Is Throat Spray Safe for Pregnant Women? Understanding Risks and Benefits
Throat spray during pregnancy? I am currently over four months pregnant. Due to some small white spots on my tonsils causing bad breath, an ENT specialist diagnosed it as remnants from my diet. The doctor then used some sprays on my throat and provided steam treatment. I would li...
Dr. Lin Meili reply Pharmacology
Hello: Since I am not aware of what type of spray your doctor is using, I cannot answer your question. However, if you are seeking a qualified otolaryngologist and have informed them about your pregnancy, the doctor should generally avoid using sprays that could affect pregnant w...[Read More] Is Throat Spray Safe for Pregnant Women? Understanding Risks and Benefits
Managing Medication: Concerns About Combining Sleep Aids and Allergies
Medication Dear Doctor, I would like to seek your advice regarding my medication. On March 7th, I received a prescription from Dr. Huang for Mirtazapine and Zolpidem (each half a tablet). However, I have recently experienced severe skin allergies and visited a dermatologist a fe...
Dr. Lin Meili reply Pharmacology
Ms. Chang: The combination of Meishuyu and Shumiannuo with diphenhydramine can indeed have an additive effect, leading to symptoms such as dizziness and drowsiness. If you have a severe skin allergy that requires antihistamine medication (diphenhydramine), you may want to consult...[Read More] Managing Medication: Concerns About Combining Sleep Aids and Allergies
Understanding Side Effects of Neurotin and Other Medications
Side effects Hello, I took my mother to the Pain Management Department at National Taiwan University Hospital. She has a history of L4 and L5 spondylolisthesis and underwent surgery 10 years ago, during which the screws were removed due to infection, resulting in chronic pain and...
Dr. Lin Meili reply Pharmacology
Dear Guo Ke-Ling: 1. Currently, there are no documented side effects of dysgeusia associated with Neurontin (Gabapentin). 2. The antihypertensive medications that have side effects related to taste abnormalities include amiloride HCl/hydrochlorothiazide, amlodipine, and captop...[Read More] Understanding Side Effects of Neurotin and Other Medications
Understanding Steroid Injections for Rheumatoid Arthritis: Risks and Effects
Steroids I have rheumatoid arthritis, and whenever my left knee becomes inflamed and swollen, my doctor asks if I want to receive a corticosteroid injection for inflammation. I have had five injections in my left knee, with no less than four months between each treatment. A few w...
Dr. Lin Meili reply Pharmacology
Hello: The use of corticosteroids for inflammation does not cause skin to become lighter. It typically leads to thinning of the skin, and in severe cases, atrophy, which is related to the frequency, dosage, and injection site of the treatment. Your situation of having "a bit...[Read More] Understanding Steroid Injections for Rheumatoid Arthritis: Risks and Effects
Potential Risks of Viagra Use During Pregnancy: What You Need to Know
Levitra Is there a possibility that a fetus conceived while the mother was taking Viagra could have genetic issues, drug-related side effects, or even congenital deformities in the future?
Dr. Lin Meili reply Pharmacology
Hello! There have been no reports of teratogenic effects associated with the use of Levitra (vardenafil) in men to date. However, caution should be exercised in patients with the following symptoms or conditions: 1. Peyronie’s Disease, which is characterized by pain during penile...[Read More] Potential Risks of Viagra Use During Pregnancy: What You Need to Know
Impact of Cephalexin and Urokinase on Pregnancy and Fetal Health
Urinary tract infection (UTI) I have been experiencing frequent urinary tract infections recently, and my doctor prescribed 1. cephalexin and 2. Urokinase enteric-coated tablets. I would like to ask the pharmacist if these medications would have any effects on the fetus if I beco...
Dr. Lin Meili reply Pharmacology
Rita: Hello! Regarding the safety of medication during pregnancy, the U.S. Food and Drug Administration (FDA) has classified various drugs into five categories: A, B, C, D, and X. This classification serves as a primary reference for physicians when advising pregnant women. The F...[Read More] Impact of Cephalexin and Urokinase on Pregnancy and Fetal Health
Can Betamethasone Dipropionate Cream Help with Keloids?
Can betamethasone dipropionate be applied to keloids? There is a small keloid on my chest. I visited a dermatologist, and the doctor prescribed Betamethasone dipropionate ointment. Is this medication used for eczema, and will it also help with the keloid?
Dr. Lin Meili reply Pharmacology
Hello! Betamethasone dipropionate is a corticosteroid ointment that can be applied for eczema and is also used to treat other inflammatory skin conditions. The physician determines the need for a corticosteroid ointment based on your condition. If you have any questions, you shou...[Read More] Can Betamethasone Dipropionate Cream Help with Keloids?
Understanding the Differences Between Provera and Noruolu for PCOS Treatment
Differences in medications? Doctor, I have undergone a complete examination and confirmed that I have polycystic ovary syndrome (PCOS). Could you please explain the differences between the following two medications, their mechanisms of action, and any potential side effects? Than...
Dr. Lin Meili reply Pharmacology
Hello: 1. Provera 5mg (medroxyprogesterone acetate) and Noruolu 5mg (norethisterone acetate) are both synthetic progestins used to balance the effects of estrogen; they help protect users from the risk of uterine cancer. 2. To date, there have been no concrete results from co...[Read More] Understanding the Differences Between Provera and Noruolu for PCOS Treatment
Impact of Prosultiamine Use During Early Pregnancy on Fetal Development
Medications during pregnancy I took Prosultiamine (Alinamin-F50) 50mg prescribed by a neurologist without knowing I was pregnant, and I am now 7 weeks pregnant. Will this have any impact on the fetus?
Dr. Lin Meili reply Pharmacology
Hello: 1. The U.S. Food and Drug Administration classifies medications into safety categories based on their risk to the fetus, currently divided into five categories: A, B, C, D, and X. 2. Category A medications are those that have been studied in controlled trials in humans and...[Read More] Impact of Prosultiamine Use During Early Pregnancy on Fetal Development
Understanding GASCON 40MG: Effects on Kidney Health and Swelling
GASCON 40 MG I have kidney issues and high levels of protein in my urine. Previously, I experienced abdominal bloating and consulted a Western medicine doctor. I took a medication called GASCON 40 mg before bedtime, with a dosage of 1 packet for a total of 12 doses, taken four ti...
Dr. Lin Meili reply Pharmacology
Hello: 1. Gascon is a medication used to relieve gastrointestinal bloating; it works by disrupting the surface tension of gas bubbles in the intestines, thereby alleviating bloating. 2. After entering the body, Gascon is not absorbed by the gastrointestinal tract and is excreted ...[Read More] Understanding GASCON 40MG: Effects on Kidney Health and Swelling
Managing Gestational Diabetes: Can Glyburide Be Used During Pregnancy?
Diabetes medications used during pregnancy? If a patient has gestational diabetes, is it true that only injectable medications can be used for control? Is the oral hypoglycemic agent glyburide classified as category C for pregnancy, and is it safe to use? What about breastfeeding...
Dr. Lin Meili reply Pharmacology
Hello: 1. Gestational diabetes can only be controlled with insulin injections. 2. All oral hypoglycemic agents will be secreted into breast milk to some extent, so their use is not recommended during breastfeeding. Sincerely, Pharmacist Lin Mei-Li.[Read More] Managing Gestational Diabetes: Can Glyburide Be Used During Pregnancy?
Impact of Terfenadine on Fetal Development During Pregnancy
Medications during pregnancy Taking 2 tablets of Terfenadine without knowledge of pregnancy, is there any impact on the fetus? The last menstrual period was on November 21, and the medication was taken on December 13 and 14. Currently, it has been confirmed that I am about 5 week...
Dr. Lin Meili reply Pharmacology
Hello: 1. Reports regarding Terfenadine causing congenital defects in newborns indicate that the incidence is very low, with no significant difference compared to the control group. 2. The timing of your medication may coincide with conception, and the fetal organs have not yet f...[Read More] Impact of Terfenadine on Fetal Development During Pregnancy
Is Administering Cough Syrup via Nasogastric Tube Effective?
Is administering cough syrup through a nasogastric tube effective? As per the topic... Thank you.
Dr. Lin Meili reply Pharmacology
Hello: The effects of nasogastric tube administration and oral administration are the same. Sincerely, Pharmacist Lin Mei-Li from the Department of Pharmacy.[Read More] Is Administering Cough Syrup via Nasogastric Tube Effective?
Can 70-Year-Old Women Safely Take Cod Liver Oil and Evening Primrose Oil?
Is it safe to eat? Hello, I would like to ask some questions regarding health supplements. The capsule containing cod liver oil and evening primrose oil has a capacity of 1000 μm. What are the benefits of this capsule? Can a healthy 70-year-old woman consume it? Thank you!
Dr. Lin Meili reply Pharmacology
Cod liver oil and evening primrose oil are both health supplements, and it is recommended to follow the instructions for each specific product. The following information is sourced from Yahoo for your reference. Due to the various benefits of evening primrose oil for women's...[Read More] Can 70-Year-Old Women Safely Take Cod Liver Oil and Evening Primrose Oil?
Safe Remedies for Mosquito Bites in Young Children: What Parents Should Know
Medications for insect bites in children? 1. For a two-year-old child who is easily bitten by mosquitoes, a pharmacy recommended "Yongxin" cream, which contains two active ingredients: DIBUCAINE and DIPHENHYDRAMINE HYDROCHLORIDE. However, the instructions indicate that ...
Dr. Lin Meili reply Pharmacology
1. A two-year-old child is very susceptible to mosquito bites. The pharmacy recommends a cream called "Yongxin," which contains two ingredients: DIBUCAINE and DIPHENHYDRAMINE HYDROCHLORIDE. However, the instructions indicate that it is not recommended for children to us...[Read More] Safe Remedies for Mosquito Bites in Young Children: What Parents Should Know
Managing Medications After Myocardial Infarction: Duration and Safety Concerns
Myocardial infarction Hello: My father recently underwent two cardiac catheterization procedures due to a myocardial infarction and is now on long-term medication. How long does he need to take this medication—just for a period of time or for a lifetime? Through a recommendation ...
Dr. Lin Meili reply Pharmacology
Hello: 1. After undergoing coronary angioplasty for a myocardial infarction, patients typically need to take long-term medications, which usually include antiplatelet agents (such as low-dose aspirin or other newer anticoagulants to prevent platelet aggregation) along with corona...[Read More] Managing Medications After Myocardial Infarction: Duration and Safety Concerns
Understanding Tengen: Is It a Birth Control or Hormonal Medication?
Tengen Hello, pharmacist... I would like to ask if Tengen (21 tablets) is a contraceptive or a hormonal medication? Will using it to regulate menstruation have any side effects on the body? If hormonal medications like Androcur or Diane 35 are used long-term, will they have any e...
Dr. Lin Meili reply Pharmacology
Hello! Tenge contains two components: estrogen and progestin. Although most commercially available contraceptive pills also contain these two components, the dosages in contraceptive pills are generally lower, while Tenge contains higher dosages that are not suitable for contrace...[Read More] Understanding Tengen: Is It a Birth Control or Hormonal Medication?
Can You Safely Use Polaramine Long-Term? Risks and Guidelines
Can allergy medications be taken long-term? Polaramine (Dexchlorpheniramine maleate) is an antihistamine that is generally used for the relief of allergy symptoms. Long-term use of this medication is not typically recommended without the guidance of a healthcare professional, as ...
Dr. Lin Meili reply Pharmacology
Hello! Dexchlorpheniramine is a short-acting antihistamine commonly used to treat allergic symptoms, such as allergic rhinitis and skin allergies. Once the symptoms are alleviated, there is no need for continued use, so long-term administration is not required. The side effects o...[Read More] Can You Safely Use Polaramine Long-Term? Risks and Guidelines
Are Ear Patches Safe? Concerns About Side Effects and Vision Changes
Can ear patches cause harm? Hello, I saw your suggestion for people who are prone to seasickness to use ear patches. I have a question regarding this. A few years ago, my mother traveled abroad and used a patch. Before her trip, she could clearly see the time on her watch, but af...
Dr. Lin Meili reply Pharmacology
Hello! Currently, the active ingredient in over-the-counter motion sickness transdermal patches is scopolamine, which is a potent anticholinergic medication. Possible side effects include drowsiness, blurred vision, dry mouth (the most common), dry eyes, and ciliary muscle paraly...[Read More] Are Ear Patches Safe? Concerns About Side Effects and Vision Changes
The Best Motion Sickness Medications for Whale Watching in Hualien
Which seasickness medication is the best? Hello: I would like to go whale watching in Hualien. Which type of motion sickness medication would be better to take? Would a patch be more effective?
Dr. Lin Meili reply Pharmacology
Hello! 1. The side effects of oral medications can be quite strong, so ear patches can be an alternative. The design of the ear patch allows for a slow and steady release of a small amount of medication, which not only reduces side effects but also provides effects that can last ...[Read More] The Best Motion Sickness Medications for Whale Watching in Hualien