Author: Dipa Kamdar, Associate Professor in Pharmacy Practice, Kingston University

Tatiana Yashina/Shutterstock Millions of people take antihistamines for allergies, but some of these medicines can make you sleepy, slow your reactions and affect your concentration. Others are much less likely to have these effects. Knowing the difference can help you choose an allergy treatment that won’t interfere with your day. Antihistamines work by blocking histamine, […]

PeopleImages/Shutterstock.com Need treatment fast? Many people now turn to Google before a healthcare professional. From checking symptoms online to buying medicines online and taking advice from social media influencers, healthcare is increasingly becoming a do-it-yourself activity. Convenience is a big part of the appeal. Information is available instantly – no need to wait weeks to […]

Chay_Tee/ Shutterstock If you’ve spent any time on social media recently, you’ve probably found yourself wondering whether you should be taking a magnesium supplement. There’s no shortage of influencers listing all the benefits that different types of magnesium supplements have – from boosting brain function to helping ease anxiety and improving sleep. Indeed, magnesium is […]

Song_about_summer/Shutterstock.com Patient information leaflets are meant to help people use their medicines safely. But many people find them confusing, overwhelming or even frightening. If a document designed to keep people safe ends up putting them off their treatment, it’s a sign that something isn’t working. These leaflets appear in every medicine pack. They explain what […]

Olga by Shefer/Shutterstock.com If you’ve ever had a mouth ulcer, you’ll know how much a tiny sore can take over your day. These small, painful patches that suddenly appear inside your mouth make eating, drinking and even talking surprisingly uncomfortable. The good news is that most heal on their own within a week or two. […]