Can You Safely Combine Viagra with Blood Pressure Medications?
Medication Administration and Its Effects Currently, I am taking high blood pressure medication Cozaar 1 tablet (Losartan) and Norvasc 0.5 tablet (Amlodipine) daily. Can I also take Viagra or similar medications? If so, will there be any side effects? Thank you!
Dr. Wu Zongying Reply:
Hello: Viagra does not interact with Cozaar or Norvasc. However, it should not be taken concurrently with sublingual nitroglycerin (NTG), certain medications for prostate treatment (alpha-blockers), or some antibiotics.[Read More] Can You Safely Combine Viagra with Blood Pressure Medications?
Understanding Rapid Cholesterol Fluctuations: Key Questions Answered
Cholesterol levels can fluctuate significantly in a short period of time? Hello Doctor: On February 18th of this year, my blood test showed a total cholesterol level of 193 mg/dL and low-density lipoprotein (LDL) cholesterol of 128 mg/dL. On March 5th, my total cholesterol level ...
Dr. Liao Yaopan Reply:
Hello, blood tracking should be determined based on clinical evaluation. It is advisable to consult the physician who provided the medical advice to understand your condition, which will serve as a basis for whether treatment is necessary. Test results are an immediate response r...[Read More] Understanding Rapid Cholesterol Fluctuations: Key Questions Answered
Which Specialist to See for Unusual Skin Sensation on Arm?
Which specialty should I see? Hello Doctor, yesterday I suddenly noticed that the area of skin on the left side of my arm, where it connects to my body, feels strange to the touch. It hurts when I press on it, but it feels like there is something thick in between. The sensation i...
Dr. Liao Yaopan Reply:
Hello, it is recommended to consult a dermatologist for an evaluation. Online consultations are not equivalent to in-person visits and cannot provide a diagnosis or treatment recommendations. Changhua Hospital cares about you.[Read More] Which Specialist to See for Unusual Skin Sensation on Arm?
Which Specialist Should I See for Chronic Knee Pain?
For a long-standing chronic illness, it's unclear which specialty to consult? Since experiencing severe knee pain while climbing stairs several years ago, I have had recurrent episodes. Initially, my knee feels uncomfortable (it feels very tight while walking), followed by s...
Dr. Liao Yaopan Reply:
Hello, if the orthopedic consultation has confirmed that there are no issues, it is recommended to seek further evaluation from a rheumatologist. Please note that online consultations are not equivalent to in-person visits and cannot provide diagnoses or treatment recommendations...[Read More] Which Specialist Should I See for Chronic Knee Pain?
Understanding Upper Back Discomfort and Heart Symptoms During a Cold
Back discomfort? Hello, doctor. Recently, I've been feeling some discomfort in my upper back, but it's not painful yet. I also woke up suddenly in the middle of the night from a dream, feeling that my heart was racing and experiencing slight discomfort in my chest. Curr...
Dr. Liao Yaopan Reply:
Hello, regarding your concerns, it is advisable to first seek a preliminary evaluation from your family physician. Depending on the situation, a referral to a specialist may be appropriate. Please note that online consultations are not equivalent to in-person medical visits and c...[Read More] Understanding Upper Back Discomfort and Heart Symptoms During a Cold
Understanding Diabetes: Common Myths and Essential Insights for Families
Myths about Diabetes Hello, Dr. Liao! I apologize for bothering you. My grandfather has been suffering from diabetes for forty years, but our family's understanding of diabetes is still quite limited. 1. My grandfather has had diabetes for 40 years. There were a few days w...
Dr. Liao Yaopan Reply:
Hello, regarding the treatment of diabetes, it requires a multifaceted approach including diet, medication, and exercise to actively control the condition and prevent or delay related vascular and organ complications. Medication management is a crucial component that necessitates...[Read More] Understanding Diabetes: Common Myths and Essential Insights for Families
Understanding Post-Traumatic Headaches: When to See a Neurologist
Occipital pain I was accidentally hit on the head by a classmate during physical education class. That night, I went to a clinic for a cold treatment, which resolved, but my headache persisted. At the moment of impact, I only felt mild pain, so I didn't seek any treatment an...
Dr. Wu Zongying Reply:
Hello: It is recommended that you schedule an appointment with the neurology department for further examination. If the neurology evaluation shows no issues, you may then consider an appointment with the psychiatry department.[Read More] Understanding Post-Traumatic Headaches: When to See a Neurologist
Understanding Left Armpit Pain: Causes, Treatment, and Recovery Time
Left axillary pain? Hello, doctor. Two weeks ago, I started experiencing pain and swelling in my left armpit. The pain lasted for three days, after which I went to the hospital and consulted a family medicine doctor. The doctor diagnosed it as a bacterial infection (I had changed...
Dr. Liao Yaopan Reply:
Hello, if the symptoms persist, please have your parents accompany you for a follow-up appointment to discuss the changes in your condition with the treating physician. Online consultations are not equivalent to in-person visits and cannot provide diagnoses or treatment recommend...[Read More] Understanding Left Armpit Pain: Causes, Treatment, and Recovery Time
Managing Persistent Allergic Rhinitis Symptoms: Tips for Relief
Nasal allergy symptoms I often experience discomfort due to nasal allergies, which frequently leads to colds or respiratory issues. Although I have visited an allergy clinic and have been prescribed medication, I still feel some physical discomfort. It seems that I want to sit or...
Dr. Liao Yaopan Reply:
Hello, avoiding exposure to allergens and controlling symptoms with medication should help improve discomfort. Recently, the air quality has been poor, so it is advisable to have appropriate respiratory protection when going outside. Consulting a traditional Chinese medicine prac...[Read More] Managing Persistent Allergic Rhinitis Symptoms: Tips for Relief
Should I Monitor My Symptoms or Visit a Hospital for Gastro Issues?
I would like to consult a doctor? Two days ago, I suddenly experienced intense intestinal contractions and noticeably elevated body temperature, accompanied by some pain and diarrhea. The situation improved during the day, so I didn't seek medical attention. However, by even...
Dr. Wu Zongying Reply:
Hello: When there is significant abdominal peristalsis, several possible conditions may be present, including excessive fecal accumulation or gastrointestinal inflammation. Please try to have a bowel movement first, and increase your intake of fruits and vegetables while reducing...[Read More] Should I Monitor My Symptoms or Visit a Hospital for Gastro Issues?
Choking on Medication: When to Seek Emergency Care?
Choking on medication? If you accidentally choked while taking medication and are experiencing pain in the left side of your chest 15 minutes later, it is important to monitor your symptoms closely. The pain could be a result of irritation or inflammation in the esophagus or a po...
Dr. Wu Zongying Reply:
Hello: If you choke on water or liquid, as long as you cough it out immediately, there should be no problem. However, if it enters the trachea, there may be a risk of aspiration pneumonia. If you experience persistent chest pain, or even have fever, chills, or productive cough, i...[Read More] Choking on Medication: When to Seek Emergency Care?
How Long Can High Blood Sugar Last Before Affecting Health?
How long can persistent high blood sugar affect the body? Grandpa is a long-term diabetes patient. After being diagnosed with diabetes by a Western doctor, he continued to seek treatment at an unlicensed traditional Chinese medicine clinic for a year, believing that they could cu...
Dr. Wu Zongying Reply:
In patients with type 2 diabetes who have poorly controlled or elevated blood glucose levels, intracellular fluid shifts into the bloodstream, leading to hyperosmolarity, which can cause altered consciousness and dehydration. This condition is referred to as Hyperglycemic Hyperos...[Read More] How Long Can High Blood Sugar Last Before Affecting Health?
Which Specialist to Consult for Visible Veins and Swelling?
If the veins on the back of your hand are prominent, you should consult a vascular specialist or a dermatologist? Hello doctor, I started taking antihypertensive medication last month, and my blood pressure has decreased. However, I am not sure if it is due to my blood vessels be...
Dr. Wu Zongying Reply:
Hello: Diovan (valsartan) is a medication that inhibits angiotensin II receptors, leading to a reduction in vascular smooth muscle contraction and promoting moderate vasodilation, thereby achieving the goal of lowering blood pressure. If this medication is not suitable, it is adv...[Read More] Which Specialist to Consult for Visible Veins and Swelling?
Understanding Upper Right Back Pain: When to Seek Medical Attention
Pain in the upper right back? On December 7th, after dinner, I rested and experienced severe pain in the upper right side of my back, to the point where I couldn't move at all. The pain was so intense that I couldn't sleep at night; it came in waves and felt like sharp ...
Dr. Huang Hongshuo Reply:
Hello: This pain is accompanied by numbness and tingling, so nerve compression pain should be prioritized. Right back pain needs to rule out cholecystitis, kidney stones, and ureteral stones, followed by pancreatitis. Please visit a nearby hospital's family medicine departme...[Read More] Understanding Upper Right Back Pain: When to Seek Medical Attention
Understanding Groin Pain After Folliculitis: When to Seek Further Care
Folliculitis has caused tenderness in the groin area, but the wound has healed, and there is still tenderness in the groin? On the evening of November 9th, I discovered a large pimple-like bump on the left labia majora near the clitoris while taking a shower. I wanted to squeeze ...
Dr. Ye Qianyu Reply:
Hello! Based on your description, it is possible that an infection is causing lymphadenopathy. If there is no relief after treatment, muscle strain and hip joint issues should also be considered, and you may need to consult an orthopedic specialist.[Read More] Understanding Groin Pain After Folliculitis: When to Seek Further Care
Optimal Timing for Taking Nexium: Before Breakfast or Not?
Medication Administration and Its Effects After being hospitalized for a week due to bleeding from a duodenal ulcer, the doctor prescribed Nexium (esomeprazole) 40 mg, to be taken once daily for 28 days. Should this medication be taken before breakfast for optimal effectiveness? ...
Dr. Chen Bozhang Reply:
Hello Mr. Jin: Nexium is better absorbed when taken on an empty stomach, which means one hour before a meal or two hours after a meal. It does not necessarily have to be before breakfast; it can also be taken before lunch or dinner. If you are too busy to eat at regular times, yo...[Read More] Optimal Timing for Taking Nexium: Before Breakfast or Not?
Medication Consultation: Managing Antihistamines and Supplements Safely
Medication consultation Hello Doctor, I am currently taking the following medications: 1. Xyzal (levocetirizine dihydrochloride) 5mg, an antihistamine (*for the treatment of urticaria) → The doctor advised me to take one tablet after breakfast and one after dinner, totaling 2 t...
Dr. Wu Zongying Reply:
Hello: The first medication you are taking is an antihistamine, and it is recommended not to use it long-term once the urticaria subsides. You may also consider testing for allergens to identify what substances you are allergic to. The second medication is a female hormone therap...[Read More] Medication Consultation: Managing Antihistamines and Supplements Safely
Understanding Low Blood Pressure: Causes and Concerns in Family Medicine
Regarding the issue of low blood pressure? Hello Doctor, I would like to inquire about blood pressure issues. Both my husband and I generally have low blood pressure; when sitting, it usually measures around the 90s/60s, and at its highest, it can reach around 100s/70s, while at ...
Dr. Wu Zongying Reply:
Hello: Actually, lying flat does not lower systolic blood pressure; your dizziness may need to be considered in light of other issues. Generally speaking, if blood pressure is slightly below normal but there are no underlying heart conditions or discomfort, there is no need for c...[Read More] Understanding Low Blood Pressure: Causes and Concerns in Family Medicine
Understanding Numbness and Itching in Hands and Feet: Causes and Treatments
Numbness, itching, and tingling in the hands and feet? Initially, there was an outbreak of acute urticaria with hives appearing all over the body, and patches on the palms and soles that were very itchy. After taking medication prescribed by the hospital for urticaria, the hives ...
Dr. Chen Bozhang Reply:
Hello Ms. Hsia: You mentioned that after the appearance of acute urticaria, the rash subsided but you still experience swelling, itching, and a prickling sensation in your hands and feet. This could still be a manifestation of an allergic reaction causing vascular edema and infla...[Read More] Understanding Numbness and Itching in Hands and Feet: Causes and Treatments
Can You Safely Combine Viagra with Blood Pressure and Nexium Medications?
Do medications have interactions or produce side effects? Currently, I am taking antihypertensive medication (Cozaar 50mg) and Nexium 40mg, one tablet each daily. Can I also take Viagra or similar medications? If so, are there any potential side effects? Thank you!
Dr. Chen Bozhang Reply:
Hello! It is advisable to consult your attending physician or visit a family medicine clinic for inquiries. Thank you![Read More] Can You Safely Combine Viagra with Blood Pressure and Nexium Medications?