What’s in Your Medicine Cabinet?
It's easy to take way too much of four active ingredients found in hundreds of cold, cough, or allergy remedies. Protect your health with tips... More
About: Cara Acklin, Pharm. D.
Posts by Cara Acklin, Pharm. D.:
Call First, Act Later
One of the most rewarding parts of my work as a pharmacist is answering questions people have about their medicines. It is also one of... More
Be Careful with Coumadin
Warfarin (Coumadin), a prescription drug used to prevent blood clots, saves countless lives. However, many drugs and supplements (even common pain medicines like aspirin and... More
Water Pill Basics
Water pills (called diuretics) get rid of extra fluid in the body, making it easier for the heart to pump, and help reduce blood pressure.... More
Shingles Solutions
An attack of shingles (caused by the reactivated chickenpox virus, which usually stays dormant in people who had the disease) is typified by burning pain... More
Allergy Relief
Don’t suffer needlessly from springtime allergy symptoms. Taken once or twice daily, over-the-counter (OTC) products that contain the active ingredient loratadine (Claritin) or cetirizine (Zyrtec)... More
Gout: New Therapy Guidelines
Recent medical findings show that lower doses of prescription colchicine treat gout just as well as the higher amounts used in past years—and with fewer... More
What Happened to Armour Thyroid?
Armour thyroid, a natural hormone replacement for those suffering from hypothyroidism, is currently unavailable because of a shortage of its active ingredient (dried pig tissue... More
Treating and Preventing Skin Ulcers
Need help for chronic leg ulcers or sores? A prescription ointment containing papain and urea may help. Regular use of the product helps break down... More
Heartburn Relief
Long-term use of drugs called proton pump inhibitors (such as Aciphex) for acid reflux is seen by most as a safe choice that is made... More
Metformin and Glucose Levels
The hemoglobin A1c level indicates a person's average blood glucose over the prior three months. It is a better measure of glucose control than... More
Tylenol: Beware of Overuse
Check labels of cold and flu medicines for acetaminophen (the active ingredient in Tylenol). Used correctly, acetaminophen is safe and effective with a lower... More
Heartburn Relief
To A.S.: Long-term use of drugs called proton pump inhibitors (such as Aciphex) for acid reflux is seen by most as a safe choice that... More
Tylenol: Use as Directed
When used correctly, acetaminophen (the active ingredient in Tylenol) is safe and effective with a lower risk of stomach upset than other over-the-counter pain relievers.... More
Metformin and Glucose Levels
To E.W.: The hemoglobin A1c level indicates a person’s average blood glucose over the prior three months. It is a better measure of glucose control... More
Balancing the Benefits: Drug therapies for Atrial Fibrillation and Depression
Coumadin is an important drug in the treatment of atrial fibrillation. In some people, however, combining it with an antidepressant may increase the risk of... More
Water Pill Options When Allergic to Sulfa
Patients who are allergic to sulfa and require a diuretic (“water”) pill have several options. In general, the sulfa contained in antibiotic drugs has a... More
