Impact of Antibiotics on Birth Control Pills: What You Need to Know
The effects of emergency contraceptive pills and antibiotics? I have been taking the oral contraceptive pill for five consecutive months. Today is the fourth pill of my new pack (Yaz). However, due to an upper respiratory infection, I have taken other medications, including PHENY...
Dr. Huang Huiqing Reply:
Hello Shirley, regarding your inquiry, I would like to respond as follows: 1. The YAZ® (Yasmin) you are taking contains 3 mg of drospirenone (DRSP) and 0.02 mg of ethinyl estradiol (EE), which is a combination oral contraceptive. Drug or food interactions may lead to a decrease...[Read More] Impact of Antibiotics on Birth Control Pills: What You Need to Know
Do Anti-Inflammatory Medications Affect Birth Control Effectiveness?
Does taking anti-inflammatory medication affect contraception? I recently visited the doctor due to mouth sores, and the doctor prescribed anti-inflammatory medication along with some other drugs: SMILE oral paste, DEGITON F.C. tablets, ZINC supplements, SERNVITA S.C. tablets, an...
Dr. Liao Huiling Reply:
There are no interactions between the medication you are using and the contraceptive, and it will not affect its effectiveness.[Read More] Do Anti-Inflammatory Medications Affect Birth Control Effectiveness?
Managing Medication Schedules: Tips for Antibiotic Timing
Medication concepts Hello, I would like to ask about a recent visit to the clinic due to pneumonia. The doctor prescribed antibiotics and other medications for three days, but I need to take them four times a day. Since I cannot have dinner early, if I take the evening dose at 7 ...
Dr. Hou Fangmin Reply:
Hello Mr. Shui Si: Taking medication four times a day means taking it every 6 hours to maintain the concentration in the blood and achieve better results. Therefore, please try to space your daytime medications at intervals of 6 hours as much as possible. Taking the medication be...[Read More] Managing Medication Schedules: Tips for Antibiotic Timing
Understanding Allergy Eye Drops: Emedastine Difumarate and Its Effects
Medication consultation Hello Doctor, I recently treated my conjunctivitis with steroid eye drops for about two weeks, and I have completed the treatment. However, I have a history of eye allergies and the doctor prescribed me an allergy eye drop. I would like to ask about the ac...
Dr. Hong Kunyi Reply:
Hello, Miss: Regarding your inquiries: 1. Emadine (active ingredient: Emedastine Difumarate 2.5mg/5ml/bottle) is steroid-free. 2. In a clinical study lasting 42 days, the most common side effect was headache (11%), while other side effects such as vivid dreams, fatigue, altered t...[Read More] Understanding Allergy Eye Drops: Emedastine Difumarate and Its Effects
Drug Interactions: Cinolone 250mg, Clomid, and Estromon Explained
The drug interactions between Cinolone 250mg, Clomid (Clomiphene Citrate), and Estromon (Estrone) should be carefully considered. Cinolone, a corticosteroid, may potentially affect the metabolism of Clomid, which is used to induce ovulation. Additionally, Estromon, an estrogen su...
Dr. Liao Huiling Reply:
After investigation, there are no interaction issues with the concurrent use of Cinolone 250mg, Clomid, and Estromon.[Read More] Drug Interactions: Cinolone 250mg, Clomid, and Estromon Explained
Understanding STD Screening: Accuracy and Options Beyond HIV and Syphilis
Screening for sexually transmitted infections (STIs) Hello, doctor. I apologize for the interruption. My partner and I underwent government-subsidized testing for HIV and syphilis, but we are still concerned about other sexually transmitted infections (STIs). The information I fo...
Dr. Huang Shenggang Reply:
Hello Sean: Thank you for your inquiry. Regarding HIV testing, you can refer to the list of certified testing sites announced by the Centers for Disease Control. This includes the 2019 one-stop anonymous rapid HIV testing, the 2019 list of hospitals offering anonymous testing, th...[Read More] Understanding STD Screening: Accuracy and Options Beyond HIV and Syphilis
Understanding Medication-Induced Urinary Difficulties and Their Impact
Urinary difficulties caused by medications? Hello, Director Hong. In the past, I took SNRI medication (Cymbalta) for 3 to 4 years. After gradually tapering off this year, I noticed that I experienced frequent urination before bedtime. After stopping the medication, my condition f...
Dr. Hong Kunyi Reply:
Hello, sir: 1. Duloxetine: Common side effects include nausea, dry mouth, drowsiness, constipation, decreased appetite, and excessive sweating. In terms of renal and urinary system effects, frequent urination is more common. 2. Sertraline: Common side effects include fatigue,...[Read More] Understanding Medication-Induced Urinary Difficulties and Their Impact
Comparing Pantoprazole and Dexlansoprazole Effects on Clopidogrel Efficacy
Concerns about the inhibition of Clopidogrel by gastric medications? While taking the dual antiplatelet therapy of Aspirin and Clopidogrel, I experienced gastrointestinal discomfort and underwent an endoscopy. Since some proton pump inhibitors (PPIs) can inhibit the activity of C...
Dr. Hou Fangmin Reply:
Dear Ms. Lee, 1. The combination of Clopidogrel with Omeprazole or Esomeprazole does indeed reduce the levels of active metabolites of Clopidogrel in the bloodstream, leading to an increased risk of cardiovascular events. The U.S. FDA directly recommends avoiding this combinatio...[Read More] Comparing Pantoprazole and Dexlansoprazole Effects on Clopidogrel Efficacy
Can Clopidogrel and Finasteride Be Taken Together Safely?
Cardiac drug interactions Clopidogrel is an antiplatelet medication used to prevent blood clots, while finasteride is primarily used to treat conditions like benign prostatic hyperplasia and male pattern baldness. There are no known significant drug interactions between clopidogr...
Dr. Hong Kunyi Reply:
Hello, sir: 1. The indication for Clopidogrel (Plavix) is to reduce the occurrence of atherothrombotic events (such as myocardial infarction, stroke, or other vascular-related deaths) in patients with atherosclerotic disease who are at high risk for recent stroke, myocardial in...[Read More] Can Clopidogrel and Finasteride Be Taken Together Safely?
Alternatives to Muscle Relaxants for Treating TMJ Disorders
Regarding muscle relaxants? Hello, doctor. I have temporomandibular joint disorder and haven't seen a doctor yet. I've heard that muscle relaxants can help alleviate the symptoms, but I have panic disorder and am very fearful of taking medications, especially those with...
Dr. Liao Lingmei Reply:
Hello: Muscle relaxants are prescription medications, and your physician should have assessed your treatment options before prescribing them. As a pharmacist, I recommend that you follow your doctor's guidance to treat and improve your condition. Not every patient taking mus...[Read More] Alternatives to Muscle Relaxants for Treating TMJ Disorders
Safe Cold Medications During Pregnancy: What You Need to Know
Cold medications 1. Panadol contains Acetaminophen (also known as Paracetamol). 2. Medicon 30 contains Dextromethorphan HBr. 3. Iwell contains Aluminum. 4. Bisolvon 8mg contains Bromhexine HCl. 5. Incidal 50mg contains Mebhydroline. 6. Pseudoephedrine contains Pseudoeph...
Dr. Hou Fangmin Reply:
Hello Andrea: It is important to be particularly cautious when taking medication during pregnancy. The medications you are taking, such as the cough suppressant Medicon, the decongestant pseudoephedrine, and the cough medicine BMS, are classified as pregnancy category C. The othe...[Read More] Safe Cold Medications During Pregnancy: What You Need to Know
Drug Interactions: Oral Contraceptives and Coenzyme Q10 Supplements
Drug Interactions - Oral Contraceptives and Coenzyme Q10 Collagen Complex Nutritional Tablets Hello, Pharmacist Chen. I have been taking Bayer's Yasmin for many years due to irregular menstrual cycles. Recently, I am considering adding a nutritional supplement, but I am unsu...
Dr. Chen Yuemei Reply:
Hello: According to the database, the medication Yejih (active ingredients: drospirenone and ethinyl estradiol) has a moderate interaction with caffeine found in food, which may increase central nervous system stimulation. There are no other related reports.[Read More] Drug Interactions: Oral Contraceptives and Coenzyme Q10 Supplements
How Long After Using Rhododendron Acid Can You Wash It Off?
Rhododendron acid How long after using azalea acid can it be washed off?
Dr. Liao Lingmei Reply:
Hello: Unless specifically instructed by a physician to wash off after applying for a certain number of minutes, or if using a wash-off formulation (such as foaming cleansers, facial washes, or cleansing gels), other topical preparations like creams, lotions, or aqueous formulati...[Read More] How Long After Using Rhododendron Acid Can You Wash It Off?
Can You Take Vitamin E and Iron Together? Expert Advice on Supplements
Medication issues Can vitamin E and iron supplements be taken together? If I am taking Estromon and Tren capsules, can I also take vitamin E, iron supplements, vitamin C, and fish oil together? If not, what is the recommended time interval? Will there be any interactions? Can the...
Dr. Chen Yuemei Reply:
Hello: After checking the database, there are no interactions between the medications and dietary supplements you are taking. Regarding the administration, iron supplements are generally recommended to be taken on an empty stomach for better absorption. However, since iron supple...[Read More] Can You Take Vitamin E and Iron Together? Expert Advice on Supplements
Understanding Estromon FC and Tren Capsules: Hormonal Effects and Menstrual Impact
Medication consultation The doctor prescribed Estromon FC tablets and tren capsules (hormonal and hemostatic) because after taking RU486, there was still some blood or tissue in the uterus. Estromon is classified as a Category X medication. Can you explain whether the mechanism o...
Dr. Chen Yuemei Reply:
Hello: Estromon contains combined estrogen, which is a type of female hormone that strengthens blood vessel walls and promotes blood coagulation to achieve hemostasis, and it does not cause endometrial hyperplasia or shedding. On the other hand, RU486 is responsible for uterine b...[Read More] Understanding Estromon FC and Tren Capsules: Hormonal Effects and Menstrual Impact
Effects of Emergency Contraceptive Pills on Men: What You Need to Know
Emergency contraceptive pill If a male takes emergency contraceptive pills, it is unlikely to have any significant effects, as these medications are designed for use by females to prevent pregnancy after unprotected intercourse. The active ingredients in emergency contraceptive p...
Dr. Hong Kunyi Reply:
Hello: If a male accidentally ingests an emergency contraceptive pill, which contains a high dose of progestin, it is generally not a cause for concern. However, common side effects may include dizziness, headache, nausea, vomiting, abdominal pain, fatigue, muscle aches, and back...[Read More] Effects of Emergency Contraceptive Pills on Men: What You Need to Know
Understanding Drug Interactions: Safety Tips for Chronic Medication Users
Drug interactions Hello, we recently purchased Xunli Ning for our parents to take, but since both of them are on some chronic medications, we are concerned about the possibility of drug interactions. Here are the medications and supplements they are currently taking: 1. My fath...
Dr. Liao Lingmei Reply:
Hello: After reviewing the aforementioned medications, dietary supplements, and nutritional products (Rosuvastatin, Loratadine/Loratadine+Pseudoephedrine, Cyproheptadine, Azathioprine, Ginkgo biloba, Fish oil, Calcium, Multi-vitamin, Lutein, Anthocyanin, Baraclude), no reports of...[Read More] Understanding Drug Interactions: Safety Tips for Chronic Medication Users
Understanding Birth Control Side Effects: From Acne to Hives
Drug side effects Hello, I was originally prescribed the oral contraceptive pill Qlaira by my obstetrician-gynecologist to regulate my menstrual cycle. I have been taking it for three months, but due to numerous side effects (e.g., severe acne, nausea, water retention, and intens...
Dr. Hou Fangmin Reply:
Hello Ms. Mi: Yasmin is a medication that contains 21 light yellow hormone-containing tablets, each containing 3 mg of drospirenone and 0.02 mg of ethinylestradiol. The side effects may include erythema multiforme, breast pain, migraine, chloasma, rash, toxic skin reactions, na...[Read More] Understanding Birth Control Side Effects: From Acne to Hives
Safe Dosage and Side Effects of Propranolol for Children with Arrhythmia
Pediatric cardiac medications Hello, Pharmacist Liao. My son is 6 years old and weighs 20 kg. He was diagnosed with arrhythmia (premature ventricular contractions and supraventricular tachycardia) at the beginning of August this year. He has been taking propranolol 0.5 mg four ti...
Dr. Liao Lingmei Reply:
Hello: In cases of pediatric arrhythmia, the dosage of propranolol is calculated based on a weight of 20 kg. The initial treatment dose is generally 10 mg/day, and the maintenance dose can be increased by 20 mg/day every 3-4 days, reaching a maximum dose of 60 to even 80 mg/day. ...[Read More] Safe Dosage and Side Effects of Propranolol for Children with Arrhythmia
Can You Take Sporanox with Liver Supplements? Important Drug Interaction Insights
Medication Consultation: Can Sporanox be taken together with dietary supplements? I have been taking liver supplements regularly after breakfast and lunch. Recently, after visiting a dermatologist, the doctor prescribed Sporanox. Since it may affect the liver, I do not plan to ta...
Dr. Liao Lingmei Reply:
Hello: Sporanox may inhibit the liver's metabolism of certain medications, and its efficacy may also be reduced when taken with grapefruit juice. Please consult a pharmacist to confirm that any "liver health supplements" do not contain lipid-lowering agents or ingr...[Read More] Can You Take Sporanox with Liver Supplements? Important Drug Interaction Insights