Other, Pharmacology FAQ

Can You Eat Grapefruit While Taking Valdoxan? Food Interactions Explained

Psychiatric medications Can I consume grapefruit or other citrus fruits while taking VALDOXAN (agomelatine)? Are there any other foods or beverages that should be avoided during the medication period?

Dr. Hou Fangmin Reply:
Hello: 1. During the medication period, avoid consuming alcohol simultaneously, as it may increase dizziness or drowsiness. Fruits such as grapefruit and pomelo do not have any interactions. 2. Regular monitoring of liver function is required during the treatment period, and test...

Is Heart Palpitation a Side Effect of Cold Medicine?

Could you please clarify if this is considered a side effect? Hello, doctor. I apologize for the inconvenience, but I have discarded my prescription. I would like to ask about a previous experience. I went to a clinic to get cold medication, and after taking the first packet, I e...

Dr. Hou Fangmin Reply:
Hello, 1. Some combination cold medications contain caffeine, antihistamines, anti-inflammatory pain relievers, medications for allergic rhinitis, and ephedrine, which is a bronchodilator. The side effects of ephedrine and bronchodilators include dizziness and irregular or rapi...

Potential Drug Interactions: Viagra with Heart Medications

Drug interactions Hello, I would like to ask the pharmacist: After having a stent placed in my heart, I have been taking Aspirin, Clopidogrel, and Lipitor for nearly a year. If I am considering taking Viagra recently, will it conflict with these medications? Thank you.

Dr. Chen Yuemei Reply:
Hello: After checking the drug interaction database, there are no drug interactions between Viagra (active ingredient: Sildenafil) and Aspirin, Clopidogrel, or Lipitor. Taking Viagra may cause temporary hearing loss or blurred vision, flushing, headache, dizziness, and cardiovasc...

Understanding Blood Pressure Medications: Bisoprolol vs. Propranolol

Medication consultation Hello, Pharmacist: I was diagnosed with hypertension over a year ago and have been taking Bisoprolol hemifumarate 2.5mg (half of a 5mg tablet) daily. I have been on this medication for more than a year (sometimes half a tablet or even less). Recently, my ...

Dr. Hou Fangmin Reply:
Hello GRACE: Bisoprolol hemifumarate: Indications 1. As a beta-blocker, it reduces heart rate and inhibits plasma renin activity. 2. For patients with angina, it decreases cardiac workload by blocking β-1 receptors in the myocardium, thereby reducing myocardial oxygen demand an...

Understanding Emergency Contraceptive Pills: Safety and Effectiveness

Emergency contraceptive pill Since last month, I have taken one and a half packs of emergency contraceptive pills, consistently and without missing any doses. Is my last menstrual period considered withdrawal bleeding? After finishing the 21 pills, can I have unprotected intercou...

Dr. Hou Fangmin Reply:
Hello Ms. Hong: The withdrawal bleeding after taking the medication is indeed your menstrual period. Since you have been taking the contraceptive pills on time and have not taken any other medications that could interact, the contraceptive effectiveness is very high, and the like...

Safe Medication Use During Pregnancy: Concerns and Recommendations

Medications during pregnancy I received your response today, and I am truly grateful and thankful. I also appreciate your suggestions, but you mentioned concerns regarding the unknown excipients in the medication, which worries me. May I ask one last question? Could you please he...

Dr. Hou Fangmin Reply:
Hello Cherry: 1. Lactose 2. Povidone K-30: Tablet binder 3. Talc: Talcum powder 4. Eudragit L: Enteric coating 5. Hydroxy Propyl Cellulose: Emulsifier 6. Tartrazine Aluminum Lake: Food yellow dye 7. Polyethylene Glycol 6000: Tablet adhesive The above ingredients are present in...

Do Sleep Medications Affect the Effectiveness of Birth Control Pills?

Drug interactions Will the sleep medication Zolpidem affect the contraceptive effectiveness of the oral contraceptive pill?

Dr. Chen Yuemei Reply:
Hello: After checking, there are no interactions between the sleep medication Zolpidem (brand name: Ambien) and the contraceptive pill containing drospirenone and ethinylestradiol. They will not have any effects on each other.

Understanding the Side Effects of Eyedrops: Concerns and Clarifications

Drug side effects Hello Director Hong, the ophthalmologist prescribed Aifermu P sterile ophthalmic solution 0.15, to be used twice daily. I would like to ask: 1) This medication is an adrenal stimulant; what long-term effects might it have on my adrenal glands? 2) Why is an eye m...

Dr. Hong Kunyi Reply:
Hello Mr. Guding: This medication is Alphagan P (Brimonidine Tartrate Ophthalmic Solution 0.15% 5ML), indicated for open-angle glaucoma or ocular hypertension. You may have some concerns regarding its mechanism of action, but when used under the guidance of an ophthalmologist, it...

Understanding the Side Effects of Eyedrops on Adrenal Health and Heart Rate

Drug side effects Hello Dr. Hong, The ophthalmologist prescribed Aifermu P sterile ophthalmic solution 0.15, to be used twice daily. I would like to ask: 1) This medication is an adrenal stimulant. What long-term effects might it have on my adrenal glands? 2) Why is an eye m...

Dr. Hong Kunyi Reply:
Hello Mr. Guding: This medication is Alphagan P (Brimonidine Tartrate Ophthalmic Solution 0.15% 5ml), indicated for open-angle glaucoma or ocular hypertension. You may have some concerns regarding its mechanism of action, but when used under the supervision of an ophthalmologist,...

Do Colchicine and Terbinafine Interact? Safety Concerns Explained

Is there an interaction between Colchicine and Terbinafine when taken orally? Due to prostate issues, I am currently undergoing treatment with Finasteride in the morning, and I am taking Terbinafine orally at noon for onychomycosis. One is an antibiotic and the other is an antifu...

Dr. Hou Fangmin Reply:
Hello Mr. Kunkun: There are no interactions found between the levofloxacin and lamisil you are taking; however, consuming certain foods like coffee may cause headaches, insomnia, diuresis, and agitation, so it is advisable to avoid coffee. Wishing you a pleasant mood.

Prescription Coverage for Nutritional Deficiencies in Taiwan

Prescription reimbursement issues with health insurance? Hello Dr. Hou, I have been experiencing long-term muscle and nerve pain in my shoulders and neck. I visited an orthopedic doctor and took anti-inflammatory medications and muscle relaxants, but they haven't been very e...

Dr. Hou Fangmin Reply:
Hello Mr. He: Vitamin B12 deficiency can occasionally occur in individuals using the diabetes medication metformin. A blood test can determine if there is a deficiency. Vegetarians are most likely to experience deficiencies in vitamins B1 and B12 due to dietary issues. If supplem...

Understanding the Interaction Between Ritalin and Sulpiride for Better Health

Litalir (Latanoprost) and Subitram (Brimonidine) Hello, I would like to ask about my experience with taking Ritalin, which has caused me severe stomach discomfort and poor appetite (I was prescribed to take 3 tablets daily). Therefore, my doctor prescribed me one tablet of Sulpir...

Dr. Liao Lingmei Reply:
Hello: Subilan is a "strong inhibitor of dopamine-like stimulating effects such as Apomorphine or Meta-Amphetamine," indicated for daily doses of 300-600 mg for psychiatric disorders. The "dopamine-like stimulating effects" work synergistically with Ritalin, w...

Can You Safely Combine Agomelatine with Metformin and Alprazolam?

Medication consultation Due to polycystic ovary syndrome, I take one Metformin 500 mg tablet every night. I also have anxiety, for which my doctor prescribed Agomelatine 25 mg tablet to be taken at bedtime, and one Alprazolam 0.5 mg tablet to be taken as needed during episodes of...

Dr. Chen Yuemei Reply:
Hello: 1. Agomelatine has no interactions with the medications you are taking and can be taken simultaneously. 2. Alprazolam needs to be absorbed through the gastrointestinal tract before it takes effect, so it will not cause immediate sedation; this medication is used to allevia...

Consultation on Anticoagulants and Vitamin E for Liver Health

Consultation on Anticoagulants and Vitamin E Hello, Pharmacist Chen. My mother is 68 years old and has a history of mild ischemic stroke. She is currently taking an anticoagulant (Pradaxa 110 mg once daily). Recently, due to high cholesterol and fatty liver, her liver enzyme leve...

Dr. Chen Yuemei Reply:
Hello: 1. One of the non-drug approved uses of vitamin E by the FDA in the United States is for "non-alcoholic fatty liver disease" (NAFLD). Some literature reports indicate that vitamin E can improve liver function tests in patients with NAFLD, and its effectiveness is...

Can Your Family Use Moisturizers While on Anticoagulants?

Anticoagulants Hello, doctor. A family member is taking anticoagulant medication due to pulmonary embolism. Recently, they have experienced dry skin with slight peeling. I would like to ask if it is safe to use lotions such as Australian sheep oil (with evening primrose oil), she...

Dr. Hou Fangmin Reply:
Hello, Xiao Qi: 1. Anticoagulant medications can be affected by herbal medicines, such as ginkgo biloba, angelica, salvia miltiorrhiza, or other herbs with blood-activating and stasis-resolving effects, which may enhance the effects of anticoagulants. On the other hand, ginseng...

Understanding Emergency Contraceptive Pills: Delayed Menstruation Concerns

Emergency contraceptive pill Your girlfriend's menstrual period started around August 11 and ended around August 18. On August 20, they had sexual intercourse (with a condom), but the condom slipped off, and it is uncertain if there was any ejaculation inside. On August 21, ...

Dr. Hong Kunyi Reply:
Hello: After discussing with the obstetrician-gynecologist at our hospital, here are a few points for your reference: (1) If emergency contraception is taken within 24 hours, the effectiveness is generally quite good. (2) Taking emergency contraception can easily cause irregular ...

Understanding High-Dose Iron Supplements: Benefits and Precautions

100 mg of iron I previously had anemia and took iron prescribed by my doctor, but after finishing the treatment, I didn't return for follow-up visits. Occasionally, when I felt unwell, I would buy over-the-counter iron supplements and took them intermittently to avoid side e...

Dr. Hou Fangmin Reply:
Hello: 1. The iron supplement you mentioned is ferrous iron. When comparing ferrous (Fe²⁺) and ferric (Fe³⁺) iron, ferrous iron has better absorption but a higher likelihood of causing gastrointestinal discomfort, and it is more affected by food (co-administration with food can...

Do Pain Relievers Affect the Efficacy of PEP Treatment?

Drug interactions I am currently taking PEP (post-exposure prophylaxis) medication, and recently I twisted my ankle and took some painkillers and anti-inflammatory medications. Will this affect the efficacy of the PEP medication?

Dr. Hou Fangmin Reply:
Hello Mr. Ze: 1. TRIUMEQ F.C. TAB (Abacavir + Dolutegravir + Lamivudine) is a combination medication that is contraindicated in the following patients: 1. Patients with the HLA-B*5701 allele should not use this medication, as there is a risk of hypersensitivity reaction, par...

Is Long-Term Use of B Vitamins Safe? Expert Opinions Explored

Can B vitamins be taken long-term? Hello, pharmacist: I would like to ask if B-complex vitamins can be taken long-term. I have consulted many different doctors, and each one has a different opinion on my supplementation of B-complex vitamins. The doctors' views on B-complex ...

Dr. Chen Yuemei Reply:
Hello: 1. According to the literature review, there are no reports on the effects or side effects of long-term use of B vitamins in healthy individuals, so opinions on long-term use vary. 2. Although B vitamins are water-soluble and not easily stored in the body, certain B vitami...

Can I Take Cold Medicine While on Blood Thinners? Key Considerations

Recently, I underwent a catheterization and took a medication called "Baoshuantong" (a traditional Chinese medicine for promoting blood circulation and removing blood stasis I would like to ask about my recent situation. I had surgery and am currently taking a medicatio...

Dr. Hou Fangmin Reply:
Mastet Sugar: 1. Hello, the medications you are taking do not have any interactions. The combination of Plavix with PPIs (proton pump inhibitors), especially Omeprazole (Losec), can significantly reduce the antithrombotic effect of Plavix by up to 47%. Even if administered 12 hou...

Previous｜Page ｜Next