FOSTAIR inhaler – TOP questions & ANSWERS
Fostair inhaler is a popular combination inhaler used in the management of asthma and COPD. In asthma, Fostair is usually recommended when a condition is not well controlled with the use of inhaled steroid and short-acting beta2-agonist (like Ventolin) or condition is controlled with two separate inhalers (corticosteroid and long-acting beta2-agonists). Patients with severe COPD are usually prescribed Fostair. In this case, Fostair is used to help manage COPD symptoms.
Esomeprazole vs Omeprazole – Which one is BETTER?
Proton pump inhibitors (PPIs) are one of the most commonly prescribed drugs. In fact, when looking at the top 15 most prescribed drugs in the UK, two PPIs made it to the top: omeprazole and lansoprazole. Although not as commonly prescribed as omeprazole, esomeprazole gained its popularity due to wide availability as over the counter medicine. Esomeprazole vs omeprazole is a review of both drugs. I will discuss various aspects concerning both medicines, such as legal classification, over the counter and prescription-only availability of both medicines and most importantly, their effectiveness. In summary, the following will be discussed: What are PPIs? Esomeprazole vs Omeprazole legal classification What is the difference…
Ibuprofen for chickenpox – can you use it? [ANSWERED]
Ibuprofen is a common medication used in the management of pain, fever, and to reduce inflammation. Alongside paracetamol (Calpol) it is one of the first medicines considered by parents when a child is ill. However, ibuprofen may not be recommended as the drug of choice in a particular group of children or to treat specific conditions. Today I answer the question: Can you use ibuprofen for chickenpox? Summary of this post: Can you use ibuprofen for chickenpox? Why can’t we use ibuprofen for chickenpox (evidence)? What are the alternative medicines for chickenpox? Management of fever in chickenpox Management of skin itch in chickenpox
9 Calpol ALTERNATIVE products for children
Calpol is probably the most well-known brand of paracetamol in liquid form for infants, toddlers and children. Calpol range of paracetamol liquid includes Calpol Infant and Calpol 6+. Today I will list Calpol alternative products, including other brands and forms of liquid paracetamol and alternative drugs. Although the intention is to find Calpol alternative products for toddlers and children, I included a few products, which have a minimum age restriction of 12 years and above. Firstly, however, I will review the composition of Calpol Infant and Calpol Six Plus to identify how much of paracetamol (main active ingredient) is present in each product. Summary of the post: What is Calpol?…
What is the best medicine for chesty cough?
Chesty cough, also known as a productive cough, is characterised by overproduction of mucus. Chesty cough can commonly be a symptom of a common cold, but also other acute conditions such as bronchitis, or long term disease, for example, Chronic Obstructive Pulmonary Disease (COPD). Mucus accompanying a chesty cough can be clear or coloured (for example, yellow). Coloured mucus may indicate a bacterial infection, especially when other symptoms are present, for example, high temperature. Patients commonly request over the counter medicines for a chesty cough. In today’s post, I will seek to find the best medicine for chesty cough by looking at over the counter and pharmacy-only products available in the…
Lidocaine patch for BACK PAIN – treatment review
Lidocaine patch (brand name: Versatis medicated plaster) is a prescription-only medication, which has limited licensed use in the UK. Lidocaine patch offers a different approach to pain management as compared to standard analgesic drugs. In this post, I will review the use of lidocaine patch for back pain. The main points covered: What is lidocaine patch? How is the lidocaine patch used? What is lidocaine? The UK licensed use of lidocaine Can you use lidocaine patch for back pain? Is lidocaine patch effective in the management of back pain? How much lidocaine patch costs? Alternative options to lidocaine patch for the treatment of back pain
Best PAIN RELIEVER for toothache
In a pharmacy, patients request a pain relief medication due to a toothache quite commonly. Seeing a dentist to investigate the cause of pain is crucial. In the meantime, the patient may consider the use of over the counter medicines to manage the pain. Although it is difficult to point out a single best pain reliever for toothache, patients may see pain reduction with any of the drugs reviewed below. A combination of two or even three different product is possible with over the counter medicines. I will discuss leading painkillers available in pharmacies for the management of a toothache. I will also list a few prescription-only drugs which can…
Calamine lotion for chickenpox skin itchiness
Calamine lotion for chickenpox is usually considered the first choice in the management of itchiness caused by varicella-zoster virus infection. Calamine lotion is cheap and widely available. In this post, I will review the use of calamine lotion for chickenpox. Summary of this post: What is calamine lotion? Is calamine lotion effective for chickenpox rush? Where to buy calamine lotion for chickenpox Is calamine lotion the best option for management of chickenpox Calamine lotion alternative products Use of antihistamines for chickenpox
Best Toenail Fungus Treatment Products
Fungal nail infection is a common condition, which usually affects toenails. The main products used for toenail fungus treatment are available in most pharmacies, supermarkets and perhaps with the best range of products found online. Topical products, which are applied directly to the infected area, are the main products used as toenail fungus treatment. I will review the best toenail fungus treatment options available over the counter in the UK. I will also look at the national guide on toenail infections (treatment approach in the NHS) and summarise the recommended treatment. Summary of the post: symptoms of fungal toenail infection toenail fungus – predisposing factors overview of the fungal nail…
Domperidone in breastfeeding | Increase milk supply
Several factors can impact breast milk supply with common factors including low frequency of breastfeeding, wrong latching by a baby, late start of breastfeeding, use of formula alongside breastfeeding and some drugs. Drug therapy to increase milk production is usually considered when insufficient milk is produced despite appropriate lactation support (Grzeskowiak et al, 2018). Today I will review the use of domperidone in breastfeeding. One of the uncommon side effects of domperidone is galactorrhoea (excessive milk production), which lead to unlicensed use of domperidone in breastfeeding to increase the production of the milk. I will review several areas considering domperidone in breastfeeding. Summary of the post: What is domperidone Can…
