Fruits to Avoid While Taking Atorvastatin: A Guide for Patients
Regarding fruits that should not be consumed while using Atorvastatin? Hello, doctor. I am currently taking a lipid-lowering medication, Atorvastatin 10mg. I would like to inquire about the information I found regarding the consumption of grapefruit and its juice, as I have read ...
Dr. Huang Shenggang reply Pharmacology
Hello Mr. Su: First of all, I am glad to address your question. Grapefruit juice can interact with many medications, including lipid-lowering agents such as atorvastatin, lovastatin, and simvastatin. This is because grapefruit juice inhibits the activity of the enzyme CYP3A4 in t...[Read More] Fruits to Avoid While Taking Atorvastatin: A Guide for Patients
Concerns About Traditional Chinese Medicine Purchased from TV: Safety of Ingredients
Herbal medicine purchased by the television station? I would like to ask if there are any concerns regarding the traditional Chinese medicine purchased from the television station, which contains ingredients such as white peony root (Bai Shao), rehmannia (Di Huang), cinnamon twig...
Dr. Huang Shenggang reply Pharmacology
Hello Ian: Thank you for your question. Regarding the principles for purchasing from television stations, it is generally more inclined towards health supplements or health foods. It is advisable to check for any certified food labels. If you require pharmaceutical-grade products...[Read More] Concerns About Traditional Chinese Medicine Purchased from TV: Safety of Ingredients
Is It Safe for Pregnant Women to Use Gentamicin Eye Drops?
Eye drops for pregnant women? I have a stye, and my ophthalmologist prescribed Gentamicin eye drops for me. Is there any impact on pregnant women using this medication?
Dr. Huang Shenggang reply Pharmacology
Hello, Miss Strawberry: First of all, thank you for your question. When you experience discomfort in your eyes, remember to consult a physician. Additionally, it is important to inform the doctor if you are currently pregnant or taking any medications. Gentamicin ophthalmic solut...[Read More] Is It Safe for Pregnant Women to Use Gentamicin Eye Drops?
Can I Take Turtle and Deer Antler Gel with Osteoporosis Medications?
Can osteoporosis medications be taken together with Gui Lu Er Xian Jiao? Dear Pharmacist Huang, I am currently taking calcium supplements prescribed by my doctor for the treatment of osteoporosis. Can I also take Gui Lu Er Xian Jiao?
Dr. Huang Shenggang reply Pharmacology
Hello, A-Zhe: First of all, thank you for your question. The Gui Lu Er Xian Jiao (Tortoise and Deer Gel) is primarily made from tortoise shell, deer antler, ginseng, and goji berries, and is also known as Si Zhen Jiao (Four Treasures Gel). The "Compendium of Materia Medica&q...[Read More] Can I Take Turtle and Deer Antler Gel with Osteoporosis Medications?
Potential Drug Interactions: Ginkgo Biloba with Blood Pressure and Thyroid Medications
Drug interactions Is there any adverse interaction between the ginkgo biloba extract supplement and the antihypertensive medication Norvasc (amlodipine) and the thyroid hormone medication Synthroid (levothyroxine) that I am currently taking? Thank you.
Dr. Huang Shenggang reply Pharmacology
Hello Jimmy: Thank you for your question. Regarding the dietary supplement ginkgo biloba extract, the antihypertensive medication Norvasc, and the thyroid hormone Levothyroxine, there are no significant drug-drug interactions found. Additionally, it is recommended to take Levothy...[Read More] Potential Drug Interactions: Ginkgo Biloba with Blood Pressure and Thyroid Medications
Can Medication Shorten Your Period? Insights on Remexin and More
Medication consultation Taking Remexin on the second day of your menstrual period may help to shorten the duration of your period to the fourth day. However, if you take Yuezhi on the third day, there may be potential interactions with Remexin. It is advisable to consult a health...
Dr. Huang Shenggang reply Pharmacology
Hello: First, thank you for your question. If you want to adjust your menstrual cycle, please refer to the ingredients of Remexin: (each pink tablet contains) Norethisterone Acetate 10mg and Ethinyl Estradiol 20ug. Please follow the usage instructions! Additionally, the generic n...[Read More] Can Medication Shorten Your Period? Insights on Remexin and More
Can I Take Red Yeast Rice with Cholesterol-Lowering Medication?
Can red yeast rice from my family home be taken together with Shoumei cholesterol-lowering medication? I used to buy health supplements like red yeast rice from my family’s brand, but recently someone recommended that I see a traditional Chinese medicine doctor. The doctor prescr...
Dr. Huang Shenggang reply Pharmacology
Hello, A-Zhe: First of all, thank you for your question. Regarding the red yeast rice from my maternal family, it has obtained the Ministry of Health and Welfare's health food certification, which can effectively regulate blood sugar and blood lipids. Animal studies have con...[Read More] Can I Take Red Yeast Rice with Cholesterol-Lowering Medication?
Can I Take Antibiotics with Amlodipine? Important Medication Interactions
Can antibiotics be taken together with enteric-coated tablets? Due to the inflammation of the sebaceous cyst, the doctor prescribed the following medications: 1. Curam 1g three times a day 2. Fucidin 250mg three times a day, two tablets each time. I have two questions: 1. Can the...
Dr. Huang Shenggang reply Pharmacology
Hello SAKARA: First, thank you for your question. The mentioned medication can be taken together with the 9.6 mg enteric-coated tablet without any significant interactions. If surgery is required, it is advisable to have a physician evaluate whether to discontinue the medication....[Read More] Can I Take Antibiotics with Amlodipine? Important Medication Interactions
Understanding Emergency Contraceptive Pills: Efficacy and Switching Brands
Emergency contraceptive pill 1. May I ask if taking Dailian for the first time really provides complete contraceptive effectiveness? 2. If I want to switch to Yejiyi in the second month, should I also wait 7 days before starting?
Dr. Huang Shenggang reply Pharmacology
Hello: First of all, thank you for your question. Although everyone has their own constitution, taking the medication according to the instructions and on schedule will be effective! It is recommended to find a formulation that suits your individual constitution for better result...[Read More] Understanding Emergency Contraceptive Pills: Efficacy and Switching Brands
Understanding Drug Interactions: Ciprofloxacin and Sulindac Safety
Drug interactions Hello, I visited the doctor due to cellulitis, and since the symptoms were in the early stage, I was prescribed oral medications. The medications prescribed to me are 1. Ciprofloxacin 500 mg/tab (Ciflodal) and 2. Sulindac 200 mg/tab (Jolindac), to be taken once ...
Dr. Huang Shenggang reply Pharmacology
Dear Mr. Hsiao-Chen, Thank you for your inquiry. Regarding the two medications prescribed by your physician, both can be taken alongside your current medications and vitamins. Please rest assured.[Read More] Understanding Drug Interactions: Ciprofloxacin and Sulindac Safety
Is ALINAMIN-F Effective for Facial Nerve Disorders? Usage Guide Inside
Medication Use I have facial nerve dysfunction. Is taking ALINAMIN-F 50 S.C. TABLETS effective? How should I take it?
Dr. Huang Shenggang reply Pharmacology
Hello Mr. ZWS: First of all, thank you for your question regarding the indications of neuritis, vitamin B1 deficiency symptoms, neuralgia, postoperative intestinal paralysis, eye fatigue, and neurogenic bladder. The main components are THIAMINE, TETRAHYDROFURFURYL DISULFIDE, and ...[Read More] Is ALINAMIN-F Effective for Facial Nerve Disorders? Usage Guide Inside
Understanding the Risks of Combining Medications: A Guide for Patients
Contraindications for the use of Xunli Ning (循利寧) Hello, I would like to ask about medication usage. I am currently recovering from spinal surgery, and my doctor has prescribed the non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drug Celecoxib, which I take once daily. However, I have peripheral...
Dr. Huang Shenggang reply Pharmacology
Hello Ms. Huang: Thank you for your inquiry. Regarding the simultaneous use of Xunli Ning and the non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drug Celebrex, you can ask your doctor for an evaluation and prescription, as Xunli Ning is also available in hospitals. The main reasons for caution ...[Read More] Understanding the Risks of Combining Medications: A Guide for Patients
Understanding Contraindications for Using Circulating Medications
Contraindications for the use of Xunli Ning (a traditional Chinese medicine)? Hello, I would like to ask about medication usage. I am currently recovering from spinal surgery and my doctor has prescribed the non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drug Celecoxib, which I take once daily....
Dr. Huang Shenggang reply Pharmacology
Hello Ms. Huang: Thank you for your inquiry. Regarding the simultaneous use of Xunli Ning and the non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drug Celebrex, you can ask your doctor for an evaluation and prescription, as Xunli Ning is also available in hospitals. The main reasons for caution ...[Read More] Understanding Contraindications for Using Circulating Medications
Do Antibiotics Interact with Birth Control Pills? Understanding the Risks
Do antibiotics interact with oral contraceptives? I am currently taking Lindynette 20 due to discomfort as prescribed by my doctor. Will this affect the efficacy of the oral contraceptive? I took Cephalexin 500 mg, NUSPAS 0.125 mg, CATAFLAM 25 mg, Potarlon tablets, Lututin tablet...
Dr. Huang Shenggang reply Pharmacology
Hello Kuo: Thank you for your question. The antibiotic cephalexin, which can interact with oral contraceptives, may reduce the gut flora that aids in absorption, thereby decreasing the effectiveness of the contraceptive. However, taking the medications with a 4-hour interval can ...[Read More] Do Antibiotics Interact with Birth Control Pills? Understanding the Risks
Managing Medication Concerns: Seeking Help for Stress and Anxiety
Medication issues Hello, Huang, I work in a regional teaching hospital doing cleaning shifts, specifically night shifts and late-night shifts. Sometimes the pressure is high, and I need to take B vitamins. There is a pharmacist in our community, Zhang, who sells me a tablet for 2...
Dr. Huang Shenggang reply Pharmacology
Hello, Xiao Yue: First of all, thank you for your question. Regarding B vitamins, some are available as food supplements, while prescription-grade B vitamins require a physician's diagnosis. It's perfectly fine to see a doctor if you're feeling stressed, as they wi...[Read More] Managing Medication Concerns: Seeking Help for Stress and Anxiety
Does Eating Yogurt Before Taking Emergency Contraceptive Affect Its Effectiveness?
Emergency contraceptive pill Hello, I would like to inquire whether taking a pre-conception contraceptive pill (such as Plan B) about 15 minutes after eating yogurt for breakfast would affect the absorption efficacy of the contraceptive pill. The yogurt ingredients include: water...
Dr. Huang Shenggang reply Pharmacology
Hello: First, thank you for your question. Regarding whether taking a pre-conception contraceptive pill (such as a birth control pill) about 15 minutes after eating yogurt for breakfast will affect the absorption of the contraceptive pill, the package insert does not indicate any...[Read More] Does Eating Yogurt Before Taking Emergency Contraceptive Affect Its Effectiveness?
Interactions Between Medications and Supplements: Can You Combine Red Yeast Rice and CoQ10?
Interactions between medications and dietary supplements? Hello, I would like to inquire if it is safe to additionally supplement with red yeast rice or Coenzyme Q10 while I am currently taking the medications "Hengmai Xun," "Yizhi Ke," and "Boki."
Dr. Huang Shenggang reply Pharmacology
Hello Wei: Thank you for your inquiry. The indications for Hengmai include angina pectoris and hypertension; Yizhi is indicated for primary hypercholesterolemia and primary mixed dyslipidemia. For the prevention of coronary heart disease patients, it is used after percutaneous tr...[Read More] Interactions Between Medications and Supplements: Can You Combine Red Yeast Rice and CoQ10?
Can You Take Leursan and Heart Rhythm Medications Together?
Can Lersyong tablets and Rhythm tablets be taken together? Hello, I currently have symptoms of hyperthyroidism and am on medication, taking one tablet of Methimazole and one tablet of Propranolol daily. However, I am experiencing palpitations and feel quite uncomfortable. I forgo...
Dr. Huang Shenggang reply Pharmacology
Hello, Amoy: Thank you for your question. Regarding whether Leursong tablets, Rhythm tablets, and Li-Jia tablets can be taken together, I have checked and found no issues with taking them concurrently. So please rest assured. Thank you.[Read More] Can You Take Leursan and Heart Rhythm Medications Together?
Impact of Medication During Early Pregnancy: What You Need to Know
Took controlled medication for three weeks during the third month of pregnancy? Hello, doctor. I experienced bleeding in the early stages of my pregnancy, so I didn't realize I was pregnant until about 9 weeks along. During that time, I took Lzapline 50 mg, Anxiedin 0.5 mg, ...
Dr. Huang Shenggang reply Pharmacology
Hello Ms. Nora: First, thank you for your question. Medications during pregnancy are classified into five categories. Below are the classifications for medications used by pregnant women: A - No evidence of risk in the first trimester of pregnancy. B - Animal studies show no ...[Read More] Impact of Medication During Early Pregnancy: What You Need to Know
Understanding Niacinamide: Effects on Hormone Therapy and Daily Intake
Niacinamide 1. Is it safe to take Niacinamide while on hormone therapy for breast cancer? Do they interact with each other? 2. I purchased Melatonin 1mg, but I didn't notice that it also contains Niacinamide 100mg, B6 5mg, and magnesium citrate 40mg. Will this exceed the da...
Dr. Huang Shenggang reply Pharmacology
Hello Angel: First, thank you for your question. 1. After checking, it is confirmed that breast cancer patients taking anti-hormonal medications can also take Niacinamide. Is there any interaction between the two? Taking Tamoxifen, a common anti-hormonal medication, as an examp...[Read More] Understanding Niacinamide: Effects on Hormone Therapy and Daily Intake