Managing Side Effects of Medications: Hydroxychloroquine and More
Medetomidine and other medications? I would like to ask, I am currently taking Hydroxychloroquine 200 mg/tab at 1 tab/day, Prednisolone 5 mg/tab at 3 tabs/day, Azathioprine 50 mg/tab at 1 tab/day, and I have just finished taking Medroxyprogesterone acetate 5 mg. I have been feeli...
Dr. Hou Fangmin reply Pharmacology
Hello: The three medications you are taking are for immune-related diseases: 1. Hydroxychloroquine: used for systemic lupus erythematosus, chronic polymorphous light eruption, and chronic rheumatoid arthritis. Side effects include mild and transient headaches and gastrointestinal...[Read More] Managing Side Effects of Medications: Hydroxychloroquine and More
Calcium Supplements vs. Antacids: Clarifying Your Medication Questions
Medication consultation 1. I would like to confirm with the pharmacist about the product "Yousheng Calcium Carbonate Tablets 500 mg." Is it a calcium supplement or a medication for stomach issues? The pharmacist previously indicated that it is a calcium supplement, and ...
Dr. Hou Fangmin reply Pharmacology
Hello: Calcium carbonate tablets 500 mg can supplement calcium, lower blood phosphate levels, and act as an antacid. They have a high capacity to neutralize stomach acid, alleviating discomfort or burning sensations in the stomach, excessive stomach acid, and indigestion. Therefo...[Read More] Calcium Supplements vs. Antacids: Clarifying Your Medication Questions
Do Calcium Supplements Cause Stomach Ulcers? Expert Insights
Medication Consultation Is it true that taking calcium carbonate tablets (500 mg) before bed for a long time can cause stomach ulcers?
Dr. Hou Fangmin reply Pharmacology
Hello: 1. Long-term use of calcium carbonate tablets at a dosage of 500 mg is not associated with the development of gastric ulcers, unless taken in excessive amounts. Its side effects may include hypercalcemia, bloating, diarrhea, headaches, and at high doses, nausea, vomiting, ...[Read More] Do Calcium Supplements Cause Stomach Ulcers? Expert Insights
Understanding the Importance of Your Medication: Insights from a Pharmacist
Excuse me, pharmacist? Hello, pharmacist. I apologize for not finishing my message last time and accidentally sending it. The main point is that I want to ask about the insomnia medication I take. In the morning, I take a 0.5 mg capsule of Mecobalamin (Methylcobalamin) and a 0.25...
Dr. Hou Fangmin reply Pharmacology
Hello: I apologize for the delayed response as your email ended up in the spam folder, and I just saw it today. I am very sorry. The side effects of Yuli Shupan tablets include drowsiness, dizziness, slurred speech, and unsteady or clumsy movements. Rarely, there may be blurred v...[Read More] Understanding the Importance of Your Medication: Insights from a Pharmacist
Understanding Medication Side Effects: Can You Safely Combine Sleep Aids?
Adverse drug effects Hello, pharmacist. I would like to ask about the medication for my neurological condition that I picked up today. I spoke with my doctor and mentioned that my stress levels haven't increased recently. I requested a milder medication for insomnia, but the...
Dr. Hou Fangmin reply Pharmacology
Hello Mr. Tsai: 1. There are no interactions between Apixaban extended-release film-coated tablets and Lurasidone 0.25 mg. 2. The function of Lurasidone is to rapidly alleviate anxiety, providing sedation, sleep aid, and anti-anxiety effects. This medication is considered a mi...[Read More] Understanding Medication Side Effects: Can You Safely Combine Sleep Aids?
Concerns About Medication: Sleep Issues and Side Effects Explained
Medication Issues Hello, Pharmacist Hou. I apologize for bothering you. I have recently changed my medication and have been taking Jingde and Keqianping tablets at 0.5 mg before bed. I have been on this insomnia medication for almost four months, and recently I have experienced s...
Dr. Hou Fangmin reply Pharmacology
Hello Mr. Tsai: Side effects of Clonazepam include fatigue, daytime drowsiness, and lassitude. When taken with grapefruit or grapefruit juice, be aware of potential drug interactions, so it is advised not to consume grapefruit juice. There should be no side effects on the eyes....[Read More] Concerns About Medication: Sleep Issues and Side Effects Explained
Understanding Heart Medication: Concerns About Myocardial Ischemia and Side Effects
Could you please provide more details about the medication? Dear pharmacist, I went to Chang Gung Hospital last November for a cardiac ultrasound and a stress electrocardiogram. The report indicated that the doctor suspected I might have myocardial infarction, but the doctor at C...
Dr. Hou Fangmin reply Pharmacology
Hello Mr. Tsai: 1. The primary pharmacological action of Apresoline (Isosorbide dinitrate) is its active metabolite, which relaxes the smooth muscle of blood vessels, resulting in vasodilation of both arteries and veins. This medication is used to prevent angina attacks. Regard...[Read More] Understanding Heart Medication: Concerns About Myocardial Ischemia and Side Effects
Managing Cold Symptoms in Early Pregnancy: Safety of Medications
Common Cold in Early Pregnancy The last menstrual period was on April 6, with a menstrual cycle of approximately 27 days. A pregnancy test on May 5 showed two lines. Due to a cold, a visit to the obstetrics and gynecology department was made, but the ultrasound did not show an em...
Dr. Hou Fangmin reply Pharmacology
Hello Vicky: One of the biggest concerns for pregnant mothers is whether taking certain medications will adversely affect the fetus. Below is a reference for you regarding the classification of medications during pregnancy, which is divided into the following categories: The FDA...[Read More] Managing Cold Symptoms in Early Pregnancy: Safety of Medications
Long-Term NSAID Use: Managing Risks and Alternatives for Safety
If long-term use of NSAIDs is necessary? If long-term use of NSAIDs is necessary and there is an allergy to COX-2 inhibitors, can I only add a PPI to prevent gastric ulcer bleeding, or are there other options for additional safety?
Dr. Hou Fangmin reply Pharmacology
Hello Mr. Li: The main side effects of NSAIDs are the risk of gastrointestinal bleeding and gastric ulcers. It is acceptable for you to take PPIs to prevent gastric ulcers; however, isn't it necessary to confirm the presence of a gastric ulcer through an endoscopy before pre...[Read More] Long-Term NSAID Use: Managing Risks and Alternatives for Safety
Do Herbal Supplements Affect the Efficacy of Birth Control Pills?
Emergency contraceptive pill Hello, I have been taking the oral contraceptive pill (Alesse) for nearly six months, and I am considering taking a dietary supplement, Kobayashi Pharmaceutical's "Mother's Life - Blue Bottle." The ingredients I found online includ...
Dr. Hou Fangmin reply Pharmacology
Hello, Miss Qiao: 1. The oral contraceptive Diane contains two hormones: cyproterone acetate 2mg (a progestin with anti-androgenic properties) and ethinylestradiol 35μg (an estrogen), which are similar to the natural hormones secreted by the female ovaries, making it suitable fo...[Read More] Do Herbal Supplements Affect the Efficacy of Birth Control Pills?
Can I Combine Western and Traditional Medicine for Stomach Pain?
Medication issues Hello, pharmacist. I apologize for asking this question. I had a gastroscopy last time, and I have been taking the medication prescribed to me as directed. However, I experience stomach pain when I stand for long periods at work. I would like to ask if it is oka...
Dr. Hou Fangmin reply Pharmacology
Hello Mr. Tsai: Western medicine is taken for stomach pain, and traditional Chinese medicine is also taken for stomach pain because the ingredients of traditional Chinese medicine are unknown. If it is for treating stomach pain, the general principle is that Western and Chinese m...[Read More] Can I Combine Western and Traditional Medicine for Stomach Pain?
Are All Three Doses of the Cervical Cancer Vaccine the Same?
Are the doses of the cervical cancer vaccine the same for all three shots? Are the doses of the cervical cancer vaccine the same for all three shots?
Dr. Hou Fangmin reply Pharmacology
Hello Ms. III: 1. The cervical cancer vaccine is a type of vaccine made from the outer shell of a virus, consisting solely of a single protein that forms a virus-like particle. The main component of the quadrivalent HPV vaccine is the recombinant L1 protein derived from the stru...[Read More] Are All Three Doses of the Cervical Cancer Vaccine the Same?
Understanding Medication for Stomach Inflammation After Endoscopy
Could you please provide more context or specify your question regarding medication? Hello, pharmacist. I had an upper gastrointestinal endoscopy yesterday, and I'm feeling quite uncomfortable. The results showed that I do not have gastroesophageal reflux disease, but I do h...
Dr. Hou Fangmin reply Pharmacology
Hello Mr. Tsai: 1. (Gastric Lizard Membrane-Coated Tablets) Indications: The drug acts by blocking H2 receptors on gastric mucosal parietal cells, inhibiting gastric acid secretion, and demonstrating healing effects on gastric ulcers, duodenal ulcers, and gastritis. It is indic...[Read More] Understanding Medication for Stomach Inflammation After Endoscopy
Comparing Liver and Kidney Damage: Nabumetone vs. Piroxicam
What are the degrees of liver and kidney damage caused by two types of medications, and how effective are they in reducing inflammation and pain? Which medication is more harmful to the liver and kidneys, Nabumetone or Piroxicam? Which of these two medications is more effective f...
Dr. Hou Fangmin reply Pharmacology
Hello Mr. Chen: 1. Na is the first non-acidic non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drug (NSAID). After oral administration, it is absorbed in its non-acidic form through the gastrointestinal tract, significantly reducing irritation and damage to the gastrointestinal mucosa. Compared ...[Read More] Comparing Liver and Kidney Damage: Nabumetone vs. Piroxicam
Managing Ultracet Side Effects: Tips for Nausea and Appetite Loss
What are the methods to alleviate the side effects of Ultracet? Regarding the side effects of Ultracet, such as nausea, vomiting, and loss of appetite, discontinuing the medication can lead to improvement. If long-term use of this medication is necessary, it may be possible to ta...
Dr. Hou Fangmin reply Pharmacology
Hello Mr. Chen, Ultracet is a combination of Tramadol and Acetaminophen. Tramadol is a centrally acting analgesic compound that has at least two complementary mechanisms of action. The parent compound and its M1 metabolite bind to mu-opioid receptors and have a weak inhibitory e...[Read More] Managing Ultracet Side Effects: Tips for Nausea and Appetite Loss
Understanding ENT Medication: Managing Side Effects and Concerns
Otolaryngology Medication Consultation A few days ago, I visited an otolaryngology clinic because my ear temperature reached 39 degrees Celsius. The doctor prescribed four medications, but I have been vomiting after taking them and have no appetite. I still experience intermitten...
Dr. Hou Fangmin reply Pharmacology
Hello, Miss Gua: 1. Clindamycin has antibacterial activity against the following microorganisms based on in vitro testing. Its mechanism of action involves targeting bacterial liposomes, inhibiting peptide transfer reactions, and obstructing protein synthesis in bacteria, which ...[Read More] Understanding ENT Medication: Managing Side Effects and Concerns
Do Prescription Medications Interfere with Birth Control Pills?
Is there any interaction between Western medicine and the contraceptive pill (Yaz)? Hello, I have been taking the oral contraceptive pill (Yasmin) for over a month. Recently, I have experienced excessive stomach acid and bloating. The doctor prescribed the following medications: ...
Dr. Hou Fangmin reply Pharmacology
Hello Joyce: The components of the contraceptive pill are Levonorgestrel and Ethinyl Estradiol. Cimetidine 200 mg is a medication for the stomach, Magnesium Oxide 250 mg is used for softening stools and as a gastric medication, and Simethicone 40 mg (Gascon) is for relieving gas....[Read More] Do Prescription Medications Interfere with Birth Control Pills?
Understanding the Use of Dexilant for Gastroesophageal Reflux Disease
Stomach medication issues? Hello, Pharmacist Hou. I previously took traditional Chinese medicine for gastroesophageal reflux disease, but it didn't seem to be effective. A friend suggested that I purchase Dexilant 60 mg out of pocket, saying it works well. Could you please t...
Dr. Hou Fangmin reply Pharmacology
Hello Mr. Tsai: Daxi Weitong 60 is a medication used for the treatment of peptic ulcers. Mechanism of action: It inhibits the proton pump by reducing the activity of the H+-K+-ATPase enzyme, thereby suppressing both basal gastric acid secretion and stimulated gastric acid secre...[Read More] Understanding the Use of Dexilant for Gastroesophageal Reflux Disease
Understanding Medication: Are Tenormin and Amlodipine Equivalent?
Medication issues? Dear pharmacist, I would like to ask about my recent prescription refill. The doctor did not prescribe me the 0.5 mg of Lisinopril. When I asked the nurse on my way out, he mentioned that the Tenormin 60 mg (Atenolol) has a similar effect. Can you confirm if th...
Dr. Hou Fangmin reply Pharmacology
Dear Mr. Tsai, Sigmart is a novel potassium channel opener that activates potassium ion channels, which can (1) provide myocardial protection and (2) dilate small coronary arteries. Indications for use include angina pectoris. Caution is advised when using Sigmart in conjunction...[Read More] Understanding Medication: Are Tenormin and Amlodipine Equivalent?
Do Blood Pressure Medications Harm Your Stomach? Understanding Side Effects
Does taking medication harm the stomach? Dear pharmacist, I have been taking antihypertensive medications for a long time, including Bacten 10 mg enteric-coated tablets, Anpress 5 mg sustained-release tablets, Felodipine 160 mg enteric-coated tablets, and three years ago I added ...
Dr. Hou Fangmin reply Pharmacology
Regarding the medications you are taking, I previously mentioned that you should avoid taking your medications right before sleeping, as this can increase the risk of gastroesophageal reflux. The medications you are taking are not particularly harsh on the stomach, so you might c...[Read More] Do Blood Pressure Medications Harm Your Stomach? Understanding Side Effects