Welcome to our library of ‘Ask Your Pharmacist’ Healthcare Q&As on medicines and the treatment of everyday family ailments.
Our pharmacists have written questions and answers on a variety of medicine safety and health issues and concerns, so you can get the answers you need from the source you trust. Please select your topic of interest from the following menu:
What should I do if I forget to take my medication?
Try to follow the directions as closely as possible. However, you occasionally may make mistakes or forget to take your medications. The decision to take a missed dose depends on the drug. Don't panic and take a double dose. Ask your pharmacist his or her advice when you have the prescription order dispensed. You should know the answer to this question before it happens.
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When and how do I take my medication it?
Taking your medication correctly is very important to ensure that it gives you the help you expect. Examples of questions you might ask are: Should I take this medication on an empty stomach or with food? How often should I take it? Do I take it at the same time every day?
Editorial Note: The information in these questions and answers is provided for educational purposes only. It is not intended to be a substitute for medical advice or treatment from a doctor, pharmacist or other healthcare professional . Like any printed material, it may become out-of-date over time.
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How long should I take my medication?
Serious problems may result from not taking all your medication or by continuing medications too long. Your doctor should indicate the length of time with your prescription order. Ask your pharmacist about nonprescription medicines.
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Do throat pastilles cure a sore throat?
No, but they can relieve discomfort. Throat lozenges contain different ingredients:
non medication lozenges contain syrupy ingredients – sugar, honey or glycerine – which coat the irritated membranes at the back of your throat and keep it lubricated to aid natural healing. They provide temporary relief for about an hour.
Anaesthetic throat lozenges contain an ingredient to help relieve the soreness by numbing the nerve endings in the throat. But again, the relief is only temporary.
Antiseptic throat lozenges can help to kill bacteria but, as most sore throats are caused by a virus, antiseptic treatments will not cure the infection. Ask your pharmacist to recommend a suitable throat lozenge to treat your symptoms.
Viral infections usually clear up on their own – and a sore throat is rarely a cause for serious concern. Most cases improve within a few days, however see your doctor if: - your sore throat continues for more than five days
- you are suffering from a recurring sore throat
- there are yellow or white spots on the back of your throat
- you develop ear ache
- you have difficulty breathing
- the glands in the neck are swollen.
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The label on my anti-depressant tablets says I shouldn’t sunbathe while I am taking them. Why is this?
Your tablets will make your skin sensitive to sunlight. Certain diuretic (water) tablets and antibiotics can have the same effect. If you sunbathe you might become very red, develop an itchy rash or painful blisters. If you need to go out in the sun, wear a loose long-sleeved shirt and skirt or trousers. Use a total sun block cream on your face and hands, and wear a wide-brimmed hat. Anyone who is concerned that their prescription medication might make them sensitive to the sun should have a word with their local pharmacist. Pharmacists’ training equips them as experts on medicines – and a source of expert advice on how medicines should be taken, to ensure that you get the maximum benefit with the minimum of risk.
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A work colleague has found out that he has gallstones. What exactly are they?
Gallstones are crystallised forms of concentrated bile. Bile – the substance which helps break down fats from your diet – is found in the gall bladder, the sac-shaped container underneath the liver. When the bile becomes too cholesterol-heavy, it can crystallise to form gallstones. They tend to be more common in overweight people and women who have had several children. Most people with gallstones experience no symptoms; others may suffer from mild indigestion after a fatty meal. Painful symptoms can occur, especially if one of the stones becomes stuck in the duct, or small passage, leading from the gall bladder. This causes intense pain in the upper right side of the abdomen and between the shoulder blades. Other symptoms may include nausea, vomiting, bloating and constipation. If the bile duct becomes blocked, the sufferer will be at risk of jaundice. Gallstones are usually the result of too much fat and sugar in the diet and too little fibre. In many cases, eating less fat, sugar, fatty meat and dairy products can control the problem - your pharmacist can advise you on healthy eating. In extreme cases, sufferers may be prescribed tablets or undergo surgery to remove the stones.
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My husband suffers from periodic back pain and needs to take a painkiller. He has a stomach ulcer and has been told not to take aspirin. What other type of painkiller can he take?
Anyone with a stomach ulcer or with a history of stomach problems should not take aspirin or another painkiller, ibuprofen. Both of these painkillers can irritate the stomach lining and can cause stomach bleeding, especially if they are taken without food. However, it should be safe for your husband to take paracetamol to relieve the pain. It is an effective painkiller and is much gentler to the stomach. Remember, you should not take more tablets than the recommended dose, because too much paracetamol can cause liver damage. So it is important always to follow the dosage instructions to the letter. Your local pharmacist is an expert on medicines and how they work – and can answer any questions or concerns you may have about your medication, or recommend a suitable remedy for his symptoms if the paracetamol fails to work.
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My 85 year-old mother has recently suffered from incontinence. What advice can I give her about managing this distressing condition?
The good news for your mum is that about 75% of people with incontinence can be cured or helped significantly. Incontinence in the elderly can be caused by medication or by constipation, which can weaken the muscles which control the bladder. Your mother’s pharmacist will be able to tell her if the medicine she is taking is causing the incontinence. If it is, reducing the dose of her medicines or a change of her medication may help. For the small number of patients for whom incontinence is a permanent condition, pharmacists supply a wide range of products such as absorbent pads, pants, bedpans, protective bedding etc – which will help to keep the patient comfortable. Your pharmacist will also help with advice on hygiene and about control and care of the skin. Suggest to your mother that she has a discreet word with her pharmacist and reassure her that most pharmacies have quiet areas for a private chat, so there is no need to feel embarrassed.
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I’ve read that community pharmacists are the 'gateway to the NHS'. What does this mean?~
Your pharmacist can help you to treat yourself or provide you with a solution to the problem from the pharmacy but can also refer you to other parts of the NHS when necessary – such as your GP, dentist or, in some situations, direct to a hospital.
Using your pharmacy as a 'gateway to the NHS' provides a range of benefits for you. They include:- accessibility
- advice on choosing and using medicines
- staying healthy
- monitoring your health
- home visits and disability aids
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When I am sunbathing, I tend to develop a skin rash. Can I do anything about it?
This may be a prickly heat rash, a condition in which the sweat glands become blocked in hot weather. Cool showers and loose fitting clothes can help, but if the rash persists, antihistamine tablets or calamine lotion, available from your local pharmacy, should relieve any itching. Alternatively, your skin may be reacting to the sun’s ultra-violet rays, or ingredients in your toiletries may be making you extra sensitive to sunlight. To avoid the rash, wash off all traces of fragrances, deodorant or soap before you start sunbathing – and apply a high UVA protection, hypoallergenic, fragrance-free sunscreen. Talk to your pharmacist about your skin rashes. Your pharmacist will be able to suggest a suitable sunscreen and offer advice to help you enjoy the sun without endangering your skin.
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I had conjunctivitis last year and my pharmacist gave me some eye drops for it. They worked well but when I got it again this year she told me that I should go to my doctor. Why can’t I just use eye drops?
Conjunctivitis is an inflammation of the conjunctiva. The eye usually becomes red and swollen and it may produce a discharge – either watery or sticky and yellow. Although this condition is rarely painful, it can be irritating and uncomfortable and it nearly always affects both eyes.
If you are suffering from infectious conjunctivitis you will tend to have a yellow discharge and it will require treatment with antibiotic eye drops, which are now available from your pharmacist. You will also need to keep your hands clean, avoid sharing towels and try to touch your eyes as little as possible.
Allergic conjunctivitis tends to have a more watery discharge and the only way to prevent it is to avoid the allergen. This is treated with antihistamine or decongestant eye drops available from your pharmacist.
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Should I avoid alcohol, any other medications, foods, and/or activities?
Your prescription and nonprescription medications may interact with other drugs causing a harmful effect. Certain foods or alcohol may also interact with drug products. Never begin taking a new medication, prescription or nonprescription, without asking your pharmacist if it will interact with alcohol, foods or other medicines. Some drug products can cause drowsiness and may affect activities such as driving.
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I was surprised when a neighbour told me he had broken his hip through osteoporosis. I had thought my wife might become vulnerable to it now she is going through the menopause – but should we both be taking steps to prevent it?
Osteoporosis is a disease that makes bones fragile so they break easily – it literally means porous bones – and 1 in 3 women and 1 in 12 men over the age of 50 have osteoporosis. There is a good deal that you can do to build and maintain strong, healthy bones that will help to prevent osteoporosis. Like muscles, bones suffer if they are under-used. They need regular weight-bearing exercise that stretches and contracts the muscles, stimulating bones to strengthen. Choose something that you enjoy – even a regular brisk walk will help, and try to exercise at least three times a week for a minimum of 20 minutes.
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After gardening recently I developed a nasty rash on my arms. How can I stop it happening again?
Some plants can cause a skin reaction which often takes the form of a blotchy, slightly raised and itchy rash. This type of reaction can occur in anyone whether they are susceptible to allergies or not and is usually caused by direct contact with the offending plant. To reduce the chances of getting a skin rash from gardening, wear long sleeves, trousers and gloves as this will help stop the skin coming into direct contact with any plants (if you are doing a lot of Summer-time gardening, make sure you protect exposed skin with suntan lotion). However, if you do come into contact with any plants that you are allergic to, wash the skin as soon as possible and also any clothing that may have been in contact with the plant. Use a wet compress to ease any irritation. and avoid sunlight on the affected area for a couple of days. Ask your pharmacist to recommend a suitable cooling cream or lotion which you can have on ‘stand-by’ should any rash develop. If the rash is uncomfortable, your pharmacist can recommend a suitable product to ease any itching or soreness.
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I’ve developed a rash on my finger, underneath my wedding ring. What could be causing this?
A probable cause of the irritation is contact between your finger and something like washing up liquid or biological detergent being trapped between the skin and the ring. This condition is known as contact dermatitis. You should try leaving your wedding ring off for short periods and completely wash any detergents from the skin. To prevent recurrence, always remove the ring (if you can) before using any detergents – or use rubber gloves when washing up. Meanwhile, you can make life more comfortable by applying a soothing cream or lotion. Ask your pharmacist for help in choosing the most appropriate one for your skin. You can also treat your finger with 1% hydrocortisone cream, applied sparingly once or twice daily. However, don’t use it for more than seven days without seeing the doctor.
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A friend mentioned that her local pharmacist was able to provide information on self-help groups. Can all pharmacists do this?
As health care professionals, pharmacists are qualified to provide expert advice. Not only can pharmacists help when you’re ill but, they can advise on keeping well, ‘signpost’ you to other parts of the NHS and also put you in touch with useful organisations and groups that can offer additional support. Pharmacists can also provide details of your local services, such as the osteopath or continence nurse. Your local pharmacist is certainly a good source of health care information.
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I drink a moderate amount of beer, but a friend gave me a jolt when he commented that he thought I drank a lot. I suppose I do have a bit of a 'beer belly'. So what is 'moderate' in terms of alcohol consumption?
For men a useful benchmark is between 3 and 4 units a day, and for women between 2 and 3 units a day but men should not drink more than 21 units per week, and women between 12 – 14 units. If you drink this amount or less there are no significant risks to your health. The more you drink, the more likely you are to develop liver disease and other problems. Regularly drinking beyond the daily benchmarks can seriously raise your blood pressure. If you are taking medication you could have problems if you mix it with alcohol. Your pharmacist can advise you on the type of medication that could cause such problems.
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I’m trying to convince my husband that our local pharmacy can provide healthcare information for men, as well as women and children. I am correct aren’t I?
Absolutely! Men often don’t realise the range of services their local pharmacy can offer them specifically - and so are potentially missing out on vital healthcare advice, treatment and monitoring - such as blood pressure and cholesterol testing - which are available from most pharmacies. Healthcare advice also includes information on preventing serious diseases such as cancer and heart disease which are the 2 major killer diseases affecting men in the UK. Pharmacies are one of the most convenient ways of accessing health information and monitoring health. What’s more, pharmacists are highly trained healthcare professionals, experienced in providing expert advice on a host of everyday healthcare problems. A private consultation is always available and everything you discuss with your pharmacist is treated in confidence.
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As a child I suffered badly from travel sickness – and still do when I go on a boat. When we go on holiday this Easter, it will entail an overnight ferry trip and a long car journey. Can I do anything to lessen the chances of getting travel sick?
The inner ear is responsible for our sense of balance, which can become disrupted during travel. There is confusion between what we see – the movement or motion – and what the inner ear feels and this confusion can cause the classic travel sickness symptoms of nausea, sometimes vomiting, sweating and increased salivation.
Children suffer more often than adults but fortunately many grow out of it as they get older. Women tend to be more prone to travel sickness than men, possibly as a result of the hormonal changes experienced in pregnancy and menstruation.
But it's not always the actual motion that sets people off. Smells, such as those of food or petrol; anxiety that it's going to happen may ensure it does; and focusing on a nearby object may also be the trigger, which is why people trying to read a book or map-read often come over all queasy.
There are some things you can do to avoid getting travel sick –- Don't read while travelling, and sit in a seat facing forwards. Keeping still with the eyes closed may help.
- Avoid food with a strong smell, and anything spicy or greasy immediately before and during the journey but don't travel on an empty stomach. It's also advisable to avoid heavy meals and alcohol before the trip.
- A wide variety of travel sickness medicines are available at your local pharmacy. They should be taken before travel according to the instructions so they can be absorbed into your system. Most either contain hyoscine or an antihistamine such as cinnarizine. Some are not suitable for pregnant women, those with glaucoma or people taking certain other medication and some may cause drowsiness so should not be taken if you are driving. Ask your pharmacist for advice about selecting the most suitable product for each member of the family.
- Traditional remedies such as ginger or peppermint work well for some people. Ginger can be taken as a biscuit, tea, or crystallised and peppermint can be sucked or taken as a tea.
- When you're travelling try to look where your eyes will see the same motion that your body and inner ears feel.
In a car this means sitting in the front seat and looking at the distant scenery or the road in front, Young children should sit in the back seat where a clear view of the road is available to them. Sometimes using a booster cushion helps. Try and avoid looking down into the lap. Reading or games that involve looking downwards should be left until the journey is over. Singing along to music favourites or playing games that encourage looking ahead helps prevent problems. Make sure the car is well ventilated too. Ask the driver to take bends gently, not to keep accelerating and then slowing down repeatedly, and to stop for a break and a stretch regularly (at least once an hour) throughout the trip.
On a boat the best places to go are up on the deck watching the horizon. If it's too cold and you have to stay inside then find a seat or cabin in the middle of the ship on a lower deck. This is where the ship moves least. If nausea still comes your way then lie down and keep your eyes closed. Stay away as much as possible from the smell of fuel fumes and cooking.
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How should I store my medications?
Medications may lose their effectiveness if stored incorrectly. The "medicine cabinet" in the bathroom is not a good place for storage because of the moisture and heat. Ask your pharmacist about theproper storage of all prescription and nonprescription medications.All medications can cause side effects, but they are not necessarily serious. Your pharmacist and health care provider can help you anticipate and understand these side effects and help you deal with them. If you experience unexplained side effects, contact your health care provider or pharmacist.
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Asthma is a condition that affects the airways - the small tubes that carry air in and out of the lungs. There are around 5.2 million asthma sufferers in the UK.
What are the symptoms?
Symptoms can include shortness of breath, wheezing, coughing and tightness in the chest are most common. Sometimes mucus and phlegm builds up.
I’ve got a blue and a brown inhaler – what’s the difference?
The blue "reliever" inhaler quickly relaxes the muscles surrounding the narrowed airways, making it easier to breathe again. The brown "preventer" inhaler controls the swelling and inflammation in the airways, stopping them from being so sensitive and reducing the risk of severe attacks.
Why do I get through my inhalers more quickly sometimes?
If you seem to run out medicines before your next prescription it could be a sign that your asthma isn’t very well controlled. Ask your pharmacist for advice.
Is there an easier way to get my repeat medication other than going back to my GP each time?
If it’s hard to organise collecting your regular prescription from the doctor the new repeat dispensing NHS pharmacy service that might help. With this service, available to patients in England, you do not need to visit the GP surgery every time you need more medicines. Ask if this service is available in your area.
What should not do if I have asthma?
If you are a smoker and have asthma you’ve got a good incentive to quit. Smoking worsens asthma and counteracts your medication. However mild or severe your asthma is, stopping smoking can reduce your symptoms, making asthma easier to manage. Your pharmacist can offer you advice and support in confidence if you wish.
How do I know if my medicines are working?
Pharmacists can answer any questions you may have about your asthma medicines and can also check to see if you are able to use your inhaler easily. Finding yourself short of breath during the day or if your asthma wakes you up at night could mean your asthma isn’t as well controlled as it could be. Ask your pharmacist to find out if you’re using your inhaler correctly. He or she may suggest changing to something that is easier for you to use.
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The start of spring can spell misery for the 12million Britons who suffer from seasonal allergic rhinitis better known as hay fever.
What causes it?
Hay fever is an allergic reaction to certain types of airborne pollen. Grass pollen is the most common culprit (affecting 95 per cent of sufferers) and the season can start in May and last until July or August. People who are allergic to tree pollen can start feeling the effects as early as February, depending on whether the allergy is to early or late flowering trees. For those allergic to nettles or other weeds the season is likely to be late summer – August and September.
What are the symptoms?
Common complaints are runny, itchy or blocked nose, sneezing, and itchy eyes. Frequent absences from work or poor performance in exams are often the result. Allergic reactions can start when you are a teenager (13 to 14-year-olds are particularly affected) but the body can learn to adapt, so as you grow older the symptoms may ease.
What treatment do you recommend?
Mild symptoms can often be managed without medication and by avoiding pollen as far as possible (although as the minute particles can be carried over long distances, you cannot avoid contact entirely). Stay indoors and keep windows closed when the count is high. Wear sunglasses if you go into the countryside and keep car windows closed when driving. On return, shower and wash your hair and change your clothing. Eye drops and nasal sprays may be helpful for streaming eyes or a runny nose. If your symptoms are wider than this, an antihistamine tablet or liquid may be best. If working or driving, look for one that is less likely to have a sedative effect. Newer antihistamines are non-drowsy and your local pharmacist can guide you to these.
What should I avoid?
Pregnant women and nursing mothers should avoid taking medicines unless directed to do so by their doctor. However, if symptoms are particularly bad, some, non-sedating antihistamines, can be used. Check before taking them. Antihistamines with a sedative should not be taken for a long period – so stick to the non-drowsy type if possible.
Nasal sprays that contain decongestants should not be used too frequently or they could make a blocked nose worse.
Don't wait until symptoms arrive before taking any medication. If you know when to expect an attack, start your treatment before.
Do I need to see my GP?
If over the counter treatments don’t give you sufficient relief or your symptoms are particularly severe, your pharmacist will be able to tell you if you should see your GP.
Did you know?
Of the 150 species of native grass in Britain, 12 are responsible for the vast majority of grass pollen.
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The prevalence of head lice has increased within the last 30 years, according to research. Every year, around three million people in the UK catch them with one in 10 primary school children having a bout of head lice at some stage.
What is it?
Head lice are tiny grey-brown, wingless insects, which live by sucking blood from the scalp. Their eggs are known as nits and they are laid glued to the base of hairs, and look like tiny white specks.
Who is mostly likely to get it?
They are most common in schoolchildren, particularly between the ages of four and 11, but anyone with hair can catch them. They are caught by close hair to hair contact.
How can I tell if I have head lice?
An itchy scalp can indicate the presence of head lice and sometimes you can spot them in the hair. They can be detected by wet combing hair using a special fine-toothed comb available from your local pharmacy.
How do I get rid of the condition?
There are three main ways: insecticides which kill head lice and their eggs; dimeticone, a silicone-based lotion that kills head lice by coating them; and wet combing, which is a non-chemical treatment. You pharmacist can explain the advantages and disadvantages of each method. There is usually a good response to treatment, but reinfestation may occur if treatment is not completed correctly.
Is the pharmacist the only one who can advise me about head lice?
Pharmacy staff are qualified to advise on the treatment of head lice and their daily contact with the public means they are able to provide advice and information about suitable treatments.
I feel embarrassed about having head lice, can I talk to the pharmacist in private?
Yes, your local pharmacy may have a consultation room and you can arrange to speak with the pharmacist in private there. Pharmacists are asked questions about head lice all the time and they will treat your problem in a professional manner.
Did you know?
Head lice cannot jump, fly or swim – they move from head to head by walking (at an average speed of around 10cm per minute).
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We visit our local chemist to pick up prescriptions and get our holiday snaps developed but there is also a wealth of expert advice on offer. Here RUTH WAKEMAN of the National Pharmacy Association answers some of the most commonly asked questions.
I thought high street pharmacies only dispensed medicines. What else can they do?
Pharmacists are now taking on wider roles. As well as supplying medicines, they give confidential medical advice and offer a variety of health services. Many pharmacies offer support programmes for giving up smoking or losing weight and provide information on sexual health and contraception. Many community pharmacies can now measure blood pressure, offer cholesterol-testing and even screen for diabetes.
I'd like to talk to someone privately, but I can't do that in a pharmacy can I?
Yes, often you can. Most pharmacists have a private consultation area which is signposted. Sometimes it's a quiet area near the counter and behind a screen. In other cases it's an actual room. You can go and sit down with the pharmacist and not be overheard by other customers.
What expert training do pharmacists get?
It takes five years to become a pharmacist. That includes a four year degree course in pharmacy and a year of practical experience followed by an exam.
There is a lot expertise and knowledge behind the counter on the high street. When should I consult my pharmacist rather than my GP?
Pharmacists are a good screening service and some people may find them more approachable than their own doctor. They can often put peoples' minds at rest by diagnosing and providing a remedy for minor aliments. Perhaps, if more people talked to their pharmacist it would take pressure off GPs. The pharmacist is not a substitute for the doctor but by relying on their expertise a bit more, you might find you need to visit your GP a little less.
But what happens if my condition is serious?
The pharmacist will always refer a customer to a doctor if they feel it is appropriate. Someone might approach their pharmacist with what they think is a trivial problem and not realise it is symptomatic of more serious condition. The pharmacist might recommend they speak to their GP, or, depending on the query, a dentist, midwife or another health expert, for example.
My doctor has prescribed some tablets but I've forgotten how I should take them. I'm too embarrassed to go back. Can the pharmacist help?
Yes. A recent BBC survey found that one in two patients don't take their medicines correctly. If you're unsure, talk to your pharmacist. You might think it's a silly question, like should tablets be taken before or after food? But this can be important so you should never be afraid to ask. The pharmacist can talk you through the medicines and explain what they're for and how to take them correctly.
What kind of questions do pharmacists get asked?
They get asked about a wide range of minor ailments such as colds, coughs, viruses, stomach problems, children's health and women's health issues. It can be seasonal. During the summer, for instance, we get lots of questions asking how to deal with hay fever and other allergies. People are increasingly interested in learning more about complementary medicines and herbal remedies as well.
My local pharmacy is often quite busy. Can I book an appointment?
You can in some pharmacies. However, as most are open for long hours six days a week, it shouldn't be too difficult to pop back at a more convenient time.
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NPA Disclaimer: Remember – people are different. Some of the answers given may not be right for you. Ask Your Pharmacist when you need advice
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