Why Are There Different Packaging for Erispan Medication?
Why is the packaging of Erispan different? Why were the packages of Erispan different when I received it twice in July 2004: one had the Chinese characters approved by the Health Department, while the second one had both the name Erispan and Japanese characters but no Chinese cha...
Dr. Hou Fangmin reply Pharmacology
Hello: I have inquired with the manufacturer regarding the packaging of the medication. Due to the requirements from the Department of Health, the original manufacturer must label the tablets in Chinese. Therefore, we currently have two batches of products that may be in a transi...[Read More] Why Are There Different Packaging for Erispan Medication?
Why Can't I Find Information on These Medications for My Child?
Why can't I find the following medication names? Hello, Pharmacist Hou: My child is about two years old and weighs approximately 12 kg. Recently, we visited a clinic for a mild cold, and after taking the medication, he has shown a lack of appetite and increased sleepiness. C...
Dr. Hou Fangmin reply Pharmacology
Hello: Mothers who take care of children are very cautious about every little action of their kids. Cabidrin is a sympathomimetic agent that reduces swelling of the respiratory mucosa. Tsufonlol is a combination cold medication; coan is an anti-inflammatory and analgesic; codepin...[Read More] Why Can't I Find Information on These Medications for My Child?
Understanding the Side Effects and Interactions of Urology Medications
Side effects..? Hello Dr. Hou, I am currently taking urology medications. The brand names are (1) Detrusitol 2mg, (2) Tofranil 25mg, and (3) Elmiron 100mg. My doctor has advised me to continue taking them for about six more months. I have been taking (1) and (2) for three months ...
Dr. Hou Fangmin reply Pharmacology
Hello: Detrusitol is used to treat overactive bladder with symptoms of urgency and urge incontinence. Primperan and cisapride can reduce gastrointestinal motility, and caution is required when used with erythromycin antifungal agents. Tofranil is used for treating depression and ...[Read More] Understanding the Side Effects and Interactions of Urology Medications
Understanding Headache Relief: A Guide to Over-the-Counter Medications
Headache medication inquiry..?? Hello, Pharmacist Hou. I would like to ask you about something. I had a severe headache this afternoon, and after taking a leave, I slept from around 2 PM to 5:30 PM. When I woke up, I noticed that my head still hurt a bit, but after a while, it fe...
Dr. Hou Fangmin reply Pharmacology
Dear Yao, How is your headache? You mentioned that you took medication with the Gewo label. I apologize, but due to the wide variety of medications available, I cannot accurately determine which medication you took based on the information provided. There are many causes of head...[Read More] Understanding Headache Relief: A Guide to Over-the-Counter Medications
How to Check Medication Safety Levels for Pregnancy Online?
Is there a website where I can check which schedule a medication belongs to? Dear Pharmacist: About a week ago, I took cold and fever medication, and this week I am ovulating. Since I am planning to get pregnant, I would like to check the drug classification of the medications I ...
Dr. Hou Fangmin reply Pharmacology
Hello, it's great to see that you have a considerable understanding of medication safety classifications for pregnant women! However, I would like to clarify that not all medications have a specific safety classification for use during pregnancy. Due to the vast number of me...[Read More] How to Check Medication Safety Levels for Pregnancy Online?
Understanding the Effects of Nomitine: Weight Loss and Body Fat Concerns
The medication Nometine? I recently started using weight loss medication prescribed by a pharmacist, which is divided into morning and evening doses. The morning formula includes: Nometine + fish oil + ... (I am not sure about the other ingredients), and the evening formula inclu...
Dr. Hou Fangmin reply Pharmacology
Naltrexone acts on the hypothalamic satiety center, inhibiting the duration of neurotransmitter action, which leads to a feeling of fullness and a decreased appetite for further eating, thereby reducing caloric intake. Side effects may include dry mouth, insomnia, and constipatio...[Read More] Understanding the Effects of Nomitine: Weight Loss and Body Fat Concerns
Is Allegra Safe for My 6-Year-Old with Allergic Rhinitis?
Medications for allergic rhinitis and nosebleeds include: 1. **Antihistamines**: These help relieve symptoms of allergic rhinitis, such as sneezing and runny nose. Common options include cetirizine, loratadine, and fexofenadine. 2. **Nasal Hello, my daughter is 6 years old and ...
Dr. Hou Fangmin reply Pharmacology
Hello: I can sense your anxiety from your message. The medication Allegra works by being rapidly absorbed after administration, with less than 5% metabolized in the body. It is a new generation antihistamine. It has no side effects on the heart or liver. Unlike older antihistamin...[Read More] Is Allegra Safe for My 6-Year-Old with Allergic Rhinitis?
Understanding Drug Half-Life: Key Concepts and Examples Explained
What is half-life? 1. The half-life of a drug is the time it takes for the concentration of the drug in the bloodstream to reduce to half of its initial value. In simpler terms, it indicates how long a drug stays active in the body before it is eliminated. 2. The highest concent...
Dr. Hou Fangmin reply Pharmacology
Hello: 1. The time required for the amount of a drug in the body or the concentration of the drug in plasma to decrease to half is known as the drug's half-life. When a patient is administered a specific dose of medication, the time required to reach a steady-state concentra...[Read More] Understanding Drug Half-Life: Key Concepts and Examples Explained
Does Incida Cold Medicine Cause Birth Defects? Here's What You Need to Know
Is the cold medicine Incida teratogenic? Thank you? As per the subject.
Dr. Hou Fangmin reply Pharmacology
Hello: Incidal is an antihistamine, and its use during pregnancy can be categorized into levels A, B, C, D, and X. Research does not indicate that it causes teratogenic effects, and it does not necessarily harm the fetus. It is used to treat allergic rhinitis, respiratory allergi...[Read More] Does Incida Cold Medicine Cause Birth Defects? Here's What You Need to Know
Can Doxymycin Treat Acne? Understanding Its Use in Dermatology
Acne medications I consulted a dermatologist for my acne problem, and the doctor prescribed a medication that I find confusing: DOINMYCIN (CAP) 100MG. Isn't this a medication used to treat bronchitis? Can it be used to treat acne?
Dr. Hou Fangmin reply Pharmacology
Hello: The medication you mentioned, Doinmycin 100mg, is actually Doxycycline 100mg, which is an antibiotic with bactericidal effects. This medication can be used to treat pneumonia, respiratory tract infections, acute genitourinary infections, soft tissue infections, gonococcal ...[Read More] Can Doxymycin Treat Acne? Understanding Its Use in Dermatology
Understanding Medication Side Effects: Managing Asthma Treatment Concerns
Side effects of medications! Hello: I have experienced impaired lung function after a previous pneumonia infection, often suffering from bronchospasm, and I become breathless when walking or exercising. My doctor prescribed the following five medications: 1. Pulmicort turbuhaler ...
Dr. Hou Fangmin reply Pharmacology
Hello: The medication you are taking, Pulmicort, is a corticosteroid used for asthma prevention. Its side effects may include sneezing, and it is recommended to rinse your mouth with water after use to maintain oral hygiene. Oxis is also a medication for asthma prevention and can...[Read More] Understanding Medication Side Effects: Managing Asthma Treatment Concerns
How to Identify Fake Medications and Ensure Your Safety
How to identify counterfeit medications? Hello: I purchased a weight loss product from a television shopping channel, but I am unsure if it is safe. The advertisement featured testimonials from individuals and a well-known author, and the product has a certification number from t...
Dr. Hou Fangmin reply Pharmacology
Hello: I have verified with the Health Bureau that your registered product, the yeast powder capsules, is from Jaden Biotechnology Co., Ltd. If you have any questions, you can directly call the Health Bureau for inquiries, or you can find the information on the Health Bureau'...[Read More] How to Identify Fake Medications and Ensure Your Safety
Essential Considerations When Using Antacids: Effects and Side Effects
Regarding antacids? Hello! I would like to ask: What should be noted when taking antacid medications? What nutrients do they interact with? What is their mechanism of action? Are there any side effects, such as causing nutrient deficiencies like phosphorus deficiency leading to h...
Dr. Hou Fangmin reply Pharmacology
Hello: 1. Important considerations when using antacids: Patients with hypertension, congestive heart failure, or those on a sodium-restricted diet should be cautious about the sodium content in antacids. In patients with renal impairment, magnesium-containing formulations shoul...[Read More] Essential Considerations When Using Antacids: Effects and Side Effects
Choosing the Best Natural Lubricants for Menopause-Related Discomfort
Which type of lubricant should be used? During menopause, due to decreased lubrication during sexual activity, it is necessary to use lubricants to alleviate discomfort caused by dryness. Could you please recommend which type of lubricant has fewer side effects and is more natura...
Dr. Hou Fangmin reply Pharmacology
Hello: Regarding vaginal lubricants, our hospital uses EVE Comfort Gel, which is intended for women experiencing insufficient secretions, dyspareunia, menopausal vaginal dryness and loss of elasticity, as well as vulvar itching. It is a natural product without dyes or fragrances....[Read More] Choosing the Best Natural Lubricants for Menopause-Related Discomfort
Safe Use of Hormone Replacement Therapy for Postmenopausal Women
Hormone General obstetricians and gynecologists may prescribe hormone replacement therapy (HRT) for menopausal women, such as PREMELLE 5. What is the safest way to take it, or is it not necessary to take it for safety?
Dr. Hou Fangmin reply Pharmacology
Hello: Premelle 5 is a hormone therapy that contains 0.625 mg of estrogen and 5 mg of combined progestin. It is commonly used to alleviate various symptoms associated with menopause, with night sweats and hot flashes being the most prevalent. Night sweats leading to insomnia are ...[Read More] Safe Use of Hormone Replacement Therapy for Postmenopausal Women
Can I Mix These Medications? Safe Usage Tips for Cold and Joint Drugs
Polypharmacy Hello, I have the following two medications. Can I take them together? If not, how should I take them? (1) Cold medication: 1. Acetaminophen 500 mg 2. Oxacain 10 mg 3. Bensau 100 mg 4. Serrapeptase 5 mg 5. Piprinhydrinate 3 mg 6. Iodinated glycerol 60 mg 7. ...
Dr. Hou Fangmin reply Pharmacology
Hello; you are taking cold medication which includes Acetaminophen, antacids, antihistamines for runny nose, decongestants, cough suppressants, and anti-inflammatory medications. For your joint pain, you are using muscle relaxants and analgesics. In total, you have 10 different m...[Read More] Can I Mix These Medications? Safe Usage Tips for Cold and Joint Drugs
Understanding Blood in Stool: Causes and When to Seek Help
What causes blood in the stool? Experiencing pain during bowel movements along with a small amount of blood in the stool and significant pain around the anal area could indicate a problem with your body. This condition may be related to hemorrhoids. What should you do?
Dr. Hou Fangmin reply Pharmacology
Hello: Your issue may be hemorrhoids. You can go to the hospital's colorectal surgery department for a stool test or a sigmoidoscopy to determine whether it is hemorrhoids, gastrointestinal bleeding, or another issue. If it is hemorrhoids, a hemorrhoid cream will suffice; ot...[Read More] Understanding Blood in Stool: Causes and When to Seek Help
Long-Term Use of Nasal Allergy Sprays: Potential Side Effects Explained
Nasal allergy Is there any side effect of long-term use of nasal allergy sprays?
Dr. Hou Fangmin reply Pharmacology
Hello: Nasal sprays used for allergic rhinitis typically work effectively when combined with oral medications. Corticosteroids generally require high doses and prolonged use to cause significant side effects, and the systemic absorption of topical corticosteroid sprays through th...[Read More] Long-Term Use of Nasal Allergy Sprays: Potential Side Effects Explained
Is Camphor Wood Furniture Safe for Infants with Favism?
Is there any adverse effect of having camphor wood furniture at home for children with favism? Hello, I have a nearly three-month-old baby at home who has favism. Recently, we purchased a TV cabinet made of camphor wood, which emits a camphor scent. I would like to know if this c...
Dr. Hou Fangmin reply Pharmacology
Hello: Generally, substances that can cause Favism include camphor, gentian violet, and essential oils. As for the camphor wood TV cabinet, opinions vary; some say it can cause issues while others disagree. However, since your child is still very young, you should be cautious abo...[Read More] Is Camphor Wood Furniture Safe for Infants with Favism?
Are Health Supplements Safe? Understanding Risks and Misleading Claims
Regarding health foods? Recently, the adults in my household have become obsessed with a series of products that resemble health foods. I checked online and found that they are not registered as health foods. I have advised my parents not to consume unverified health products, bu...
Dr. Hou Fangmin reply Pharmacology
Hello: Regarding the issue of health supplements, I often receive inquiries about various health products. My response is that without a physician's diagnosis, taking medications indiscriminately will only increase the burden on the liver and kidneys, potentially causing adv...[Read More] Are Health Supplements Safe? Understanding Risks and Misleading Claims