Safe Medications for Pregnant Women: What You Need to Know
Medications during pregnancy: I would like to know if these medications are safe for use by pregnant women? Hello, I am currently 12 weeks and 4 days pregnant. I accidentally caught a cold and have seen a doctor, but I still feel anxious and uncertain about whether these medicati...
Dr. Liao Huiling Reply:
Among the five medications you inquired about, only ACETAMINOPHEN is classified as Pregnancy Category B, while the other medications are classified as Pregnancy Category C. The explanations for the pregnancy categories are as follows: Category A: No evidence of risk to the fetus...[Read More] Safe Medications for Pregnant Women: What You Need to Know
Understanding Pradaxa: Dosage and Mechanism for Atrial Fibrillation Treatment
Anticoagulant Consultation Hello, Pharmacist Liao. My mother has an issue with atrial fibrillation, and in addition to the medications for treating atrial fibrillation, her primary physician has prescribed Pradaxa (dabigatran etexilate) 110 mg. From the information I have gathere...
Dr. Liao Lingmei Reply:
Hello: The medication is formulated with dabigatran etexilate, which is converted in the body by relevant esterases into the active drug dabigatran after administration. There is no need to worry about whether it is necessary to enhance its effects with specific foods or medicati...[Read More] Understanding Pradaxa: Dosage and Mechanism for Atrial Fibrillation Treatment
Concerns and Controversies Surrounding Seroquel: A Patient's Inquiry
Concerns regarding the medication Silvex? I have symptoms of anxiety and insomnia, and my psychiatrist prescribed me Seroquel. I did some research online and found some controversial side effects and related lawsuits that I don't understand. On September 29, 2009, AstraZenec...
Dr. Liu Huiya Reply:
You mentioned events related to Silenor, and I apologize for not being able to verify each one individually. However, if Silenor is prescribed by a qualified physician and used according to the indications approved by the FDA in the United States or the Taiwan Food and Drug Admin...[Read More] Concerns and Controversies Surrounding Seroquel: A Patient's Inquiry
Exploring Mucaine: Uses Beyond Acid Relief in Gastrointestinal Disorders
Medication consultation Mucaine is primarily used to relieve excessive stomach acid, but it is also applicable in the treatment of conditions such as gastritis and peptic ulcers.
Dr. Liao Lingmei Reply:
Hello: Mucaine is currently approved for the treatment of gastric pain and heartburn caused by excessive gastric acid. In addition to common antacid components such as aluminum hydroxide or magnesium oxide, it also contains Oxethazaine. When aluminum hydroxide or magnesium oxide ...[Read More] Exploring Mucaine: Uses Beyond Acid Relief in Gastrointestinal Disorders
Understanding the Side Effects of Betamethasone Cream Usage
Topical ointment Hello, doctor. I would like to ask what happens if I apply too much topical ointment (Betamethasone) or what side effects it may have. Thank you for your response.
Dr. Hou Fangmin Reply:
Hello Xiaoquan, I apologize for the delayed response as I just saw your email today; it ended up in my spam folder. I only noticed it while replying to another inquiry. You are correct that Betamethasone is a corticosteroid, which is an essential medication for treating atopic ...[Read More] Understanding the Side Effects of Betamethasone Cream Usage
Concerns About Taking Stomach Medication During Early Pregnancy
I didn't know I was pregnant and took stomach medication? Hello Dr. Hou, I am currently five weeks pregnant. A few days ago, I experienced stomach pain and unknowingly took three tablets of an over-the-counter antacid. I am very concerned about the potential effects on the f...
Dr. Hou Fangmin Reply:
Hello: The following are the pregnancy categories for medications: Category A: No risk of teratogenicity; these are safe drugs that have been studied in controlled trials in humans, with the lowest potential for fetal harm. Category B: Animal studies have shown no risk to the...[Read More] Concerns About Taking Stomach Medication During Early Pregnancy
Understanding Drug Interactions: Your Questions Answered
Medication Consultation 1. On July 20, I underwent surgery on my toe and took Panadol 500 mg (for 3 days). 2. On July 24, feeling a foreign body sensation in my throat, I visited a nearby clinic where the doctor prescribed me medication for post-nasal drip (for 3 days): Voltaren...
Dr. Liao Lingmei Reply:
Hello: If you have been following the doctor's instructions regarding medication, you should have completed the course of Panadol, and there should be no concerns about drug interactions with other medications. Voltaren SR is an anti-inflammatory pain reliever, Cabidrin is u...[Read More] Understanding Drug Interactions: Your Questions Answered
Can I Take Cephalexin After Using Mycomb Cream?
I am currently taking cephalexin, but I have previously used Mycomb? I would like to ask if it's safe for me to take cephalexin 500mg, which my clinic physician prescribed for me to take four times a day. Last week, I had a different hospital apply Meikang ointment in my ear...
Dr. Hou Fangmin Reply:
Hello: Meikang Ointment contains Nystatin ……………………………… 100,000 units Neomycin (as sulfate)……………… 2.5 mg Gramicidin……………………………… 0.25 mg Triamcinolone acetonide……………… 1.0 mg This ointment has four different pharmacological effects: anti-inflammatory, antipruritic, antiba...[Read More] Can I Take Cephalexin After Using Mycomb Cream?
Can You Use Acne Cream and Scar Gel Together?
Can acne medication be used simultaneously with scar ointment? I have two medications, one is "Simei" cream (Azelaic Acid), and the other is a commonly available scar gel called "Hynov." I feel that Azelaic Acid is not very effective for scar treatment, so I w...
Dr. Liao Huiling Reply:
Regarding your inquiry, I am unable to answer your question as I do not know the specifics of your skin issue. I recommend consulting a dermatologist for a professional diagnosis before determining the appropriate treatment.[Read More] Can You Use Acne Cream and Scar Gel Together?
Impact of Taking Cold Medicine on Fetus During Early Pregnancy
Taking cold medicine, specifically Johnson & Johnson's P.P.C. Cap. capsules, during the second month of pregnancy may have potential effects on the fetus. It is essential to consult with a healthcare professional to assess the risks and benefits, as well as to explore sa...
Dr. Chen Jianfang Reply:
Hello, Xiao Lu: Upon reviewing the medication information you provided and consulting the database (MicroMedex) regarding the FDA pregnancy safety categories of the mentioned drug components, I found that Acetaminophen is classified as Category C, Ethoxybenzamide has no availabl...[Read More] Impact of Taking Cold Medicine on Fetus During Early Pregnancy
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:
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
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:
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
Managing Withdrawal Symptoms After Stopping Imovane: What You Need to Know
What is the issue with discontinuing medication? I have been taking Imovane (zopiclone) for over a year. I gradually reduced my dosage from one pill to half a pill, and now I have stopped taking it completely. I am experiencing sudden muscle spasms, which I understand is withdraw...
Dr. Gu Zhenting Reply:
1. Sleep medications are merely a necessary method to control sleep; if one can sleep well, there is no need to continue taking them. 2. Generally, tapering off medication requires a period of gradual reduction in both dosage and frequency. 3. There are many factors that infl...[Read More] Managing Withdrawal Symptoms After Stopping Imovane: What You Need to Know
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:
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
Understanding Tamiflu: Side Effects and Liver Function Concerns
Regarding avian influenza? Recently, I experienced sudden fever, body aches, fatigue, along with some coughing and vomiting. Therefore, the doctor prescribed a five-day course of antiviral medication for influenza, which I must complete; otherwise, it could lead to drug resistanc...
Dr. Hu Limin Reply:
According to the medication insert for Tamiflu® (oseltamivir), the most commonly reported adverse drug reactions (ADRs) in treatment studies involving adults and adolescents are nausea, vomiting, and headache. Most of these ADRs are single events that occur on the first or second...[Read More] Understanding Tamiflu: Side Effects and Liver Function Concerns
Understanding Drug Interactions: Sleep Aids, Antidepressants, and Vitamins
I would like to inquire about sleeping pills, antidepressants, and vitamins? Hello Doctor, I am currently taking the following medications and would like to ask if there are any potential interactions or precautions I should be aware of: 1. Stinous Extended Release Tablet 6.25mg ...
Dr. Liao Lingmei Reply:
Hello: The two medications provided above do not have any interactions with each other. However, there are some important points to note: 1. Food decreases the blood concentration of Stinose extended-release tablets; 2. Food delays the peak time of Mirtazapine tablets; 3. Smoking...[Read More] Understanding Drug Interactions: Sleep Aids, Antidepressants, and Vitamins
Understanding the Temporary Side Effects of Laboring Medication
Side effects of Lornoxicam? Is the shoulder pain caused by Lornoxicam less than 1% and only temporary? I have taken it twice so far, as I need to take this medication long-term.
Dr. Chen Yuemei Reply:
Hello: Are you experiencing shoulder pain after taking Etodolac? There is very little literature regarding shoulder pain as a side effect of this medication; I found only two articles mentioning shoulder pain as a side effect. One article noted shoulder pain after more than two m...[Read More] Understanding the Temporary Side Effects of Laboring Medication
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:
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:
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?
Understanding the Need for Rivotril: Side Effects of Psychiatric Medications
Medication issues I am taking psychiatric medications and would like to ask why I need to use Rivotril if I do not have epilepsy. Is it due to the side effects of other medications? The medications I am using include Binin, Ubiquinone, Allegra, Rivotril, and Clozaril.
Dr. Chen Yuemei Reply:
Hello: Rivotril (active ingredient Clonazepam) is used not only for the treatment of epilepsy but also for its anxiolytic effects. This medication is commonly prescribed in psychiatry and is not prescribed to treat side effects caused by other medications.[Read More] Understanding the Need for Rivotril: Side Effects of Psychiatric Medications