Recently Asked Questions

Sneezing, stuffy nose, postnasal drip and runny nose may be common allergy symptoms. These symptoms may be due to allergic rhinitis or hay fever. There are many allergens responsible for morning allergy symptoms such as pollen, dust mites, pet dander and even mold.

Therefore, it is important to identify the cause of the allergy.

Below are a few tips to prevent allergy symptoms in the morning for your son such as

-          Using a dehumidifier to reduce the humidity level in the rooms

-          Put a dust mite proof-cover over your mattress or pillow.

-          Dust hard surfaces and vacuum your carpet frequently.

If the condition is mild, he may consider to take over the counter medications such as anti-histamine. Zyrtec R is an antihistamine that can be used for his allergies.

There are other antihistamines available over the counter such as Loratadine and Fexofenadine. Other antihistamines such as Chlorpheniramine is classified as a Pharmacy only medicine. It may be purchased at licensed retail pharmacies after consultation with a pharmacist. There is not much evidence to suggest a particular antihistamine is better than the others. Hence, you may wish to try the antihistamine to see which is suitable for him.

You may wish to bring your son to consult a doctor to discuss on the possible treatment and advices. if the symptoms of allergic rhinitis are disrupting his sleep, preventing him from carrying our daily activities, or affecting his school performance.

This drug/product is not available in NHG Pharmacy. You may wish to contact the hospital or retail pharmacies to enquire on its availability.

Do note that a prescription is required for the purchase of this medication.

Telfast 6mg/mL syrup is available in NHG Pharmacy.

Do note that online purchase is not available for this medicine as a valid prescription must be presented for purchase of this medicine.

It may also be purchased after review by a pharmacist, and in limited quantity.

You may contact NHG Pharmacy at 6355 3000 (NHG Polyclinics) or 6663 6847 (NUP Polyclinics) to check on the cost of these items.

Lutein and Zeaxanthin are two types of carotenoids that are found in the macula region of the eye. They may help to protect your eyes from harmful high-energy light waves like ultraviolet rays in sunlight. This may reduce the risk of age related macular degeneration and cataracts.

There are few evidence to support the use of lutein and zeaxanthin in preventing age-related macular degenerations or may slow the progression of this condition.   

The recommended level for eye health is 20mg/day for lutein and 2mg/day for zeaxanthin.  

However, large doses of lutein and zeaxanthin can cause carotenodermia – a yellow-orange skin discoloration. High levels of lutein are also linked to increased risk of skin cancer in people at high risk who have a history of skin cancer.

Hence, it is advisable to consume the recommended dose of the medication as indicated by the product packaging or as directed by a doctor for your medical condition.

Cetirizine is a medicine commonly used to treat allergies and runny nose symptoms and are available as tablets or syrup form. Doses of cetirizine 1mg are usually given in syrup form. Cetirizine may be taken with or without food or milk.

If your child does not like the taste of the medicine, you may mix cetirizine with a small amount of liquid such as sweetened water or fruit juice, or soft foods such as ice cream, yogurt or jelly. You may also consider mixing the medicine with small amounts of foods that are chilled, sweet or have a strong flavor, as these can help mask the taste of medicine as well.

It is advised to avoid mixing medicine with foods your child must have as the child may begin to dislike foods that he/she needs. This may include milk, depending on the child’s age.

Please ensure that the child completes the liquid or food mixed with the medicine so that he/she takes the full dose of the medicine. Do not put medicine in a full bottle or cup, in case the child does not drink the whole bottle or cup of liquid.

Do note that not all medicines may be mixed with food or milk. You may find out more from the medicine product information label or by speaking to a pharmacist regarding your child’s medicines before administering medicines to your child.

Insulin pen needles are used with insulin pens. It is available in different needle lengths (4mm/5mm/6mm) and brands such as BD or Novofine.

Syringes are used for insulin vials. It comes in different sizes as well.

Both are available in NHG pharmacy. You may purchase it over the counter in the retail pharmacy without a prescription.

You may refer to NHG Pharmacy website for more details on the products.

https://www.pharmacy.nhg.com.sg/productCatalogue/ProductSearchList.aspx?strProdName=INSULIN&strBrand=&iCat=4&PFlag=false

Insulin pens (disposable pens filled with insulin), are prescription items. Do note that a prescription is required for the purchase of these medications.

Oral chewing gums are not available in NHG Pharmacy. You may wish to contact the hospital or retail pharmacies to enquire on its availability.

There may be many causes of vertigo such as

• Fluid build-up or pressure change in the ear
• Inflammation in the inner ear that is caused by infections
• Shingles in or around the ear area
• Certain medications that causes ear damage 

Lignocaine gel is a topical anesthesia used for temporary relief of pain associated with piles. It can be used during pregnancy.

Chlorhexidine gel is a topical antiseptic. It can be applied on wounds, cuts or other broken skin, however, it may not help to relieve the pain associated with piles. There is a lack of data on the safe use in pregnancy, hence it should be used with caution.

You may try other dietary and lifestyle modification to ease the discomfort of piles during pregnancy such as

• Avoid sitting for long period of time. When you can, lie on your side or stand up. If you have to sit for a prolonged period, do remember to take breaks in between.
• Use gentle wipes when you use the toilet

Constipation may contribute or worsen piles. Do include dietary fibers in your diet to relieve or prevent constipation. The use of mild laxatives such as lactulose can be used to prevent constipation as well.  

Do consult a doctor if the symptoms worsen or if heavy bleeding occurs.

There are many causes of vaginal itching.

1. Irritants such as soap, feminine sprays, douches, detergents and fabric softener may trigger an allergic reaction that creates an itchy rash over various areas of the body including the vagina.
2. Skin conditions such as eczema and psoriasis can cause redness and itching in the vagina area.
3. Infections such as bacteria or yeast can result in symptoms such as itching as well.
4. Skin parasites such as lice can be found in genital area which may result in itching.

There are many causes of itchy eyebrows.

1. Skin parasites such as lice can live in the eyebrow area and cause itching.
2. Beauty treatment such as waxing and threading can irritate the skin around the eyebrow, causing itch.
3. Skin conditions such as eczema and psoriasis can cause itchy eyebrows too.

As I would not be able to assess the severity and extent of your condition, I would advise you to consult a doctor to find out the underlying cause and for appropriate treatment and advice.

The usual dose of Mefenamic Acid (250mg) is 1 to 2 capsules three times a day for pain associated with menses. It should be taken after food.

Omeprazole is a gastric protectant given together with Mefenamic acid to reduce the risk of gastric discomfort. The usual dose of Omeprazole (20mg) is 1 capsule once a day as stated in the product packaging. It should be taken at least half an hour before food.

However, the dose you should consume for both the medications might be different based on the severity and extent of your condition. Please do check the label indicated on the medication for the correct dosing.

If there is no label, please do contact your prescribing doctor or the clinic where the medications were dispensed for more information.

If you are an existing patient as NHG or NUP polyclinics, you may contact:

• National Healthcare Group Polyclinics – Ang Mo Kio, Geylang, Hougang, Toa Payoh, Woodlands, Yishun (Tel: 6355 3000)
• National University Polyclinics – Bukit Batok, Choa Chu Kang, Clementi, Jurong, Pioneer, Queenstown (Tel: 6663 6847)