Potential Drug Interactions: Viagra with Heart Medications
Drug interactions Hello, I would like to ask the pharmacist: After having a stent placed in my heart, I have been taking Aspirin, Clopidogrel, and Lipitor for nearly a year. If I am considering taking Viagra recently, will it conflict with these medications? Thank you.
Dr. Chen Yuemei reply Pharmacology
Hello: After checking the drug interaction database, there are no drug interactions between Viagra (active ingredient: Sildenafil) and Aspirin, Clopidogrel, or Lipitor. Taking Viagra may cause temporary hearing loss or blurred vision, flushing, headache, dizziness, and cardiovasc...[Read More] Potential Drug Interactions: Viagra with Heart Medications
Can GABA and CoQ10 Be Taken Together for Better Sleep and Energy?
Health supplements Dear Pharmacist: I have poor sleep quality, and my doctor recommended that I supplement with GABA. Additionally, since I started taking Coenzyme Q10, my fatigue has decreased and my energy levels have improved! Can you please tell me if there are any interactio...
Dr. Chen Yuemei reply Pharmacology
Hello: After reviewing relevant literature and clinical studies, there is no evidence showing the advantages or disadvantages of long-term use of these two dietary supplements. However, regardless of which dietary supplements are taken, they must undergo hepatic and renal metabol...[Read More] Can GABA and CoQ10 Be Taken Together for Better Sleep and Energy?
Do Sleep Medications Affect the Effectiveness of Birth Control Pills?
Drug interactions Will the sleep medication Zolpidem affect the contraceptive effectiveness of the oral contraceptive pill?
Dr. Chen Yuemei reply Pharmacology
Hello: After checking, there are no interactions between the sleep medication Zolpidem (brand name: Ambien) and the contraceptive pill containing drospirenone and ethinylestradiol. They will not have any effects on each other.[Read More] Do Sleep Medications Affect the Effectiveness of Birth Control Pills?
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 Pharmacology
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 Pharmacology
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?
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 Pharmacology
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 Pharmacology
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 Amoxicillin and Ciprofloxacin Be Taken Together Safely?
Issues with the combination of Amoxicillin and Ciprofloxacin? I apologize, but I would like to ask if it is safe to take Ciprofloxacin, which I have not finished, along with Amoxicillin that my dentist prescribed for my tooth extraction. Can these two antibiotics be taken togethe...
Dr. Chen Yuemei reply Pharmacology
Hello: These two medications can be used together.[Read More] Can Amoxicillin and Ciprofloxacin Be Taken Together Safely?
Understanding Emergency Contraceptive Pills: Efficacy and Usage Questions
Emergency contraceptive pill Hello, I started taking the contraceptive pill Yuji on July 16. I took the first pack and on July 20, I took the pill an hour early. I forgot to take a pill on July 26 but took it four hours later. I had unprotected intercourse with my boyfriend from ...
Dr. Chen Yuemei reply Pharmacology
Hello: 1. According to the instructions, if you take the missed dose within 12 hours, the contraceptive effect will not be diminished. Taking the pill one hour early will not affect its contraceptive efficacy. 2. Withdrawal bleeding after stopping the medication is considered a m...[Read More] Understanding Emergency Contraceptive Pills: Efficacy and Usage Questions
Can I Substitute My Antibiotic with a Different Medication?
Sustained-release film-coated tablets of Suxibuzone and Cefuroxime? Hello, I apologize for the inconvenience. The doctor previously prescribed a 7-day course of Suprax (Cefixime) 250mg to be taken twice daily. However, I have only taken it for 3 and a half days and accidentally l...
Dr. Chen Yuemei reply Pharmacology
Hello: Suprax and Cefixime are medications with the same active ingredient, just different brand names. It is crucial not to interrupt or stop taking antibiotics, as this can lead to antibiotic resistance. Additionally, taking 500 mg twice a day does not pose a risk of overdose, ...[Read More] Can I Substitute My Antibiotic with a Different Medication?
Can You Safely Combine New Pril, Dailian, and Herbal Medicine?
Can the blood pressure medication Perindopril and the contraceptive pill Dailian be taken together? I am taking Bulletproof enzymes or New Pril enzymes before bed. In terms of medication to induce menstruation, my doctor said that in addition to taking Dailian, I should also comb...
Dr. Chen Yuemei reply Pharmacology
Hello: 1. After reviewing, the contraceptive pill Daliyuan has interactions only with alcohol and Lonicera japonica. 2. There are limited reports on the interactions between herbal medicine and Western medications or foods, so it is recommended to take them at least 2 hours apart...[Read More] Can You Safely Combine New Pril, Dailian, and Herbal Medicine?
Understanding Third-Generation Beta Blockers for Hypertension in Taiwan
The "third-generation" beta-blockers used for hypertension include medications such as: 1. Nebivolol 2. Carvedilol 3. Bisoprolol These medications are known for their improved selectivity and additional vasodilatory properties compared to earlier generations of beta-b...
Dr. Chen Yuemei reply Pharmacology
Hello: In Taiwan, the National Health Insurance began covering the third-generation beta-blocker medication NEBILET (active ingredient: nebivolol) starting last September. This medication has been on the market internationally for 16 years. According to a report titled "Reco...[Read More] Understanding Third-Generation Beta Blockers for Hypertension in Taiwan
Can Atenolol Cause Nasal Congestion? Exploring Side Effects and Alternatives
Can this type of blood pressure medication cause nasal congestion as a side effect? Hello, Pharmacist: Please help me check this medication → Product English name: Urosin F.C. 50mg; Product Chinese name: 優心膜衣錠50毫克; Active ingredient: Atenolol 50mg. I have been taking it for sever...
Dr. Chen Yuemei reply Pharmacology
Hello: 1. Regarding the lack of reports of nasal congestion as a side effect of atenolol, it is possible to experience side effects such as asthma and fatigue. Concerning the symptoms you described—"a brief sensation of nasal congestion as if unable to breathe, but not to th...[Read More] Can Atenolol Cause Nasal Congestion? Exploring Side Effects and Alternatives
Do Antifungal Treatments Interact with Emergency Contraceptives?
Questions about emergency contraceptive pills and Ulipristal acetate solution? I have been prescribed Urea solution to apply on my left big toe due to a long-term fungal infection of the toenail. I would like to know if there will be any drug interactions with the birth control p...
Dr. Chen Yuemei reply Pharmacology
Hello: After checking the database, there are no drug interactions between the "Yuezi pre-exposure contraceptive pill" and "Youzuda topical solution."[Read More] Do Antifungal Treatments Interact with Emergency Contraceptives?
Do Blood Pressure Medications Affect the Efficacy of Birth Control Pills?
Do antihypertensive medications affect the efficacy of contraceptive pills? I started taking birth control pills this month and have been taking them regularly. On July 23rd at 10 PM, I took my 19th pill, but at 1:30 AM, I took two Catapres for blood pressure. I would like to kno...
Dr. Chen Yuemei reply Pharmacology
Hello: After consulting the database, there are no reported interactions between the antihypertensive medication Catapres and the components of your oral contraceptive, and it will not affect the efficacy of the contraceptive.[Read More] Do Blood Pressure Medications Affect the Efficacy of Birth Control Pills?
Do Blood Pressure Medications Affect Birth Control Pill Effectiveness?
Do antihypertensive medications affect the efficacy of contraceptive pills? I started taking birth control pills this month and have been taking them regularly. On July 23rd at 10 PM, I took my 19th pill, but at 1:30 AM, I took two Catapres for blood pressure. I would like to kno...
Dr. Chen Yuemei reply Pharmacology
Hello: After checking the database, there are no reported interactions between the antihypertensive medication Catapres and the components of the oral contraceptive you are taking, so there should be no impact.[Read More] Do Blood Pressure Medications Affect Birth Control Pill Effectiveness?
Is Long-Term Use of B Vitamins Safe? Expert Opinions Explored
Can B vitamins be taken long-term? Hello, pharmacist: I would like to ask if B-complex vitamins can be taken long-term. I have consulted many different doctors, and each one has a different opinion on my supplementation of B-complex vitamins. The doctors' views on B-complex ...
Dr. Chen Yuemei reply Pharmacology
Hello: 1. According to the literature review, there are no reports on the effects or side effects of long-term use of B vitamins in healthy individuals, so opinions on long-term use vary. 2. Although B vitamins are water-soluble and not easily stored in the body, certain B vitami...[Read More] Is Long-Term Use of B Vitamins Safe? Expert Opinions Explored
Understanding PEP: Timing and Dietary Considerations for Optimal Effectiveness
PEP (Post-Exposure Prophylaxis) 1. After taking Pep, it is generally recommended to wait at least 1 hour before eating. Consuming food too soon after taking the medication may interfere with its absorption and effectiveness. 2. If you adjust the timing of your dose by 30 minutes...
Dr. Chen Yuemei reply Pharmacology
Hello: 1. Regarding the Pep medications you inquired about, there are many different combinations of medications, and each medication has different administration methods, including "on an empty stomach," "after meals," or "taken with food." Please f...[Read More] Understanding PEP: Timing and Dietary Considerations for Optimal Effectiveness
Effects of Eating Fruits After Taking Sanenmei Preventive Medication
Sanofi's Peptide (often referred to as "San Can I eat fruits like bananas and pineapples after taking the preventive medication Sanomex (after meals)? Will it have any effects?
Dr. Chen Yuemei reply Pharmacology
Hello: 1. According to the product information, this medication can be taken with or without food, so it can be taken during or after meals. 2. A review of the literature shows that there are no reported food interactions affecting this medication.[Read More] Effects of Eating Fruits After Taking Sanenmei Preventive Medication
Differences Between Nasal Relief and Congestion Medications Explained
What is the difference between Nasal Fort and Congestion Relief? Hello, Pharmacist Chen. I have allergic rhinitis, so I often take antihistamines. Previously, I took one tablet of Loratadine (or Cetirizine) and one tablet of Phenylephrine at night to alleviate my sneezing and nas...
Dr. Chen Yuemei reply Pharmacology
Hello: The ingredients of "BiFu" are Triprolidine Hydrochloride 2.5mg (a first-generation antihistamine) and Pseudoephedrine Hydrochloride 60mg (used for nasal congestion relief). The ingredients of "NongTiKe" are Carbinoxamine Maleate 2.5mg (also a first-gene...[Read More] Differences Between Nasal Relief and Congestion Medications Explained