Did you know ?
Sep 2026
Combination flu remedies can cause unexpected side effects
Flu season is coming. Pharmacy shelves have lots of brands of combination flu remedies that claim to offer relief for different kinds of flu symptoms with just one tablet/capsule such as fever, runny nose, cough, and chest congestion.
The ingredient for runny nose, nasal constrictor (phenylephrine, pseudoephedrine) can cause:
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High blood pressure
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If your blood pressure is stable or under control, then it’s most likely it’s okay to take for several days
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If your blood pressure is unstable, then these nasal constrictors can can further elevation of blood pressure
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Insomnia
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These nasal constrictors can be stimulating, causing slight nervousness, or even increase in heart rate.
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Hence, it’s generally advised not to take after evening
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Some combination flu remedies add an antihistamine (such as diphenhydramine), which can cause drowsiness to counteract this stimulating side effect. BUT antihistamine has it’s own side effects such as dry mouth, increase in eye pressure which can lead to other problems
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If you have health issues and need flu remedies, ask our pharmacists to help you select the right product for you
Aug 2026
Ibuprofen, commonly sold as Advil, Motrin in over-the-counter section of pharmacy can:
1. can cause stomach ulceration and kidney damage after prolong continuous consumption
2. can amplify the blood thinning effects of all prescription blood thinners such as warfarin, apixaban, increasing the risk of internal bleeding.
3. can cause hypertension in patients with unstable hypertension
Always check with our pharmacists to see if ibuprofen is appropriate for you