Medication Consultation Dr. Liao, 1. I was prescribed a biochemically derived antibiotic ointment after the car accident emergency visit. Do I still need to use iodine solution? 2. Should the wound be kept dry or moist? 3. I received a tetanus shot, and it is now the fourth d...
Dr. Liao Huiling Reply:
1. Povidone-iodine and antibiotic ointment (such as bacitracin) are both topical antimicrobial agents. If they are to be used together, it is recommended to apply the povidone-iodine solution first, followed by the ointment after a few minutes. If choosing one, it is advisable to...[Read More] Essential Medication Consultation: Wound Care and Antibiotic Concerns