Breastfeeding
DRUG SAFETY ALERT: Drugs Contraindicated in Breastfeeding
Drugs that are contraindicated in breastfeeding Amiodarone Antineoplastics Gold salts Iodine Lithium Radiopharmaceuticals Retinoids Although majority of the drugs excreted into the breastmilk are at small amounts, due to inherent vulnerability of the infant, significant adverse effects may result Read more…
Clinical Pharmacy
Drug Safety Alert: Aspirin and NSAIDs Interaction
When given with other NSAIDs, aspirin competes on similar sites on COX thereby limiting its efficacy in preventing platelet aggregation, presumably attenuating its cardioprotective effect. Increased cardiovascular events may result in concomitant use of low-dose aspirin and NSAIDs (ibuprofen & naproxen), especially when concomitantly given in prolonged periods of time (>10 days). Possible Read more…
Breastfeeding
Medications in Breastfeeding
It is recommended by most organizations worldwide to provide six months of exclusive breastfeeding for infants. However, in the Philippines, only 34% of Filipino children under six months old are being exclusively breastfed. One of the reasons why mothers discontinue Read more…
Clinical Pharmacy
Drug Interaction: Spironolactone with Potassium Supplements
Drug to drug interactions (DDIs) are a frequent problem to healthcare providers as they may produce untoward effects to their patients. The risk of DDIs increases with increasing simultaneous drug use. All DDIs are preventable medication-related issues, which when resolved may lead to improved patient care. Spironolactone is Read more…
Clinical Pharmacy
Drug Safety Alert: Clarithromycin and Cardiovascular Disease
The US Food and Drug Association (FDA) has already alerted the public about the possible harm since 2005. But until recently, specific recommendations on clarithromycin’s use has not been given. The US FDA cautions the public about the potential long-term Read more…
Did You Know?
A Review on Polycystic Ovary Syndrome (PCOS)
Polycystic ovary syndrome, also called PCOS or Stein-Leventhal syndrome is a common endocrine disorder amongst women in the childbearing stage. According to National Institutes of Health, an estimate of 4-10% of women of reproductive age suffer from PCOS. It was first described Read more…
Cosmetics
Drug Safety Alert: Products with Hydroquinone
Hydroquinone has been popularly used for decades as a bleaching agent for treating skin pigmentation, as well as freckles and age spots. However, on January 2001, the European Union (EU) banned the use of hydroquinone in cosmetics due to mid-term Read more…
Clinical Pharmacy
Paracetamol Dose
Paracetamol, the international nonproprietary name, is a commonly used antipyretic and analgesic. The usual recommended dose for adults is 500mg to 1g every 4 to 6 hours. Some regulatory agencies have capped the maximum daily dose in over-the-counter use Read more…
Did You Know?
2015 Global Adult Tobacco Survey
The Tobacco Regulation Act and the Consumers Act of the Philippines have regulated smoking by banning all tobacco advertisements and sponsorships, prohibiting smoking in public and sales to minors, and revising labelling and packaging of cigarettes. According to the Global Read more…
Clinical Pharmacy
Drug Safety Alert: Loperamide
Loperamide is a weak opioid agonist and works by slowing the movement of intestines. It is an over-the-counter (OTC) medication used to control the symptoms of diarrhea, including Travelers’ diarrhea. The maximum daily dose for adults is 8mg for OTC use, while 16mg for prescription Read more…