Drug interactions, Family Medicine FAQ

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Understanding Drug Interactions: Can Paxlovid Affect Your Current Medications?

Drug interactions Excuse me, doctor. I would like to ask if the following medications I am taking will interact with the antiviral medication Paxlovid. Do I need to stop taking them? I take Xanax (alprazolam) 0.25 mg daily, propranolol 10 mg, nebivolol 5 mg, and Tylenol (acetamin...


Dr. Lin Zhebin Reply:
Hello: Among the four medications you are currently taking, only Alprazolam has a potential drug interaction with the antiviral medication Paxlovid. It is important to monitor whether there is an increase in the sedative effects of Alprazolam. If the dosage of Alprazolam is very ...

[Read More] Understanding Drug Interactions: Can Paxlovid Affect Your Current Medications?


Understanding B12 Deficiency Testing: Key Considerations and Recommendations

Testing for Vitamin B12 Deficiency Hello Doctor: My sisters and I have Mediterranean anemia, and one of them has been a patient with SLE for over twenty years. Some of us have started to experience symptoms and have been informed that there may be a possibility of B12 deficiency....


Dr. Chen Bozhang Reply:
Vitamin B12 is related to the metabolism of homocysteine, and these two values are usually assessed together. It is recommended to visit a family medicine clinic for evaluation by a physician, who can arrange further medical services based on the test results. Please note that th...

[Read More] Understanding B12 Deficiency Testing: Key Considerations and Recommendations


Understanding Drug Interactions: Duloxetine and NSAIDs Safety

Drug interactions I have been taking duloxetine (Cymbalta) daily for nerve pain. Recently, I have a cold and ear pain and would like to take NSAIDs, but I read online that they should not be taken together. Should I avoid taking them for the entire day, or is there a specific tim...


Dr. Lin Zhebin Reply:
Hello: Taking Duloxetine and NSAIDs together may increase the risk of bleeding, with gastrointestinal bleeding and skin bruising being more common, especially in patients who are older or have a history of gastrointestinal ulcers or other chronic conditions (such as liver or kidn...

[Read More] Understanding Drug Interactions: Duloxetine and NSAIDs Safety


Understanding Flu Symptoms and When to Seek Medical Help

Suspected influenza, symptoms include generalized weakness and fatigue? A family member began experiencing symptoms (cough, fever, body aches) starting on November 24. They went to the hospital for testing for influenza and COVID-19, both of which were negative. They were prescri...


Dr. Liao Yaopan Reply:
Hello, based on your description, if your symptoms do not improve, it is advisable to seek medical evaluation. Online consultations are not equivalent to in-person visits and cannot provide diagnostic or treatment recommendations. Changhua Hospital cares about you.

[Read More] Understanding Flu Symptoms and When to Seek Medical Help


Understanding Drug Interactions: Terbinafine, Avodart, and Smoking Cessation Medications

Drug interactions I have onychomycosis and underwent liver function tests at the hospital, which came back normal. The doctor prescribed Terbinafine, to be taken once a day. I would like to inquire about potential drug interactions between this medication and the prostate medicat...


Dr. Chen Bozhang Reply:
Hello! You can inquire at the consultation window on the medication bag or ask your original treating physician during your follow-up visit. Thank you.

[Read More] Understanding Drug Interactions: Terbinafine, Avodart, and Smoking Cessation Medications


Understanding Bubble Urine: Drug Interactions and Possible Causes

Multiple medication consultation + unexplained foamy urine? Are there any interactions between the following medications: doxycycline, diastase, gascon, escitalopram, fludiazepam, lutein, and probiotics? Additionally, I have been experiencing foamy urine since last month, which p...


Dr. Ye Qianyu Reply:
Hello! The presence of bubbles in urine can be tested to check for proteinuria or glycosuria. Additionally, concentrated urine may also produce bubbles, or the mixing of urine with substances in the toilet could cause this as well. If there is no proteinuria or glycosuria, there ...

[Read More] Understanding Bubble Urine: Drug Interactions and Possible Causes


Consulting About Drug Interactions: Ergot Alkaloids and Cold Medications

Medication consultation This week, I used ergotamine as a uterine contraction agent, but today I have nasal congestion, cough, and runny nose. I would like to know if taking common cold medications like Tylenol or Theraflu will interact with ergotamine. If I go to see a doctor, s...


Dr. Ye Qianyu Reply:
Hello! It interacts with cardiovascular medications and should be avoided in combination with strong CYP3A4 inhibitors. It should also not be taken with grapefruit juice. You may refer to "Indications, Ingredients, Dosage, Side Effects of ERGONOVINE - KingNet National Networ...

[Read More] Consulting About Drug Interactions: Ergot Alkaloids and Cold Medications


Can You Get Monkeypox Vaccine While on HIV PEP Treatment?

Post-exposure prophylaxis for HIV and monkeypox vaccination? Hello doctor, I am currently taking HIV post-exposure prophylaxis (PEP) and I am on the fourth day of the treatment. I have recently scheduled an appointment for the monkeypox vaccine and would like to know if it is saf...


Dr. Lin Zhebin Reply:
Hello: Current data indicates that there are no significant drug interactions between post-exposure prophylaxis (PEP) for HIV and the monkeypox vaccine, suggesting that PEP's efficacy and the effectiveness of the monkeypox vaccine should not be affected.

[Read More] Can You Get Monkeypox Vaccine While on HIV PEP Treatment?


Managing Norovirus in Children: Safe Use of Suppositories for Fever and Vomiting

Norovirus Hello, Dr. Lin! I would like to ask about my 11-year-old daughter who had a fever and persistent vomiting during the night. We rushed to the clinic in the morning, and the doctor said she was infected with norovirus. We were advised not to give her water initially and t...


Dr. Lin Zhebin Reply:
Hello: 1. The pharmacological effects of antipyretic suppositories and antiemetic suppositories are different and they generally do not have significant drug interactions, so there is no need for a specific interval between them. However, since medications typically take about 30...

[Read More] Managing Norovirus in Children: Safe Use of Suppositories for Fever and Vomiting


Can Allopurinol and Gastroesophageal Reflux Medications Be Taken Together?

Can medications for lowering uric acid be taken together with medications for gastroesophageal reflux disease (GERD)? Hello Doctor: I have been taking Allopurinol for a long time to lower uric acid levels. Recently, due to a recurrence of gastroesophageal reflux, I visited a doct...


Dr. Hou Angting Reply:
Hello: According to database inquiries, there are no significant documented interactions between the two, and the public can use them with confidence.

[Read More] Can Allopurinol and Gastroesophageal Reflux Medications Be Taken Together?


Understanding Drug Interactions: Safe Medication Practices for Patients

Drug interactions Hello: I take Lofuget, Yulishupan, Shoumei Lipid-Lowering No. 1, and enzymes to aid bowel movements daily. I am very concerned about potential drug interactions and would like to ask: 1. After drinking milk, can I take my medications immediately? If there should...


Dr. Lin Zhebin Reply:
Hello: 1. The medications you are taking are not significantly affected by milk absorption, so you can take them after drinking milk. 2. These four medications can be taken together without any specific drug interaction issues. 3. Fludiazepam can generally be taken three times a ...

[Read More] Understanding Drug Interactions: Safe Medication Practices for Patients


Understanding Drug Interactions: Can You Combine Medications and Supplements?

Drug interactions Hello, Doctor: I would like to ask about my recent symptoms of migraine. I have been taking Cerebrolysin 5mg and Betahistine 24mg. However, before taking these two medications, I had a habit of consuming dietary supplements such as Vitamin C, Vitamin B, and Lute...


Dr. Liao Yaopan Reply:
Hello, your migraine should be prescribed by a physician. It is advisable to discuss with your treating physician any other medications or dietary supplements you are using, as this information is important for reference when writing prescriptions. The ingredients in dietary supp...

[Read More] Understanding Drug Interactions: Can You Combine Medications and Supplements?


Safe Medication Guidance for COVID-19 Patients with Multiple Conditions

COVID-19 medication consultation Hello Doctor, I inquired about my mother's confirmed diagnosis yesterday, and I appreciate your response! I would like to ask about my mother's telemedicine appointment today. Since I am not nearby and the video signal was intermittent, ...


Dr. Lin Zhebin Reply:
Hello: I will answer your questions in three parts: 1. Paxlovid and liver and kidney function: Paxlovid can be used at full dosage in patients with mild renal impairment and mild to moderate hepatic impairment. In patients with moderate renal impairment, the dosage should be ad...

[Read More] Safe Medication Guidance for COVID-19 Patients with Multiple Conditions


Understanding Drug Interactions and Choosing the Right Specialist

Drug interactions and consultations are typically handled by specialists in pharmacology, internal medicine, or clinical pharmacy? 1. After swallowing food yesterday, I have been experiencing a sharp pain in the middle right side of my chest when swallowing. Which specialty shoul...


Dr. Hou Angting Reply:
Hello, internet user: If you are experiencing difficulty swallowing, you can visit an otolaryngologist for an examination. If you have worsening chest pain, it is advisable to go to the emergency department promptly. For medication-related issues, I recommend discussing them with...

[Read More] Understanding Drug Interactions and Choosing the Right Specialist


Concerns About Mebendazole and Metronidazole Drug Interactions

The interaction issues between Mebendazole and Metronidazole? Hello Doctor: I have been experiencing itching around the anus, which is particularly bothersome at night. Since I had Mebendazole, a common antiparasitic medication, at home, I took it for about two weeks, at a dosage...


Dr. Xiao Yongxun Reply:
Dear Ms. Ellie: 1. Mebendazole is a synthetic benzimidazole compound that is widely effective against nematodes. This medication is the first-line treatment for whipworm (Trichuris trichiura), pinworm (Enterobius vermicularis), hookworms (Necator americanus and Ancylostoma duode...

[Read More] Concerns About Mebendazole and Metronidazole Drug Interactions


Is It a Viral Infection or Allergies? Understanding Your Symptoms

Is it a viral infection or an allergy? I have been experiencing recurrent colds for about two months. At the end of August and beginning of September, I suddenly developed a fever, nasal congestion, and did not have a cough. The doctor at the clinic diagnosed me with nasal mucosa...


Dr. Liao Yaopan Reply:
Hello, theoretically, the acute phase of a viral respiratory infection should not last too long. However, subsequent symptoms can vary based on individual factors. If there are any abnormal temperature readings, it is advisable to consult with an infectious disease specialist or ...

[Read More] Is It a Viral Infection or Allergies? Understanding Your Symptoms


Can Viagra and Sleep Meds Be Safely Used Together?

Drug interactions with Viagra (sildenafil)? I previously went to the hospital for insomnia and was prescribed sleeping pills. If I engage in sexual activity with my girlfriend before bed (but I need to take Viagra), and then take the sleeping pills afterward to help me sleep, wil...


Dr. Chen Taicheng Reply:
● Viagra and common sleeping medications such as (1) benzodiazepines: Clonazepam (Rivotril), Brotizolam (Lendormin), Fludiazepam (Erispan), Alprazolam (Xanax), Estazolam (Eurodin), Lorazepam (Ativan), Diazepam (Valium) and (2) non-benzodiazepine medications like Zolpidem (Stilnox...

[Read More] Can Viagra and Sleep Meds Be Safely Used Together?


Optimal Timing for Taking Multiple Medications: A Guide for Patients

Medication dosing intervals Recently, due to ongoing health issues, I have consulted many specialists, resulting in a significant increase in the number of medications I need to take. For dermatology, I have Doxycycline 100 mg and Donison 5 mg, which I take after breakfast and di...


Dr. Cai Mengru Reply:
Hello Mr. Tin: Regarding your question, the timing for the Western medications you mentioned is already separated as indicated. Senokot can be taken in the morning along with the multivitamins. As for the traditional Chinese medicine, since no specific medication information was ...

[Read More] Optimal Timing for Taking Multiple Medications: A Guide for Patients