URTI
Cough and Cold symptoms management updates
As a community pharmacist, you should always be aware of the latest developments in the treatment of coughs and colds. This year’s spike in respiratory viruses will have patients asking which OTC to take for cough and cold symptoms. Continue to emphasize nondrug options like fluids, cool-mist humidifiers, ice chips for sore throat,…
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URTI
OTC cough medications
As a community pharmacist, patients will ask you how to manage acute cough due to the common cold. There still isn't good evidence for or against using OTC or prescribed medications for acute cough due to a cold. But patients often want to take something. So continue to suggest trying nondrug options first: fluids, cool-mist humidifiers, etc... …
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Pregnancy and Breastfeeding
Help mothers with common breastfeeding problems
One in three moms who start breastfeeding will stop within 2 weeks. So, what will you do as A community pharmacist to support breastfeeding? ㅡ Work as a team to help women with common breastfeeding concerns... Sore or cracked nipples are often due to technique problems and usually get better once technique is corrected. Offer help if needed or suggest seeing a…
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Pregnancy and Breastfeeding
Analgesics during pregnancy and lactation
Analgesics during pregnancy ㅡ Acetaminophen ( Panadol, Novaldol ) is analgesic drug of choice for pain during pregnancy (Pregnancy category B). See, figure-1-FDA pregnancy categories prior to 2014 . Figure (1) FDA pregnancy categories. Non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drugs (NSAIDs) …
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Pregnancy and Breastfeeding
Gastrointestinal agents during pregnancy and breastfeeding
FDA pregnancy categories prior to 2014, figure (1) . Gastroesophageal reflux disease (GERD) occurs in up to 80%, of pregnancies and peaks in the third trimester. The exact mechanism and pathogenesis of this condition associated with pregnancy is likely multifactorial ( table 1 ) . Figure (1) FDA pregnan…
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Pregnancy and Breastfeeding
OTC options for treating gastrointestinal issues in pregnancy
PREGNANT WOMEN WILL ASK THE PHARMACIST about OTCs for GI complaints. We know nausea and vomiting in pregnancy is common. But be ready to help manage other GI problems if nondrug measures aren't enough. HEARTBURN ― Suggest an antacid with calcium first or one with aluminum/magnesium ( Maalox , etc) . These are considered safe at labeled doses, work quickly an…
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URTI
Cough and cold medications in pregnancy and lactation
FALL AND WINTER WILL BRING UP MORE QUESTIONS ABOUT WHICH COUGH, COLD, AND ALLERGY MEDICATIONS to use during pregnancy and breastfeeding. Recommend trying nondrug options first, a humidifier or vaporizer, plenty of fluids to help thin mucus, and nasal saline for congestion. Suggest other options when this isn't enough... Nasal steroids. These don&…
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Pregnancy and Breastfeeding
Dyspepsia and gastro-esophageal reflux during pregnancy
Overview ㅡ Dyspepsia is a term used to describe a number of symptoms associated with the upper gastrointestinal tract that may include upper abdominal pain or discomfort, a feeling of upper abdominal 'fullness' or 'heaviness', reflux, heartburn, belching, nausea, and vomiting... Causes. Dyspepsia in pregnancy is commonly due to gastro-esophage…
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Respiratory and Allergy
Approach to acute cough
Overview ㅡ Differential is broad; focus on ruling out serious illness (ex: cancer). Avoid antibiotics for viral upper respiratory infection (URI) and bronchitis. Acute cough means a cough lasting less than 3 weeks.. Assessment DIFFERENTIAL DIAGNOSIS ㅡ Viral respiratory syndromes or environmental irrita…
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Pregnancy and Breastfeeding
Over-the-counter (OTC) medications in pregnancy
Overview ㅡ Over-the-counter (OTC) medications are pharmacologic agents that patients can buy without a physician’s prescription. They come in different forms, such as pills, creams, ointments, patches, or drops... Table (1) FDA pregnancy risk classification system. Diagnosis …
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