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Previous Questions

I have just started taking a course of metronidazole, as I have a infected abcess. Can you please tell me how long it will take for this medication to kick in and is it safe to take aspirin along with this medication?

Metronidazole will start to work within a few hours of you starting the course but you wont necessarily notice the difference for a few days. The worse the abcess the longer it takes to get better. Yes it is safe to take aspirin at the same time as metronidazole.
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impetigo keeps reoccuring on my daughters chin does it lie dormant like a herpes virus.

It isn't the same as herpes virus but is caused by bacteria that most of us have naturally on our skin, some people appear to be more prone to getting it. It usually produces blisters or sores on the face and hands, and is one of the most common skin infections among kids. It is generally caused by one of two bacteria: group A streptococcus or staphylococcus aureus. Impetigo usually affects preschool and school-age children, especially in the summer months. A child may be more likely to develop impetigo if the skin has already been irritated or injured by other skin problems, such as eczema, poison ivy, insect bites, or a skin allergy to soap or makeup. Using an anti-bacterial soap can reduce the chance of your daughter getting re-infected.
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What are some side effects, if any, after a child stops taking metronidazole?

Most side effects happen whilst taking metronidazole and are gastrointestinal effects including taste disturbance, a sore mouth, tongue, nausea, vomiting and loss of appetite. There is a long list of serious but very rare side effects that may happen during or after the course, hepatitis, blood disorders, affecting the CNS etc etc. If you have concerns consult your GP.
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is it ok to take metronidazole whislt trying for a baby

In the UK a low dose course of metronidazole can be given during pregnancy (BNF) The advice in United States is to avoid use in the first trimester of pregnancy. If you have concerns consult you GP.
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I was wondering how long after you stop using the depo-provera does it not have an affect on your body?

Each person varies but as a general rule it will take 6 months after the last injecton to wear off before the majority of women who are trying to become pregnant, but this can be as little as 1 month or as much as 2 years, assuming no other problems. So this is the length of time that most people would consider that the depo-provera incection affects the body. The main effects being for the first three months when the contraceptive effect is reliable.
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i keep getting some kind of vaginal irritation. sometimes the doctor says it thrush but other times my test results are clear. i'm trying to get preganant and worried this may be effecting my chances. any advice?

Without your medical notes I can't answer this. Sorry but you really need to discuss this with your doctor. Some does and don'ts to help prevent thrush are. Eat well, exercise and relax, when you are under stress you will be more prone to Thrush. Shower, wash or bathe immediately after taking exercise, and cool off as quickly as possible. Tell your partner you can be re-infected when you have sex, and they may need to be treated as they may be infected and have no symptoms. Seek help - if your symptoms persist, make an appointment with your doctor for another check-up. Don't use scented smellies, such as bubble bath, oils or vaginal deodorants. Avoid tight jeans and nylon knickers. They can make your skin warm, the perfect breeding ground for thrush
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my daughter has a mild case of infertigo what causes it

Impetigo is a bacterial skin infection caused by staff. aureus. This is a common bacteria and generally takes advantage of a sore, often on the face and around the nose and mouth. The infection shows as a raised area of reddened skin and spreads outwards increasing in size. You may need an antibiotic cream or antibiotics by mouth to clear the infection.
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Type your question here What are the symptoms of infertigo. Many thanks

Impetigo is a bacterial skin infection caused by staff. aureus. This is a common bacteria and generally takes advantage of a sore, often on the face and around the nose and mouth. The infection shows as a raised area of reddened skin and spreads outwards increasing in size. You may need an antibiotic cream or antibiotics by mouth to clear the infection.
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Thinking of a family holiday to South Africa. Our children will be 9 and 12. Can they take the recommended anti maleria mediation and have other immunisations for this area?

Yes both of them can take the anti-malarials and immunisation. The dose of the anti-malarials will probably be reduced depending which type they are put on, (there are three different regimes which are suitable at present for South Africa, although his is subject to change). Ensure you visit you doctor as soon as possible to sort out the tratment as some vaccines have to be given a long time in advance. c
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My 8 yr old son takes hariborange omega 3 fish oil twistie fish vitamins can he take minadex tonic aswell as these?

No your son should not take minadex in addition to the haliborange as they both contain some of the same vitamins.
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which is good tonic for kids? I have 20months old daugher and she refuses to eat

The only childrens Tonic which has been specially formulated to help build up children who are tired, rundown and convalescing from illness. This delicious orange flavoured tonic is made from natural orange extract and contains important vitamins, minerals and appetite restoratives to aid recovery from illness and strengthen the immune system. Minadex is also free from artificial stimulants such as caffeine and alcohol and can be given to children from the age of 6 months. Dosage/Directions: Children 6 months to 3 years of age: 1 teaspoonful (5ml) twice daily. To be taken from the spoon or stirred in water or milk after meals.
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what is thrush and how do you get it and is it bad

Thrush is a common infection caused by a yeast, candida albicans, which lives harmlessly on the skin, in the mouth, gut or vagina. Normally, bacteria and our immune system keeps it under control. However, if this balance is upset the yeast proliferates. Men and women can get thrush. Women may experience: soreness, redness and itching around the vulva (lips of the vagina), the vagina and anus, thick, white vaginal discharge that looks like cottage cheese and smells of yeast pain during sex or when passing urine Men may experience: burning, itching and red patches under the foreskin or on the tip of the penis thick, cheesy discharge under the foreskin problems pulling back the foreskin pain passing urine About 75 per cent of women will experience thrush at some point in their lives. Thrush can be passed on during sex, but is more likely to occur when someone wears tight trousers or nylon underwear, takes certain antibiotics, is pregnant, has diabetes, or uses too much vaginal deodorant or perfumed bubble bath that causes irritation. Treatment wear loose fitting clothes made from cotton avoid bath additives, perfumed soaps, and for women avoid douching wash the genital area as normal regularly every day and pat dry use pads rather than tampons during a period. thrush is easily treated using pessaries, creams or tablets
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i am trying for a baby. i may be pregrant at the moment. I am going to africa anfd have been advised to take maleria tablets. is this wise? I have also been told to have injections for hepititis a , typhoid and a tetnus. will this harm myself or the baby if i am preganant?

Malaria is particulary dangerous in pegnancy, especially in last trimester(last 3 monts). Travel to malarious zones should normally be avoided but if it is unavoidable effective drug should be used as malaria is more severe during pregnancy and the risk of malaria to mother and fetus is greater than the risk of any antimalarial drugs at normal doses. I would strongly suggest you to go and see your GP who can prescribe the appropriate antimalarial drug As far as vaccine are concerned normally the live virus vaccines are avoided in pregnancy and inactivated vaccines may be used in special cirumstances if benifit outwighs the risks. The vaccines you have mentioned Hepatitis A Typhoid should be fine and for tetnus make sure that it is inactivated vaccine. i would adice you to see your doctor about the vaccination
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could you explain what will happen to me if i drink alcohol after finishing metronidazole 24 hrs ago

Metronidazole stays in the blood stream for upto 48 hours after finishing a course, so you can still suffer from what is called the disulfirim effect, if you take alcohol during this time. This is feeling violently sick, migraine like headaches, blurred vision, fast heartbeat, low blood pressure, confusion, breathing difficulties and flushing of the skin. We would strongly advise you to avoid alcohol for 48 hours after finishing a course of metronidazole.
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Can I take anti malaria treatment when I am trying for a baby

My advice would be if at all possible not to try for a baby whilst taking anti-malarial tablets as they do pose a risk to an unborn baby, particularly in the early stages of pregnancy when many of its vital systems are being formed. However if you have to travel to a malarious area the risk of malaria is much greater to the baby so you need to take the anti-malarials. A good website with more information is www.who.int/ith Chapter 7 of that gives anti-malaria advice. You will also need to visit your doctor for advice specific to you.
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hi, im 12 and a half weeks pregnant, is it safe to take covonia? And also why do you only take folic acid tablets up to 12 weeks of your pregnancy? Thanks!

I always advise to try and avoid taking any mdicines if possible during preganacy, as effective as most cough medicines would be a drink of hot lemon and honey. (Use either some fresh lemon squeezed or buy a bottle of lemon juice and about a tablespoon of that with a couple of teaspoons of honey (adjust the quanties to your taste).,with hot water will soothe your throat and ease a cough and is healthy. If you have nasal congestion then an inhalant like karvol or olbas oil is safe to use in pregancy. Folic acid is only necesaary for the first 12 weeks of pregancy as it is during this time that the baby is developing its Neural tube which becomes the nerve centre of its spine. this formation is what is "protected" by the Folic acid, once it is formed there is no added benefit to continue taking the folic acid.
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Type your question here hi could you please tell me when is it the best time to get pregant how may days after ur period or do you count the 1st day of ur period as day one thankyou

It is actually best to count backwards from when your next period is due, that is why it is easier for women who have a regular cycle than those of us who are irregular. Ovulation generally occurs 12 to 16 days before the next period is due. The two days when making love is most likely to result in conception are the day before ovulation and the day of ovulation itself. So if you have a 'normal' 28 day cycle and day 1 is the first day of a period, day 13 to 17 are the days you are most likely to ovulate, and thus get pregnant. Good Luck
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i have been off the depo injection for 9 weeks, how likely is it i will fall pregnant if i dont use contraception

I can't give an exact figure as everyone varies, but you may have the same chance of becoming pregnant as you would without ever having been on Depo-provera 9 weeks post treatment (assuming you mean it is 9 weeks since your next injection would have been due). So if you wish to avoid pregnancy you must use a reliable form of contraception. If you have had unprotected intercourse yo must seek medical advice immediately.
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whats the difference between insulin mixtard 30 and mixtard 40

Mixtard Insulins are a mixture of short acting soluble insulin which work within 15 - 30 minutes of injection but only work for upto 8 hours, and long or medium term insulins which take 1 - 2 hours to work and last for upto 24 hours. The difference between Mixtard 30 and 40 is the amount of each type of insulin they have. Mixtard 30 has 30% of the short acting insulin, Mixtard 40 has 40%. If you receive insulin on prescription always take care to check the type you receive to ensure it is the correct one you were expecting.
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prevention of abortion in the second month of pregnancy

There is little that you can do to preotect yourself from a spontaneous abortion or miscariage, quie a high proportion of all pregnancies will end in a miscarriage, this is often thought to be because there is smething wrong with the developing foetus. Some woman suffer from repeated misscariage and should seek specialist help. Really what you do will make little difference to the outcome except it is important to take care of what you eat as certain foods may increase the ris of food poisoning which increases the chance of miscarriage. A good link to look at is http://www.eatwell.gov.uk/agesandstages/pregnancy/whenyrpregnant/
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I am approx 6 Weeks pregnant and im travelling to Dominican Republic next week! Can I take malaria tablets?

The recommendation is that travel to malarious zones is avoided during pregancy. However if travel is unavoidable, effective prophylaxis (preventative treatment) should be used as malaria is more severe during preganacy and the risk from malaria in pregnancy is higher than the risk from side effects of the drugs. You must go to see your GP to discuss which tablets to take.
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I am going to Hong Kong in July for a week, do I need to take Malaria tablets?

At present (Up until October 2006) the recommendation is that there is very low risk of Malaria in Hong Kong so no Anti malarial tablets need to be taken. However care should be taken to avoid being bitten by mosquito's, Use a good insect repellent (see travel section on our website), wear trousers and long sleeved clothing after dusk and possibly sleep under a mosquito net. This advice is only valid upto October 2006, as the recommendations are regularly updated.
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Is Adios safe to use while trying to conceive?

Adios, the herbal preparation used in weight control, should not be used whilst trying to conceive or when pregnant or breastfeeding. All herbal prepartions should be used with extreme caution at these times as there is often little or no testing done of these products regarding their safety especially during or before pregancy.
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can u suggest a very effective SKIN WHITENING CREAM

I am sorry but this is not something I can recommend. You would have to see a specialist dermatologist and get their advice.
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I'm going to the Dominican in two weeks time and have just discovered that I am pregnant. I've been told I need to take malaria tablets. It is safe for me to do so??

The risk from malaria in pregnancy is higher than the risk from side effects of the drugs. You must go to see your GP to discuss which tablets to take.
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my son is nearly 3 years old,he has badly itching skin.,we used fucidin cream but no good,,can you recommend a cream..also how much postage to ireland southern....thanks

As you have used fucidin cream I assume he has been seen by his doctor, it may be better if you went back and asked for an alternative, I don't know how the health service works in southern irland but I am assuming it is free for children. If not I'm afraid it is a matter of trial and error to see which product your son responds to best, as each person responds differently to each product. If possible try and work out if something is causing the itch, (easier said than done I appreciate) but a very common cause is soap powder of fabric conditioners, using a non biological powder and avoiding fabric conditioners may well help. Otherwise man made fabrics tend to cause more irritation than natural ones like cotton. Cream it could be worth trying is E45 itch cream, also Oilatum Junior fragrance free bath emolient could well be worth trying.
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I am due to finish a course of metronidazole saturday lunch time am I ok to drink alcohol on saturday evening

Sorry no, the recommendation is not to drink for 48 hours after finishing a course of metronidazole, as it is still in the blood stream and you may still get the reaction.
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can u take malaria tablets im 21 weeks pregnant

If it is unavoidable to travel to an area with malaria then you must seek medical advice from your GP about malaria medication.
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is fucidin cream effective for infected mosquito bites

Fucidin cream is a prescription only medicine and as such we can only recommend it is used as prescribed by your G.P. and for nothing else.
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IS it safe to conceive while taking oral metro (Flagyl)

I would have concerns regarding taking metronidazole during pregancy. Its use is controversial in pregancy particularly in the first trimester. If you can I would avoid trying to concieve whilst taking metronidazole, but I do not have your medical notes so I would have to refer you back to your doctor.
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how long will it take for the birth controll pill to come out of my body

This is quite a hard one to answer, as it will vary between different types of oral contraceptives. I am assuming you are asking how long for the hormones to completely leave the system. As a general rule we say it can take on average up to 3 months for the hormone to fall to such a low level they are considered to no longer be present in the system. But that does vary between women. However missing even two of the combined pill at certain times of the cycle or being more than 12 hours late taking a progesterone only or "mini pill"could result in the hormone falling low enough to result in pregnancy.
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how long does it take to get metronidazole out of the system

I assume you are asking how long until the level of metronidazle falls to a level at which you can drink alcohol. which is 48 hours after finishing the course of metronidazole.
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is it safe to use diprobase cream on my 12 wks baby?

Yes Diprobase can be used on a 12 week old baby.
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I am planning a trip into a malaria zone (Zimbabwe). My wife may be pregnant by then (2-6 weeks pregnant). What can she take or should we avoid going altogether?

If you can avoid going to a malaria zone when pregnant particularly in the early stages I would very much advise you to do so, as all the anti-malarial drugs do pose a risk to an unborn baby. However the risk of malaria is greater so if you have to go it is important to take the ant-malarials. It appears though that you have a choice so my advice would be to avoid going or avoid becoming pregnant beofre going.
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I'm about to have my 2nd attempt at IUI, the pessaries I'm taking gave me thrush the last time, is there anything I can take to stop it that won't affect my chances of getting pregnant.

I think this is something you need to discuss with the doctors at the clinic, we cannot sell any thrush products in this circumstance.
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my one year old daughter was diagnosed with infertigo and was given fucidin cream .my local hospital told me it was herpes can i use the cream on her cold sores

I would take your daughter back to the G.P. and ask their advice. Fucidin is not suitable for cold sores which are caused by the herpes virus, Fucidin is for bacterial infections such as impertigo, so you need to get a definite diagnosis before treating.
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my urine sells like wrotten eggs 1st thing in a morning. could you tell me ?

Your symptoms sound like you could have a urinary tract infection, you should contact your doctor for an appointment.
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could I apply Daktarin Gold to my 4 years old daughter's toes

Daktarin Gold can be used for the treatment of athletes foot in children. However you need to be sure it is athletes foot, so it would probably be worth getting her checked out by her doctor to ensure that it is athletes foot. With Athletes foot the skin between the toes will be red and itchy. The skin may flake and crack and often the infection causes an unpleasant 'cheesy' smell.
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Can Covonia linctus be taken with BP medication I am taking anti-biotic

Covonia doesn't interact with antibiotics so they can be taken together, however if you are taking the antibiotic for a chest infection you should not take Covonia Original which is a cough supressant i.e. it reduces the urge to cough, but Covonia Expectorant would be fine.
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Is there an alternative medicine remedy for Conjunctivitis?

The only one that I can recommend is, washing the eye with a mild salt solution. Use about a quarter of a teaspoon of salt in a quarter of a pint of boiled and cooled water. wash eye using cotton wool soaked in this solution. Always wipe from nose side of the eye out. Only wipe once with a piece of cotton wool, then discard and use a new one, so you are not passing the infection between eyes or into the salt solution. If you do this morning and night it should help to clear a minor infection. If however it does not clear within a few days or gets worse you must see your doctor. Conjunctivitis is very infectious and easily passes between family members, so avoid sharing flannels and towels. c
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my daughter is 2 months old, she has a rash on her face is it safe to use e45cream on her?

Yes E45 is safe to use on a babies face, just be carefull to keep it away from her eyes.
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i don't know if i'm pregnany as my period isn't due for another 2 weeks or so, but is it ok to carry on drinking until i know for sure?

If you think you may be pregnant or are trying for a baby it is advisable to stop drinking alcohol, as some of the most important developement of the baby happens before you even know you are pregnant. C
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is driclor ok to use while pregnant

I would avoid its use during pregnancy unless it was unavoidable and had been discussed with your doctor. c
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I am on the contraceptive pill but wish to take st johns wort for mild depression. I have heard that this can stop the pill from working. can you suggest an alternative form of contraception to use whilst taking st johns wort?

st john wort interacts with different form of contracetion and lead to their faliure and thus it is advisable not to use st johns wort if contraception is needed. I cant find any form of contracetion which won't interact with st. johns wort.
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how long after finishing anti biotics can you drink alcohol?

normally leave 48 to 72 hours
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my son who is 9months old ate a small amount of oilatum cream what are they side effects? sholud I ake him to the Doctor?

oilatum cream Contains Light Liquid Paraffin 6.0% w/w and White Soft Paraffin 15.0% w/w in a cream base. Accidental ingestion may cause nausea and vomiting. Give child good amount of water to drink so that it can wash off cream from the gut. But if the child is still nauseous and is vomitting take child to the doctor
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I have a 3 week old baby and she is coughing on and off. I dont know if its a wheezing cough or whatever cough it is. Im worried and I dont know what medicine to give her. She doesnt run a fever and doesnt have a runny nose. She has trouble going to sleep as well. What is the best thing to do for her rght now?

The best thing to do with an infant this age is to ensure that her room isn't too dry, often with central heating the atmosphere can be too dry, which can cause a cough. To increase the humidity you can put a damp flannel on a radiator, the moisture will evaporate off and increase the humidity. Keep re-wetting the flannel, another thing you can do as instant fix if you have a steam steriliser or a kettle on it the room (well away fro the baby) and run them once to increase the moisture. Another thing you can do is to raise the head end of her cot or basket slightly using a book underneath just to raise her head a little, do not be tempted to give her a pillow though. If you are worried still if you contact you health visitor or doctor they should be able to help, but you should not give her any medicine without it being prescribed by the doctor. C
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Does taking metronizadole reduce the effectiveness of the combined contraceptive pill?

Studies have shown no reduction in contraceptive effectiveness whilst taking metronidazole. c
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Is it safe to have the flu injection when first pregnant?

The normal advice in the UK is to avoid the flu vaccine when pregnant. C
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when is it safe to try to conceive after taking a 5 day course of metronidazle tablets for a dental infection

I would say as long as you leave it a week there would be no chance of any problems.
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what can i take to help me conceive fast i am already taking folic acid and pregnacare

There is no supplement you can take which will speed up conception. Timing of intercourse is important, and ensuring you take plenty of exercise and eat a healthy balanced diet. You should not (unless otherwise advised by a doctor) be taking both pregnacare and folic acid as pregnacare contains 400mcg of folic acid which is the recommended daily dose for someone who is trying to conceive or who is in the first three months of pregnancy. c
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Type your question here Is the metronidazole vaginal gel the same as the oral antibiotic? Is it safer to use when trying to conceive?

I would avoid the use of metronidazole as it can cause harm to unborn child. Try to speak to your doctor who can prescribe you something safer or try to conceive after finishing your course of metronidazole
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Can you get Infatigo through stress or being rundown?

I assume you mean impetigo. You can't actually get impetigo from being run down as it is a bacterial infection. However if you are run down or stressed your immune system will be less effective so you will be more prone to infections such as impetigo. c
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i have been told to have a tetnus injection and im 5 months pregnant is it safe for my baby

Tetanus containing vaccines may be given to pregnant women when protection is required without delay. There is no evidence of risk from vaccinating pregnant women with inactivated virus, bacterial vaccines or toxoids. c
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bright red spot on body constantly vomiting 18 months old

You need to seek medical advice as soon as possible, for a child who won't stop vomiting. C
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I am 4 and a half months pregnant is it safe to take lemsip as i am dosed with the cold if not what can i take to shift it.

No you should avoid Lemsip whilst pregnant as it has a decongestant in it. My advice would be to make up your own hot lemon and honey drink, using pure lemon Juice (either from a lemon or buy a bottle from the supermarket). I use about 2 teaspoons of lemon juice and add a rounded spoon of honey in a cup of hot water, (but you can adjust the quantities to your taste). Then have that with a couple of paracetamols. C
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my husband has thrush what cream would you recomend

Canestan thrush cream, it is a stronger formulation than the unbranded clotrimazole creams which are available. However we can only recommend this if he has had thrush before which has be diagnosed by a doctor. If this is the first time he has had thrush he needs to see his GP to ensure that it is thrush he has. If you are both infected canestan combi contains the thrush cream he could use and the pessary you could use. c
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what are some medicine i can take to get pregant faster

There are no medicines you can take to help you conceive more quickly. However timing of intercourse is very important, it is not possible to conceive outside your fertile days each month, so it's important to time intercourse for your most fertile days, to increase your chances of becoming pregnant. You usually have only 5 - 6 fertile days each menstrual cycle. These fertile days normally fall around ovulation - when one of your ovaries releases an egg, this usually happens around the 14th day of a cycle (that means 14 days after the start of a period). If you have been trying unsuccessfully to conceive for a few months, there is probably no need to worry. On average it takes about 3 - 6 months to conceive. Delays in getting pregnant may simply be a result of bad timing. You and your partner can do a great deal to improve your chances of conception by changing a few bad habits and adopting healthy ones. Two of the most important factors are the nutrition and fitness of the mother. The following points are important not just before deciding to have a baby, but also during your pregnancy: Eat a varied diet with plenty of fresh fruit and vegetables, protein-rich food such as fish, poultry, pulses and whole grains. Stop smoking or at least try and cut down. Decrease alcohol intake. Take regular exercise such as walking and swimming, we recommend that you try and aim for three 20-minute sessions a week. Learn to relax and try and avoid high stress levels. Also Your partner should wear loose underwear rather than tight pants, as the temperature of the scrotum is very important to the viability of his sperm. Tight underwear increases the temperature of a man’s scrotum and so decreases the viability of his sperm. With regards medicines, whilst it will not spead up the chance of conceiving, it is advised that all women trying to conceive take folic acid 400mcg daily as an aid to reducing the possiblity of their baby having spinal defects such as spina bifida. I hope this is helpful. c C
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Does Co-enzyme Q10 or Ginseng change the effectiveness of birth control pills? Could either result in break-through bleeding mid-cycle?

Ginseng should not be used in women taking oral contraceptives, as it can cause Oestrogenic effects including mastalgia (soreness of the breasts) and vaginal bleeding. Co-enzyme Q10 is fine to take with the pill, in fact some research recommend its use with oral contraceptives. c
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does flagyl decrease effectiveness of birth control

Isolated cases of combined oral contraceptive failure have been reported with metronidazole. The interaction (if such it is) appears to be very rare indeed. In a controlled trial, metronidazole did not affect contraceptive steroid levels. Bearing in mind the extremely wide use of both metronidazole and oral contraceptives, any increased incidence of contraceptive failure above that seen in general use is clearly very low indeed. However where uncertainty remains the UK Family Planning Authority recommends the use of additional methods of contraception when antibacterials are used. c
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i'm 12 weeks pregnant and have thrush can i take or use any medication

There is nothing you can buy over the counter for thrush in pregnancy. Later in pregnancy there are pessaries which your doctor may prescribe, however at 12 weeks you are just on the border your doctor may well not want to prescribe you anything. Some of the following remedies might be helpful. • Apply witch-hazel compresses or ice packs to the inflamed area. • Eat natural live yogurt which should restore the proper bacterial balance in your vagina. However, you will have to wait a while for relief from the itching. • Wear cotton underwear. • Avoid long hot baths, which provide the ideal warm, moist environment in which the bacteria flourish. c
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my step daughter has conjunctivitis and has been treated by the doctor but now my daughter has it she is three and i was wondering if there is anything i can buy over the counter as it is the weekend and she can not get to see a doctor.

yes, bacterial conjuctivitis can be treated with chloramphenicol eye drops which can be bought over the counter. brand is known as optrex infected eyes
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Type your question here if u r on medicine for a yeast infection can u still give it to your partner

Yes until the infection has been completely cleared it can still be passed to your partner, who could then pass it back to you after you have been cleared so you would get re-infected. c
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I take 300mg of St John's Wort daily for moderate depression. It was suggested by my Dr. as I indicated I did not want to take a prescription anti-depressant. St John's Wort works very well for me. My question is, can I safely drink alcoholic beverages while using this herb?

I can find no listing for an interaction between alcohol and St.John's Wort. So it should be safe to take alcohol within the governments safe limits of no more than 14 units week for women. However remember that alcohol is a depressant and so may make the depression worse. c
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I am currently taking Meronidazole tablets BP. Will this effect my Depo contraceptive?

There are no interactions between these two drugs listed. So it should not effect the Depo-provrea. However you must remember with metronidazole not to drink alcohol. It is possible that other antibiotics and antifungals may reduce the potency of depo-provera. Should you have any further queries please do not hesitate to contact us. c
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Type your question here What essential oils should I avoid while I am pregnant? Thankyou

I am not an aromatherapist so I can't advise you on this, but a useful website is http://www.essentialoils.co.za/pregnancy.htm which lists oils to be avoided. c
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i dont bleed cos of the contraceptive injection but now i have started to bleed lightly more than i was yesterday

I would always advise seeking medical advice if you have unusual bleeding. Although it is usually nothing to worry about, it is always best to get checked out. c
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what cough and cold medicine can I take when I'm pregnant. I am 16 weeks at the moment and I have a horrible cold. Is it okay to take anything like covonia or lemsip?

Unfortunately my recommendation is to avoid cough and cold remedies during pregnancy. If you make a hot drink of Honey and Lemon (Either fresh or bottles lemon juice) approximately 1 tablespoon of lemon juice and one teaspoon of honey to a cup of hot water. If you have aches and pains paracetamol can help. If you nose is blocked either using olbas oil or inhaling menthol crystals dissolved in water, (one crystal to a pint of hot not boiling water and inhale the vapour) can be very helpful. c
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how long does it take to become a pharmacist?

In the Uk after A levels, 5 years 4 years in University and 1 year in practice.
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I am a 25 year old adult and I think I have infertigo...on my back. I've never heard of any adult cases. Is this possible? My daughter is 6 now, but she had it when she was 1 years old that's how I am familiar with the infection. I could surely use some advice.

Impetigo usually affects pre-school and school-age children, especially in the summer months. However, adult impetigo can also strike adults at anytime, though they often get it from their children. An adult may be more likely to develop adult impetigo if his skin has already been irritated or injured by other skin problems, such as eczema, poison ivy, insect bites, or skin allergy to soap or makeup. If you think you have impertigo you need to contact your doctor. c
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am trying for a baby do i have to take vitamins

The only thing you should definitely take is folic acid 400mcg per day (unless otherwise advised by your doctor). Other than that you dont have to take any vitamin supplements if you have a balanced diet. If you want or need to you can use the Pregnacare vitamin range as it contains all essential vitamins and folic acid which can be used from the start and throughout pregnancy and also while breastfeeding. which can be found on our website under vitamins follow link to women's vitamins
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how soon can you use tampons after having a baby

Ideally you should wait at least eight weeks after having a baby. i will suggest you to consult your midwife before using such product
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Why is Olbas Oil not suitable for children under 3 months? Does this harm them in any way?

Company which makes it does not recomend it for children under the age of three months and as far as them causing any harm is concerned we haven't got any data on their use for under three months old babies. I suggest you to have a word with your doctor as their are other alternatives available such as sodium chloride nasal drops which can be used to clear the blocked nose in babies from birth onwads and there are some nasal aspirators also avalable in market which can help to clear blocked nose in babies.
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Hi my wife is breastfeeding our 5 month old daughter but has a cold/ flu -like symptoms - headache, sneezing, sore throat, shivers etc - what cold remedies can she take ?

Best thing to use will be Medised for children and meltus baby cough linctus together. and no other paracetamol containing product should be used together with this combination. You can buy both of these products from us.
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Can covonia cough balsam cause low blood pressure?

There is nothing which suggest that detromethorphan which is in the covonia bronchial balsm, can lower your blood pressure. I can not find any link between covonia bronchial balsm causing low blood pressure. I suggest you to have a word with your doctor regarding the low blood pressure
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is it safe to take cold remedies with blood pressure tablets

cold remedies which contains decongestants and should be avoided as they can increase the blood pressure. i will suggest to try inhalation therpay using menthol crystals and for cough we can use products like simple linctus and if it is bronchial something like Covonia bronchial balsm should be fine.
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My 7 year old step daughter has re occuring thrush symptons. Can she take medicine to treat the cause of thrush rather than just having cream to relive the symptons?

Unfortunately we cannot advise on any treatment for a child under 16, she would need to be seen by a doctor. c
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what is the standard prohylaxis for malaria? do they have psychological effect?

There are a number of different prophylactic regimes for malaria depending on where abouts in the world you are travelling too. One mefloquine (Larium) has had reported psychological effects on some people, and is avoided where possible in people with a history of psychological disturbance including depression. c
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Type your question here can i buy something over the counter for the treatment of impetigo

I'm afraid not, you need to see your doctor to get an effective treatment. c
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can i give my 1 and half year old medised and benylin childrens night cough at the same time

No you should only use one or the other as they both contain an antihistamine which is what causes the drowsiness, taking both could lead to over dose. It would be safe to take the Benylin and paracetamol suspension for infants (paracetamol is the other ingredient in medised other than the antihistamine.)
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is it ok to take flu vaccine if my wife is pregnant?

Pregnant women who are in one of the at risk groups should be vaccinated before the influenza season, regardless of the stage of pregnacy. A study of over 2000 pregnant women who received influenza vaccine demonstrated no assosiated adverse effects on their babies. Where possible, pregnant women should receive a thiomersal-free influenza vaccine. However if this is unavailable then a thiomersal containing one should be given. c
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I am trying to get pregnant, am waiting for my period or not but have picked up a bad cough from my daughter can i still take cough medicine?

Honey glycerine and lemon cough syrup can be used for a dry cough and if it is productive chesty cough than in that case benylin chesty non-drowsy cough syrup can be used
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