Recently Asked Questions

When a person takes in excess Ascorbic Acid (Vitamin C), the kidneys process it and the body removes it through the urine. Too much Ascorbic Acid may cause a buildup of oxalate in the body, which may increase the risk of forming calcium oxalate (kidney stones). This risk is especially for people with poor kidney function or a history of kidney stones.

It is recommended to consume not more than 2000mg of Ascorbic Acid per day.

If you do not have any history of kidney stones or poor kidney function, it is safe to consume a dose of 100mg once a day for supplementation. There may not be a need to reduce to take 100mg on alternate days.

Folic Acid is a vitamin that helps in the formation of red blood cells and the development of the baby’s nerves. It is also helpful in preventing birth defects in the baby.

It is recommended for pregnant women to take at least 400mcg of folic acid per day. Women may also take 5mg of folic acid per day as directed by their doctor. It is a safe supplement that is recommended to take until week 12 of pregnancy. Folic acid is not likely to cause any side effects.

A healthy diet would naturally consist of food or drinks containing folic acid. The additional intake of folic acid is not likely to cause harm to your wife or the growing baby.

You may consult your gynaecologist if you wish to enquire more about recommended food or supplements during the course of your wife’s pregnancy.

In general, it is recommended to space out the time of taking each dose as evenly as possible during the waking hours. This is to ensure that the concentration of the medication in the body is maintained to provide its effect and to reduce the risk of side effects. 

Certain medications may require people to take them at specific timings for the medication to be safe and effective, for various reasons. This includes (but are not limited to) the following:

• Medications that are formulated to be slowly released in the body throughout the day

• Medications that may cause side effects if taken at night

• Medications may work better when taken at specific times

Recommendations on how to space out doses may be different for specific medications. You may wish to speak to a pharmacist in person if you are facing difficulties in taking your medications on time, or if you wish to adjust your medication regimen for convenience. 

Domperidone 10mg may be purchased at NHG Pharmacy (in NUP and NHG Polyclinics) after consultation with a pharmacist for the appropriate indication and in limited quantity.

This product is meant for wet cough as it helps to loosen and expel phlegm to clear chest congestion.

For dry cough without phlegm, other cough syrups may be more suitable.

These are Pharmacy-only medicines and may be bought after consultation with a pharmacist. However, in view of the current COVID situation, self-medicating is not recommended. If you have any cough or flu symptoms, you are encouraged to see a doctor for further assessment and treatment.

Domperidone works by increasing the movements in the stomach and bowel, thereby helping with bloating. Domperidone may be associated with an increased risk of abnormal heart rhythms or sudden cardiac death, particularly with doses above 30mg per day or when used in patients above 60 years of age. In 2017, the Health and Science Advisory(HSA) had reviewed this association and determined that it may still be used at appropriate doses for approved indications (such as bloating (dyspepsia)).

As recommended by HSA, doctors are advised Domperidone to be used at the lowest possible dose, for the shortest duration necessary. Doctors are also advised to avoid the use of Domperidone if patients are on medications that may increase the risk of cardiac adverse events.

Electrocardiograms (ECGs), a test to check heart rhythm, may also be ordered by the doctor to ensure that there are no adverse events caused by the use of Domperidone.

There are over-the-counter medications to help reduce wind and bloating, however, these may not necessarily be effective for your mother. As I am not aware of your medical history or any long term medicines that your mother may be taking, I would advise you to speak to the doctor who is managing her care to raise your concerns and discuss on the possible treatments instead. This may include a discussion on the type and frequency of feeds that the patient takes, as this may also contribute to bloating and gastric symptoms.

Proton pump inhibitors such as Esomeprazole may be used as an alternative treatment of bloating in tube feeding patients. You may discuss with the doctor if this is suitable for your mother.

Tresiba is a long-acting insulin used to improve sugar control in patients with diabetes.

As Tresiba is not available in NHG Pharmacy (NHG Polyclinics and NUP Polyclinics), you may wish to enquire at other hospital pharmacies or retail pharmacies e.g. Guardian, Watsons or Unity. 

Tebonin forte contains Ginkgo Biloba dry extract 120mg. It is usually taken as one tablet per day, and may be taken up to one tablet two times a day. It may be taken with or without meals.

It can be used for the following indications:

• Improve cerebral and peripheral blood circulation
• Improve mental alertness and concentration
• Improve tinnitus (ringing in the ears) and vertigo (dizziness)

Tebonin forte is generally safe for daily use. However, in very rare cases, mild stomach disturbances, headache or allergic skin reactions (skin rashes, skin itch or swelling) have been reported.

Tebonin forte should not be used in those allergic to ginkgo biloba, children under 18 years old, pregnant or breastfeeding women. If you are taking any blood thinners (e.g. warfarin, or anti-platelets like aspirin or clopidogrel), taking Tebonin forte may increase the risk of bleeding.

If you are taking any long-term medications or any medical conditions, please consult a doctor for more advice if you wish to start taking this medication.

Rexobol 50 is not available in Singapore. You may wish to consult a doctor for a review and discuss on suitable alternatives that are available in Singapore.

Chronic dry cough that is worse at night may be caused by allergens or underlying medical conditions like gastric reflux, asthma, lung disease, heart failure, or sleep-related breathing disorders. As I am not aware of your mother’s medical history or any long term medicines she may be taking, I would not be able to recommend an appropriate treatment. You are strongly advised to consult a doctor for an appropriate assessment to determine the cause of the dry cough and then to discuss on the possible alternatives.