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:
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 Antibiotics and Sulfonamides
Antibiotics and sulfonamides Hello, Dr. Liu: 1. What are the differences between antibiotics and sulfonamides? Why are these two categories distinguished? 2. I was prescribed co-trimoxazole 400 mg for acute urinary tract infection, but it doesn't seem to be very effective. ...
Dr. Liu Huiya Reply:
Hello, A-Jie; 1. The term used for drugs that combat microorganisms is broadly referred to as antimicrobial agents, commonly known as "antibiotics." With the continuous development of new drugs, many categories of medications have emerged. Sulfonamides are among the ea...[Read More] Understanding the Differences Between Antibiotics and Sulfonamides
New Medications for Migraine: Can They Provide a Cure?
Migraine Hello, Pharmacist Liao: Is there a new medication available for treating migraines that can provide a cure? An ENT doctor mentioned a specific type of medication to me. Thank you for your assistance.
Dr. Liao Lingmei Reply:
Dear headache sufferers: The new medication for migraine is Imitrex, which is generically known as Sumatriptan. It was launched by the British pharmaceutical company Glaxo Wellcome. Currently, it is available in three forms: oral tablets, nasal spray, and injectable solution, tho...[Read More] New Medications for Migraine: Can They Provide a Cure?
Understanding Dizziness: Is It a Side Effect of Your Medications?
Dizziness? Hello, I visited a psychiatrist on June 7th and took one pill each of Stilnox and Calmday before bed that night. On the morning of June 8th, I took one pill of Prozac and felt very dizzy all morning, as if I were drunk, until around noon when I started to feel a bit be...
Dr. Liu Huiya Reply:
Dear Cawaei, The medications you take before bedtime, Stilnox and Calmday, are a short-acting hypnotic and a long-acting anxiolytic, respectively. The symptoms you are experiencing, such as "feeling dizzy all morning, as if drunk, until around noon," are likely due to ...[Read More] Understanding Dizziness: Is It a Side Effect of Your Medications?
Managing Long-Term Medication for Chronic Rhinitis: A Patient's Journey
Regarding the long-term use of medications for controlling rhinitis? I have actually been taking medication for seven to eight years. Whenever the medication is not strong enough, I experience pain in my throat. I have switched doctors and hospitals many times; whenever the medic...
Dr. Peng Quanguo Reply:
This issue has been replied to via email.[Read More] Managing Long-Term Medication for Chronic Rhinitis: A Patient's Journey
Managing Severe Constipation During Early Pregnancy: Safe Medication Options
Constipation during pregnancy? I am currently 6 weeks pregnant and have had severe constipation even before pregnancy. I have been taking Dulcolax for a long time. Will this affect the fetus? Now that I am in the early stages of pregnancy, my constipation is still very severe. I ...
Dr. Wu Huiling Reply:
Hello! Most pregnant women experience constipation due to hormonal changes that weaken gastrointestinal motility, prolong gastric emptying time, and increase the duration food remains in the intestines. This leads to increased water absorption in the colon, resulting in harder st...[Read More] Managing Severe Constipation During Early Pregnancy: Safe Medication Options
Herbal Remedies for Breastfeeding Moms: Boosting Milk Supply Safely
Which Chinese herbs are suitable for breastfeeding mothers? Hello, I am a breastfeeding mother. Recently, I have been feeling weaker and my milk supply has decreased. What traditional Chinese medicine can help increase milk production? I heard that Tongcao is effective. I bought ...
Dr. Cai Yixian Reply:
Hello, Miss Longma! The reason you frequently need to use the restroom after consuming the herbal chicken soup is due to the diuretic effect of the herb Tongcao. In traditional Chinese medicine literature, there is a recipe for pig trotter soup, which includes pig trotters and To...[Read More] Herbal Remedies for Breastfeeding Moms: Boosting Milk Supply Safely
Do Blood Pressure Medications Cause Coughing Side Effects?
Are there any side effects of coughing? Could you please tell me if any of the following medications that my mother has been taking for hypertension—Norvasc, ZesTRIL, or Natrilix SR—can cause a cough? Thank you.
Dr. Zhang Jinteng Reply:
Hello, in response to your question: The medication Zestril, which is an ACE inhibitor for your mother's hypertension, has a side effect of causing cough. You can inform the doctor about your mother's situation, and the doctor may switch her to another medication with f...[Read More] Do Blood Pressure Medications Cause Coughing Side Effects?
Is Aspirin Safe for Newborns? Understanding Risks and Recommendations
The use of aspirin in newborns is not considered safe? Dear Pharmacist, My daughter, who is not yet one month old, was taken to Clinic A for a consultation, where the doctor diagnosed her with a cold and fever, prescribing Nicotinamide and Aspirin. The medication is to be taken ...
Dr. Hou Fangmin Reply:
Hello: 1. Definition of Fever: * Rectal temperature (or ear temperature) exceeding 38°C or axillary temperature exceeding 37°C. * Axillary temperature is the lowest, while rectal temperature is the highest. Axillary temperature is 1°C lower than rectal (or ear) temperature, a...[Read More] Is Aspirin Safe for Newborns? Understanding Risks and Recommendations
Does Zyrtec Contain Steroids? Understanding Its Effects and Safety
Does the skin medication contain steroids? Does the medication Zyrtec (cetirizine hydrochloride 10mg) contain steroids and what are its side effects? I have hypothyroidism and take Eltroxin 100mcg once daily, so I have concerns about my body's metabolism and whether taking t...
Dr. Hou Fangmin Reply:
Hello; Zyrtec is an H1 receptor antagonist that rapidly inhibits both endogenous and exogenous histamine, reducing the excessive response to histamine in asthma patients and alleviating hypersensitivity reactions caused by specific allergens. At effective doses, this medication d...[Read More] Does Zyrtec Contain Steroids? Understanding Its Effects and Safety
Can G6PD Deficiency Patients Take Vitamin C? Risks and Dietary Tips
Favism, also known as fava bean disease, is a genetic disorder characterized by a deficiency of the enzyme glucose-6-phosphate dehydrogen Hello, pharmacist. Can patients with favism completely avoid taking vitamin C? What would happen if they did take it? Is it sufficient for pat...
Dr. Zhang Jinteng Reply:
Hello, in response to your question: "Glucose-6-phosphate dehydrogenase deficiency" (G6PD deficiency), also known as favism, is a congenital disorder. Patients with this condition lack an enzyme called glucose-6-phosphate dehydrogenase in their red blood cells, making t...[Read More] Can G6PD Deficiency Patients Take Vitamin C? Risks and Dietary Tips
Does Topical Retinoic Acid Affect Early Pregnancy and Fetal Development?
Will the use of topical retinoic acid affect the fetus during early pregnancy? Topical retinoic acid (A acid) may have potential effects on a developing fetus during early pregnancy. It is generally advised that pregnant women avoid using retinoids due to the risk of teratogenic ...
Dr. Wu Huiling Reply:
Hello! The medication classification for pregnant women is based on the pregnancy and embryotoxicity categories established by the U.S. Food and Drug Administration (FDA): Category A: Controlled studies in pregnant women during the first trimester (the first three months) have ...[Read More] Does Topical Retinoic Acid Affect Early Pregnancy and Fetal Development?
Everything You Need to Know About Transderm Scop for Motion Sickness
TRANSDERM SCOP is a transdermal patch that contains scopolamine, which is used to prevent nausea and vomiting associated with motion sickness and recovery from Hello, I heard about a medication called TRANSDERM SCOP (SCOPOLAMINE) that can treat motion sickness, which is applied b...
Dr. Wu Huiling Reply:
Hello! Scopoderm TTS (as shown in the attached image) is a transdermal therapeutic system that releases scopolamine through the skin into the bloodstream. Each patch can be used for 3 days, delivering a total of 0.5 mg. It is used to prevent nausea, vomiting, and dizziness caused...[Read More] Everything You Need to Know About Transderm Scop for Motion Sickness
Concerns About Medication Side Effects for Herniated Disc Pain Relief
Please provide the names of the medications you would like to inquire about? I have a herniated disc that has caused a lot of pain. I am currently taking the following medications and would like to know if there will be any side effects. I am taking Purfen (F.C. TAB 400 mg) three...
Dr. Zheng Yizhan Reply:
Hello, I am Pharmacist Zheng: In your message, you mentioned that you are experiencing significant pain due to a herniated disc and are taking the following two medications: 1. PURFEN F.C. TAB 400G, three tablets with each meal... but the pain does not decrease... 2. STICINE TAB ...[Read More] Concerns About Medication Side Effects for Herniated Disc Pain Relief
Understanding Antimicrobials: Their Role in Skincare Products
What is a bacteriostatic agent? Hello Dr. Cheng: I would like to ask what is an antimicrobial agent? Why do most skincare products contain antimicrobial agents? Are skincare products with antimicrobial agents less beneficial for the skin? Is long-term use safe, or could there be ...
Dr. Zheng Yizhan Reply:
Hello, Miss Xiao Jun: I am Pharmacist Zheng, and my understanding of skincare products is limited. In school, I learned about the preparation processes of suspensions, emulsions, gels, creams, and ointments. Therefore, when you inquire about preservatives, it generally refers to ...[Read More] Understanding Antimicrobials: Their Role in Skincare Products
How to Determine the Expiration and Shelf Life of Medications
How to determine the shelf life and expiration date of medications? 1. My father brought home a tube of CORTIMYCIN ointment (manufactured by Syntex) from the hospital, which has been unopened for over a year. Since the hospital removed the outer packaging when placing it in the m...
Dr. Lai Shuyi Reply:
1. When the public picks up medication at the hospital, if they are unable to identify or determine the expiration date and usage period of the medication, they can consult a pharmacist. 2. Unused medications should be removed from their packaging and flushed down the toilet; the...[Read More] How to Determine the Expiration and Shelf Life of Medications
Understanding Medication Side Effects: Are You Sick or Just Adjusting?
Is it hard to tell if I'm sick? Doctor: I am currently being treated for depression. The doctor just switched my medication and added a new one... I am currently taking: Wellbutrin 150 mg (just switched medications less than a week ago) and Stilnox 20 mg (increased from one ...
Dr. Hou Fangmin Reply:
Hello; I understand your anxiety. Wellbutrin is used to treat depression and nicotine dependence, and it can also serve as an aid for smoking cessation. Its side effects can vary from person to person and may include chest pain, weakness, dizziness, dry mouth, nausea, and vomitin...[Read More] Understanding Medication Side Effects: Are You Sick or Just Adjusting?
Understanding the Key Differences Between Wellbutrin and Effexor
Questions about psychiatric medications? Sure! The main difference between Wellbutrin (bupropion) and Effexor (venlafaxine) lies in their mechanisms of action and the conditions they are typically prescribed for. Wellbutrin is primarily a norepinephrine-dopamine reuptake inhibi...
Dr. Liu Huiya Reply:
Dear Mimi, Wellbutrin and Efexor are both classified as antidepressants. However, they target different aspects and locations within the central nervous system (the brain), leading to some differences in their effects. The main differences between the two are: 1. Wellbutrin is ...[Read More] Understanding the Key Differences Between Wellbutrin and Effexor
Understanding Epilon and Biotase: Uses, Side Effects, and Continuation of Treatment
excuse me? Epilon and Biotase are oral medications primarily used for gastrointestinal conditions. Epilon is often used to manage symptoms related to irritable bowel syndrome (IBS) and other digestive disorders, while Biotase is typically used as a digestive enzyme supplement to ...
Dr. Hou Fangmin Reply:
Hello: Biotase is used for loss of appetite, indigestion, and digestive enzyme deficiency. Epilon is also a medication for the digestive system. If there is improvement in the gastrointestinal condition, it may not be necessary to continue taking the medication after a period of ...[Read More] Understanding Epilon and Biotase: Uses, Side Effects, and Continuation of Treatment
Understanding Side Effects of Psychiatric Medications: A Guide
Psychiatric medications Dear Pharmacist, I would like to ask if taking Efexor and Lorazepam could cause constipation as I have been experiencing it. Additionally, does the injection of Ativan have significant side effects? Is it typically administered in severe cases? Furthermor...
Dr. Liu Huiya Reply:
Dear Mini, 1. Among the two medications, Efexor and lorazepam, only Efexor has been reported to have gastrointestinal side effects during studies, with a nausea incidence rate of 30-35% (compared to 9-12% for placebo), followed by constipation at 8-10% (compared to 4-5% for pla...[Read More] Understanding Side Effects of Psychiatric Medications: A Guide