Do you have a question to ask the pharmacist?
This Ask-a-Pharmacist section allows you to direct questions to a patient care pharmacist regarding your medications or any drug-related concerns or issues that may be of interest to you.
Note that our reply may reach you later if you are residing in a different time zone as Singapore. Please allow up to 3 working days for our reply.
If you need an advice immediately, please consult a Doctor or call our Pharmacist via our NHG contact centre at 6355 3000 or NUP contact center at 6663 6847.
While we will strive to answer as many questions as possible, we would like to seek your understanding that we are unable to answer all questions posted or questions which are not related to medicines. Please include as much details as possible. Accurate and complete information will help our Pharmacist provide the appropriate advice. Rest assured that all personal information provided will be kept confidential by NHG Pharmacy.
Q
Can I buy anarex or other muscle relaxer over the counter?
A
Anarex is the brand name of the combination medication containing Orphenadrine 35mg (a muscle relaxant) and paracetamol 450mg (a pain killer).
Do note that all muscle relaxants including Anarex are prescription-only items and require a prescription from a doctor for purchase at the pharmacy.
There are topical pain killers available over-the-counter, for application to the skin which may offer pain relief from sore muscles (e.g. Ketoprofen gel, Diclofenac gel, Methyl salicylate cream). For general pain management, you may also consider other paracetamol-containing products available over-the-counter.
You may wish to contact any of our branches at 6355 3000 to check out the stock availability and selling price of these products.
Drug Information
16 Mar 2020
Q
My child is 23 months old. Can my child take diphenhydramine for cough?
A
Diphenhydramine cough products are not recommended for use in children under 2 years of age. As the child is currently 23 months old, use of Diphenhydramine for cough should be avoided.
The most appropriate management of cough in a child depends on several factors such as the likely cause of the cough, the type of cough (e.g. dry, chesty), accompanying symptoms as well as triggers. There are several common causes of cough in young children including the following:
- Viral infection (e.g. cold, flu, croup)
- Acid reflux – Cough accompanied with vomiting/spitting up, heartburn
- Asthma – Usually presents with a wheezing cough which may worsen at night
- Allergies/sinusitis – Often accompanied with runny nose, watery eyes, or skin rash; possible allergens include foods, pollen, pet dander and dust.
In general, moist air can help with symptoms of a dry cough. Using a humidifier or moistening the air with a warm steamy bath may help. It is also important to maintain adequate hydration by ensuring your child drinks sufficient fluids. In children above 1 year old, you may consider administering 1-2 teaspoons of honey mixed in water to relieve the symptoms of cough.
There are also some over-the-counter products for cough which are safe for use in children below 2 years of age. You may wish to consult a pharmacist in person for a more tailored recommendation.
If any of the following is present, it is recommended you bring your child to consult a doctor immediately:
- Coughing blood or wheezing
- Trouble breathing; child turns red/purple when coughing
- Persistent vomiting
- Has trouble swallowing
- Appears very sick or fatigued
- High fever (temperature above 38.50C)
Children's Health
16 Mar 2020
Q
In a CNA highlight on TV, dated 3 March 2020, it was written that carcinogen was found in patients using diabetes drug Metformin. Can I ask for more information here? Thank you.
A
Metformin tablets supplied from NHG Pharmacy have been tested by the Health Sciences Authority of Singapore (HSA) and found to be safe for consumption.
This includes the previous available brand from Sunward pharmaceutical Pte Ltd. as well as the current brand from Hovid.
Therefore, there is currently no product recall of the Metformin tablets from NHG Pharmacy.
Drug Information
04 Mar 2020
Q
Hi, can I buy the olive oil ear drop from the pharmacy or does it require a prescription? It is for my 2 year old child. She was previously given this at the polyclinic due to a blocked ear from the ear wax. I cannot find olive oil ear drop at Guardian or Watson.
A
Olive oil ear drops are available for purchase over-the-counter at NHG Pharmacy, without the need for a prescription. You may wish to contact any of our branches at 6355 3000 to check out the selling price of this product.
Olive oil ear drops are suitable for use in a 2 year old child, to help soften any hardened wax. As the ear canal and eardrum are delicate, avoid inserting cotton swabs or other items into the ear canal. This often just pushes wax deeper into the ear rather than remove it. Ear wax removal is most safely done by a doctor in the clinic (i.e. irrigation or suctioning).
Q
Minoxidil topical solution, do you carry this product, how much is it ?
A
Minoxidil hair solution is available in NHG Pharmacy. It comes in three different strengths, 2%, 3% and 5%.
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You may wish to contact any of our branches at 6355 3000 to check out the availability and selling price of this product. |
Q
Plz Send Me Information of this drug is Available.
A
Tazocin contains Piperacillin and tazobactam. It is an antibiotic, which is used to treat bacterial infections.
Tazocin, is a vial preparation that is administered as an intravenous injection.
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 valid prescription by a Singapore registered doctor is needed for the purchase of this medicine.
Drug Information
06 Jan 2020
Q
Do you have the eye drop “ GLANATEC 0.4%” in your store. Where can I can I buy and collect.
A
Glanatec 0.4% eye drop is not available in Singapore. If you are having some medical problems at the moment, I would advise you to consult a doctor for medical assessment and treatment.
Drug Information
06 Jan 2020
Q
Hi, do you have Potassium Supplements?
A
We do not keep Potassium supplements. However, there are multivitamin products that contain potassium.
You may refer to NHG Pharmacy website for more information of the products. (www.pharmacy.nhg.com.sg/mobile/productcatalogue/default.aspx)
We do keep Potassium tablets or Potassium mixture in NHG Pharmacy. However, as potassium affects the electrolyte levels, it is advisable to consult a doctor for appropriate treatment and advice before use.
Vitamins/Herbal Supplements
23 Dec 2019
Q
Hi,
Beside NUH pharmacy, does NHGP sell this product?
1) 5 pcs in a box
2) Mepilex Border Sacrum
3) Size is: 16 x 20 cm / 6.3 x 7.9 in
Thank you
Regards
Lucy
A
Mepilex border sacrum dressings are not available in NHG Pharmacy. You may wish to contact other hospital pharmacies or retail pharmacies to enquire on its availability.
Q
Your Vidisic Gel,what is the expiry date? Also can I buy my high blood medication online?
A
We currently stock the Vidisic gel in our branches. You may wish to contact the branch via our contact centre at 6355 3000 to check on the availability and expiry date.
Do note that a valid prescription is needed for the purchase of high blood medications.
You may like to contact your polyclinic or hospital to enquire if you have any outstanding prescription available. Person taking high blood pressure medications require regular review with their doctor, who will prescribe supply of medications till the next review.
Drug Information
06 Dec 2019
