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Articles about medicines
Bisoprolol side effects: what you need to know
Bisoprolol is a widely prescribed beta-blocker used for heart failure, high blood pressure and angina. Common side effects include tiredness, dizziness and cold hands or feet. Serious but rare reactions such as severe bradycardia or bronchospasm require prompt medical attention. Most side effects settle within the first few weeks of treatment.
Bisoprolol: NHS information and prescribing guide
Bisoprolol is a beta-blocker prescribed on the NHS for heart failure, high blood pressure and angina. It works by slowing the heart rate and reducing the workload on the heart. This article covers everything you need to know, including dosage, side effects, interactions and how to take it safely.
Tamsulosin side effects: a complete guide
Tamsulosin is an alpha-blocker used to relieve urinary symptoms caused by an enlarged prostate (BPH). Common side effects include dizziness, abnormal ejaculation and nasal congestion. Serious but rare effects such as severe hypotension and priapism require urgent medical attention.
Tamsulosin dosage guide: how much to take and when
The standard tamsulosin dose for benign prostatic hyperplasia (BPH) is 400 micrograms once daily, taken after a meal. It is available as a modified-release capsule and does not usually require dose adjustment. This guide covers the correct dosage, timing, missed doses and special considerations.
Losartan side effects: what to expect
Losartan is an angiotensin II receptor blocker (ARB) used for high blood pressure, heart failure and kidney protection in diabetes. Common side effects include dizziness and high potassium. It is generally well tolerated and notably less likely to cause a dry cough than ACE inhibitors.
Losartan: NHS information and prescribing guide
Losartan is an angiotensin II receptor blocker (ARB) widely available on the NHS. It is used for high blood pressure, heart failure, diabetic kidney disease and stroke prevention. It is well tolerated and is a preferred alternative when ACE inhibitors cause a dry cough.
Candesartan side effects: what you should know
Candesartan is an ARB used for high blood pressure and heart failure. It is well tolerated, with dizziness, headache and high potassium being the most commonly reported side effects. Serious effects such as angioedema and acute kidney injury are rare. It does not usually cause the dry cough associated with ACE inhibitors.
Candesartan: NHS information and prescribing guide
Candesartan is an ARB prescribed on the NHS for high blood pressure and heart failure. It is well tolerated, effective for 24-hour blood pressure control and has strong evidence in heart failure. This guide covers uses, dosing, side effects, interactions and monitoring.
Eliquis (apixaban) side effects: what you need to know
Eliquis (apixaban) is a direct oral anticoagulant (DOAC) used to prevent and treat blood clots. The most important side effect is bleeding, which can range from minor bruising to serious internal haemorrhage. Understanding the warning signs of significant bleeding is essential for anyone taking this medicine.
Eliquis (apixaban) dosage guide: getting the dose right
Eliquis (apixaban) is taken as a tablet twice daily. The standard dose is 5 mg twice daily for atrial fibrillation, with a reduced dose of 2.5 mg twice daily for certain higher-risk patients. Different doses apply for the treatment and prevention of deep vein thrombosis and pulmonary embolism. Getting the dose right is essential for both safety and effectiveness.
Gabapentin side effects: what you need to know
Gabapentin commonly causes drowsiness, dizziness and fatigue, especially during the first few weeks of treatment. Weight gain and peripheral oedema may develop over longer courses. Serious but rare effects include respiratory depression, particularly in combination with opioids. Most side effects are dose-related and often settle with time.
Gabapentin and alcohol: what you should know
Drinking alcohol while taking gabapentin is generally advised against. Both substances depress the central nervous system, and combining them can intensify drowsiness, dizziness and impaired coordination. In serious cases, the combination may cause dangerous respiratory depression.
Is gabapentin a sedative? Understanding its sedating effects
Gabapentin is not classified as a sedative, but sedation and drowsiness are among its most common side effects. It works by modulating calcium channels in the nervous system rather than directly activating GABA receptors. Its sedating properties are sometimes used therapeutically, particularly for insomnia associated with neuropathic pain.
Gabapentin NHS: a complete patient guide
Gabapentin is prescribed on the NHS for epilepsy and neuropathic pain. It is a controlled substance in the UK (Class C, Schedule 3). Doses range from 300 mg to 3600 mg daily, increased gradually. Common side effects include drowsiness and dizziness. It must not be stopped suddenly.
Mirtazapine side effects: a comprehensive guide
Mirtazapine commonly causes increased appetite, weight gain and drowsiness, particularly at lower doses. These effects are related to its antihistamine and serotonergic properties. Serious but rare side effects include blood disorders and serotonin syndrome. Most patients tolerate mirtazapine well, and side effects often improve with time.
Mirtazapine for sleep: benefits, dosing and practical advice
Mirtazapine is often prescribed for depression when insomnia is a prominent symptom. Its potent antihistamine activity at lower doses (7.5 to 15 mg) produces significant sedation that can improve sleep onset and quality. It is not licensed specifically as a sleep aid but is widely used for this benefit alongside its antidepressant effects.
Mirtazapine NHS: everything you need to know
Mirtazapine is an antidepressant available on the NHS, commonly prescribed for depression and sometimes anxiety. It works differently from SSRIs by blocking alpha-2 adrenergic receptors and certain serotonin receptors. Usual doses range from 15 to 45 mg daily, taken at bedtime. Key side effects include weight gain and drowsiness.
Mirtazapine withdrawal: what to expect and how to taper safely
Mirtazapine withdrawal can cause dizziness, nausea, anxiety, insomnia and irritability. Symptoms typically begin within 1 to 3 days of stopping or reducing the dose and can last from a few days to several weeks. Gradual dose reduction over at least 4 weeks is recommended. Some patients need a slower taper over several months.
Enalapril side effects: a detailed patient guide
Enalapril is an ACE inhibitor used for high blood pressure and heart failure. The most characteristic side effect is a persistent dry cough, affecting up to 15% of patients. Other common effects include dizziness, headache and fatigue. Rare but serious side effects include angioedema and hyperkalaemia. Most side effects are manageable and dose-related.
Enalapril NHS: your complete patient guide
Enalapril is an ACE inhibitor available on the NHS for high blood pressure, heart failure and diabetic kidney disease. Usual doses range from 5 to 40 mg daily. It requires regular blood tests to monitor kidney function and potassium. The most common side effect is a dry cough, which affects about 1 in 10 patients.
Sildenafil Dosage: Choosing the Right Dose for You
Sildenafil is available in 25 mg, 50 mg and 100 mg tablets. Most men start on 50 mg, taken roughly one hour before sexual activity. Your prescriber may adjust the dose up or down depending on effectiveness and tolerability. Never exceed 100 mg in 24 hours.
Sildenafil on the NHS: Prescriptions, Cost and How to Get It
Generic sildenafil is available on NHS prescription for erectile dysfunction. It can also be purchased over the counter at pharmacies under the brand name Viagra Connect (50 mg) without a prescription. NHS prescriptions are free in Scotland, Wales and Northern Ireland; in England, the standard prescription charge applies.
Tadalafil Dosage: Daily vs As-Needed and How to Choose
Tadalafil is available in 2.5 mg, 5 mg, 10 mg and 20 mg tablets. For as-needed use, the starting dose is 10 mg taken before sexual activity. For daily use, the dose is 2.5 mg or 5 mg taken at the same time each day. Your prescriber will help you decide which regimen is right for you.
Cialis Dosage: How to Take Cialis Safely and Effectively
Cialis (tadalafil) is available in 2.5 mg, 5 mg, 10 mg and 20 mg tablets. The as-needed starting dose is 10 mg, while the daily dose is 2.5 mg or 5 mg. Cialis and generic tadalafil are identical in effect. Your prescriber will advise on the right regimen for you.
Viagra for Women: What the Evidence Actually Shows
Viagra (sildenafil) is not licensed for use in women in the UK. While some research has explored its effects on female sexual arousal, the evidence is limited and inconsistent. Female sexual dysfunction is a complex issue with multiple effective treatments available through the NHS.
Rosuvastatin Side Effects: What to Expect and When to Seek Help
Rosuvastatin is generally well tolerated, but common side effects include headache, muscle pain, nausea and dizziness. Serious but rare effects include rhabdomyolysis and liver enzyme changes. Most side effects are dose-related and manageable with your prescriber's guidance.
Rosuvastatin on the NHS: Prescribing, Monitoring and What to Expect
Rosuvastatin is widely prescribed on the NHS for primary and secondary prevention of cardiovascular disease. NICE recommends atorvastatin as first-line, but rosuvastatin is a common alternative. Your GP will monitor your cholesterol and liver function at regular intervals.
Spironolactone Side Effects: A Comprehensive Guide
Spironolactone commonly causes breast tenderness, menstrual irregularities and dizziness. The most important safety concern is hyperkalaemia (high potassium). Regular blood tests are essential. Most side effects are dose-dependent and reversible on stopping the medicine.
Esomeprazole Side Effects: What You Need to Know
Esomeprazole is generally well tolerated short-term. Common side effects include headache, nausea, abdominal pain and diarrhoea. Long-term use may increase the risk of bone fractures, magnesium deficiency and Clostridium difficile infection. Regular review of ongoing PPI therapy is important.
Dovobet: Your Complete Guide to This Psoriasis Treatment
Dovobet combines calcipotriol (a vitamin D analogue) with betamethasone dipropionate (a potent corticosteroid) to treat plaque psoriasis. It is available as an ointment for the body and a gel for the scalp. Treatment is typically limited to 4 to 8 weeks at a time to minimise steroid side effects.
Omeprazole side effects: what every patient should know
Omeprazole is generally well tolerated, but common side effects include headache, nausea, diarrhoea and abdominal pain. Long-term use carries a small increased risk of bone fractures, hypomagnesaemia and Clostridioides difficile infection. Most short-term side effects resolve within the first week of treatment.
Omeprazole dosage: the right dose for your condition
The standard adult dose of omeprazole is 20 mg once daily for most indications. Higher doses of 40 mg are used for Zollinger-Ellison syndrome, severe oesophagitis and eradication therapy. Treatment duration varies from 2 to 8 weeks depending on the condition. Always take omeprazole 30 minutes before a meal.
Omeprazole in pregnancy: what the evidence says
Omeprazole is not known to be harmful in pregnancy, and the BNF states it can be used if clinically indicated. Large observational studies have not shown an increased risk of major birth defects. However, non-pharmacological measures and antacids should be tried first. If a PPI is needed, omeprazole has the most safety data in pregnancy.
Long-term omeprazole use: risks, monitoring and safe withdrawal
Long-term omeprazole use (beyond 8 weeks) is associated with small but clinically meaningful risks including bone fractures, hypomagnesaemia, vitamin B12 deficiency and Clostridioides difficile infection. NICE recommends regular review and stepping down to the lowest effective dose. For many patients, gradual withdrawal is both possible and advisable.
Omeprazole: NHS prescribing information and patient guidance
Omeprazole is available on NHS prescription and over the counter at a lower dose (10 mg). It is one of the most commonly prescribed medicines in the UK, with over 30 million prescriptions annually. NICE recommends it as first-line PPI therapy for GORD, peptic ulcers and H. pylori eradication.
Atorvastatin side effects: a doctor's complete guide
Atorvastatin is well tolerated by most patients, but common side effects include muscle aches, headache, gastrointestinal disturbance and nasopharyngitis. Serious but rare side effects include rhabdomyolysis and liver enzyme elevation. Muscle symptoms are the most frequent reason patients consider stopping treatment, but true statin myopathy affects fewer than 1 in 1,000 patients.
Atorvastatin: NHS prescribing, monitoring and NICE guidance
Atorvastatin is the most commonly prescribed statin in the UK, recommended by NICE as first-line for primary and secondary cardiovascular prevention. Treatment is offered to patients with a 10-year QRISK3 score of 10% or higher. Monitoring includes lipid profile, liver function, HbA1c and renal function.
Amlodipine side effects: what to expect and when to worry
Amlodipine commonly causes peripheral oedema (ankle swelling), flushing, headache and dizziness, particularly during the first few weeks or after a dose increase. These are related to its vasodilatory mechanism and are usually dose-dependent. Serious side effects are rare. Ankle swelling can be managed by dose reduction, evening dosing or combination therapy.
Amlodipine dosage: finding the right dose for you
The usual starting dose of amlodipine is 5 mg once daily for hypertension and angina. It can be increased to a maximum of 10 mg once daily if blood pressure is not adequately controlled after 2 to 4 weeks. In elderly patients and those with liver impairment, the starting dose is 2.5 mg. Amlodipine can be taken at any time of day, with or without food.
Amlodipine: NHS prescribing information and NICE guidance
Amlodipine is one of the most commonly prescribed blood pressure medications on the NHS, recommended by NICE as first-line treatment for hypertension in patients aged 55 and over or of Black African/Caribbean origin. It is available in 5 mg and 10 mg tablets on prescription, with a starting dose typically of 5 mg once daily.
Ramipril side effects: what you need to know
Ramipril is an ACE inhibitor used to treat high blood pressure and heart failure. Common side effects include a persistent dry cough, dizziness, and headaches. Serious but rare side effects such as angioedema require immediate medical attention. Most side effects settle within the first few weeks of treatment.
Ramipril: NHS prescribing information and patient guide
Ramipril is an ACE inhibitor prescribed on the NHS for high blood pressure, heart failure, and kidney protection in diabetes. The usual maintenance dose is 2.5 mg to 10 mg once daily. It is one of the most commonly prescribed blood pressure medicines in the UK, with over 10 million prescriptions dispensed annually.
Wegovy side effects: a doctor's guide to what to expect
Wegovy (semaglutide 2.4 mg) commonly causes gastrointestinal side effects including nausea, diarrhoea, and constipation, particularly during dose escalation. Most side effects are mild to moderate and improve over time. Serious but rare risks include pancreatitis and gallbladder disease. Following the recommended dose escalation schedule helps minimise symptoms.
Wegovy dosage: the complete escalation and maintenance guide
Wegovy uses a 16-week dose escalation schedule, starting at 0.25 mg weekly and increasing to the maintenance dose of 2.4 mg weekly. The gradual increase helps your body adjust and reduces gastrointestinal side effects. Wegovy is administered as a once-weekly subcutaneous injection using a pre-filled pen.
Wegovy weight loss: real results from clinical trials and UK practice
Clinical trials show that patients taking Wegovy lose an average of 12 to 15 per cent of their body weight over 68 weeks. This equates to roughly 15 to 20 kg for a person weighing 120 kg. Weight loss begins within the first month and continues steadily, with the greatest rate of loss occurring between months 3 and 9. Sustained weight management requires ongoing lifestyle changes alongside medication.
Lansoprazole side effects: what to expect and when to worry
Lansoprazole is a proton pump inhibitor (PPI) that is generally well tolerated. Common side effects include headaches, diarrhoea, and nausea. Long-term use has been linked to an increased risk of bone fractures, magnesium deficiency, and vitamin B12 malabsorption. Most short-term side effects are mild and resolve within the first few days of treatment.
Lansoprazole dosage: a complete prescribing and patient guide
Lansoprazole is available in 15 mg and 30 mg capsules. The dose depends on the condition being treated: 15 mg daily for mild reflux and maintenance therapy, 30 mg daily for active ulcers and more severe acid-related conditions. It should be taken 30 minutes before a meal, ideally in the morning. Treatment duration varies from 2 to 8 weeks for most conditions.
Finasteride side effects: what every patient should know
Finasteride is a 5-alpha reductase inhibitor used for male pattern hair loss (1 mg) and benign prostatic hyperplasia (5 mg). The most discussed side effects are sexual in nature, including reduced libido and erectile dysfunction, affecting 1 to 2 per cent of users. Most side effects resolve on stopping the medication. The MHRA has issued guidance on the rare risk of persistent sexual side effects and mood changes.
Finasteride: NHS prescribing information and patient guide
Finasteride is available on the NHS for benign prostatic hyperplasia (BPH) at the 5 mg dose, but the 1 mg dose for hair loss is generally not funded by the NHS and requires a private prescription. It is taken once daily and works by reducing levels of dihydrotestosterone (DHT). Regular monitoring is not routinely required for the 1 mg dose but is recommended for patients on the 5 mg dose for BPH.
Finasteride for hair loss: effectiveness, results, and what to expect
Finasteride 1 mg daily is the most effective oral treatment for male pattern hair loss. Clinical trials show that 83 per cent of men who take it maintain their hair, and around two-thirds experience some regrowth. Results take 3 to 6 months to become visible and require continued use. It works by reducing DHT levels, the hormone responsible for follicle miniaturisation in genetically susceptible men.
Naproxen Side Effects: What You Need to Know
Naproxen commonly causes stomach discomfort, heartburn and headache. Serious but rare side effects include gastrointestinal bleeding, cardiovascular events and kidney problems. Most mild side effects settle within a few days of starting treatment.
Naproxen Dosage: How Much to Take and When
The standard adult dose of naproxen is 250 mg to 500 mg twice daily, with a maximum of 1,000 mg in 24 hours. Elderly patients should use the lowest effective dose. Always take naproxen with or after food to reduce stomach irritation.
Naproxen and Alcohol: Risks, Safety and Practical Advice
Drinking alcohol while taking naproxen increases the risk of stomach irritation, gastrointestinal bleeding and kidney strain. Occasional light drinking may be acceptable for some patients, but regular or heavy alcohol use should be avoided during treatment.
Naproxen and Paracetamol: Combining Two Painkillers Safely
Yes, naproxen and paracetamol can be taken together safely. They work by different mechanisms and combining them often provides better pain relief than either drug alone. Stick to the recommended doses of both and avoid adding ibuprofen on top.
Naproxen and Ibuprofen: Why You Should Not Take Both
You should not take naproxen and ibuprofen together. Both are NSAIDs and combining them doubles the risk of stomach bleeding, kidney injury and cardiovascular side effects without improving pain relief. Use one or the other, not both.
Naproxen: Comprehensive NHS-Aligned Information
Naproxen is a prescription NSAID used to treat pain, inflammation and fever. It is commonly prescribed for arthritis, period pain, musculoskeletal injuries and gout. Take it with food, use the lowest effective dose and be aware of GI and cardiovascular risks.
Metformin Side Effects: A Complete Guide
Metformin commonly causes gastrointestinal side effects such as nausea, diarrhoea and stomach cramps, particularly in the first few weeks. Serious side effects like lactic acidosis are very rare. Most GI symptoms improve with time or by switching to modified-release tablets.
Metformin and Weight Loss: What the Evidence Shows
Metformin can produce modest weight loss of 2 to 3 kg over 6 to 12 months, primarily through reduced appetite and improved insulin sensitivity. It is not licensed as a weight-loss drug, but its weight-neutral to weight-reducing profile makes it preferred over other diabetes medicines.
Metformin Warnings: Important Safety Information
Metformin should be used with caution in patients with kidney impairment, liver disease, heart failure and excessive alcohol intake. It must be temporarily stopped during acute illness, before surgery and before contrast-enhanced imaging. Following sick-day rules is essential.
Metformin: Comprehensive NHS-Aligned Information
Metformin is the first-line treatment for type 2 diabetes in the UK. It lowers blood glucose by reducing hepatic glucose output and improving insulin sensitivity. Standard doses range from 500 mg to 2,000 mg daily. It requires regular kidney function monitoring.
Ozempic Side Effects: Frequency Data, Clinical Risk, and How to Manage Them
Gastrointestinal symptoms affect up to 20% of patients starting Ozempic. Nausea and diarrhoea usually resolve within 4 to 8 weeks of dose titration. Pancreatitis and gallstones remain rare but require immediate medical attention if suspected.
Ozempic Dosage: Titration Steps, Pen Options, and Missed Dose Guidance
Ozempic starts at 0.25 mg weekly for 4 weeks, then increases to 0.5 mg. A further step to 1 mg is available after at least 4 weeks if additional glycaemic control is needed. Never skip titration steps. Inject subcutaneously in the abdomen, thigh, or upper arm.
Ozempic and Weight Loss: Trial Data, Expected Results, and Clinical Considerations
In SUSTAIN trials, Ozempic 1 mg produced mean weight loss of 4.5 to 6.5 kg over 30 to 56 weeks in patients with type 2 diabetes. Individual results vary considerably. Ozempic is licensed for diabetes, not weight management. Wegovy (semaglutide 2.4 mg) is the licensed obesity formulation.
Ozempic Face: Causes of Facial Volume Loss and How to Address It
Ozempic face refers to facial volume loss and skin laxity from rapid weight reduction on semaglutide. It results from loss of buccal and periorbital fat pads, not a direct drug effect. Slower weight loss, adequate protein intake, and dermatological treatments can mitigate the appearance.
How Ozempic Works: GLP-1 Receptor Agonism, Blood Glucose Control, and Appetite Regulation
Ozempic mimics the gut hormone GLP-1 to stimulate glucose-dependent insulin secretion, suppress glucagon, slow gastric emptying, and reduce appetite via hypothalamic signalling. Its 7-day half-life allows once-weekly dosing. Cardiovascular benefit is proven in the SUSTAIN 6 trial.
Ozempic and Metformin Together: Clinical Evidence, NICE Guidance, and Practical Advice
Combining Ozempic with metformin is a standard second-line regimen endorsed by NICE NG 28. The two drugs work through complementary mechanisms with no pharmacokinetic interaction. GI side effects may overlap initially. Hypoglycaemia risk remains low with this combination.
Ozempic and Eye Problems: Diabetic Retinopathy, Vision Changes, and Screening Guidance
Rapid HbA1c improvement with Ozempic can temporarily worsen pre-existing diabetic retinopathy, particularly in patients with proliferative disease. SUSTAIN 6 showed more retinopathy complications in the semaglutide group. Retinal screening before and during the first year of treatment is essential.
Ozempic Tablets: Oral Semaglutide (Rybelsus), Dosing, and How It Compares to Injections
Ozempic is an injection only. Oral semaglutide is marketed separately as Rybelsus (3 mg, 7 mg, 14 mg tablets). Rybelsus uses SNAC absorption technology, must be taken fasting with minimal water, and achieves slightly lower HbA1c reduction than injectable semaglutide 1 mg.
Ozempic in the UK: Supply Status, Prescribing Criteria, and Alternatives During Shortages
Ozempic supply in the UK has been intermittently disrupted since 2022 due to global demand exceeding manufacturing capacity. NHS prescribing requires a type 2 diabetes diagnosis and specific NICE criteria. Off-label weight loss prescribing has exacerbated supply pressures.
Ozempic on the NHS: Eligibility Criteria, Costs, and the Prescribing Pathway
Ozempic is available on the NHS for type 2 diabetes under NICE NG 28 criteria. Standard NHS prescription charges apply (currently 9.90 GBP per item in England). Patients typically need prior metformin use. Annual clinical reviews and HbA1c monitoring determine continued prescribing.
Mounjaro side effects: what to expect during treatment
Mounjaro (tirzepatide) most commonly causes gastrointestinal side effects such as nausea, diarrhoea and reduced appetite. These typically improve as your body adjusts over the first few weeks. Serious but rare effects include pancreatitis and gallbladder problems. Gradual dose titration helps minimise symptoms for most patients.
How does Mounjaro work? A clear guide to its mechanism
Mounjaro (tirzepatide) is the first dual GIP and GLP-1 receptor agonist. It works by mimicking two natural gut hormones that regulate blood sugar, appetite and digestion. This dual action helps reduce food intake, slow gastric emptying and improve insulin sensitivity, producing significant weight loss and blood sugar control.
Mounjaro vs Wegovy: comparing the two leading weight loss injections
Both Mounjaro (tirzepatide) and Wegovy (semaglutide) are effective injectable weight loss treatments. Mounjaro targets two gut hormone receptors (GIP and GLP-1), while Wegovy targets GLP-1 alone. Clinical data suggest Mounjaro produces greater average weight loss, but both carry similar gastrointestinal side effects.
Semaglutide tablets: everything you need to know about oral treatment
Semaglutide tablets (Rybelsus) are the first oral GLP-1 receptor agonist for type 2 diabetes. They must be taken on an empty stomach with no more than 120 mL of water, at least 30 minutes before food. While slightly less potent than injectable semaglutide, they offer a needle-free alternative for suitable patients.
GLP-1 medications explained: how they work and which is right for you
GLP-1 receptor agonists are a class of medicines that mimic the gut hormone GLP-1 to reduce blood sugar and appetite. They include semaglutide (Ozempic, Wegovy), tirzepatide (Mounjaro) and liraglutide (Saxenda). These medicines have transformed the treatment of type 2 diabetes and obesity with proven clinical benefits.
How does metformin work? Understanding the first-line diabetes treatment
Metformin works primarily by reducing glucose production in the liver and improving the body's sensitivity to insulin. Unlike many diabetes medicines, it does not cause weight gain or increase the risk of hypoglycaemia when used alone. It remains the first-line treatment for type 2 diabetes in all major UK guidelines.
Metformin 500 mg: your guide to the starting dose
Metformin 500 mg is the standard starting dose for most adults with type 2 diabetes. It is taken with meals, usually once or twice daily initially, and gradually increased over several weeks to reduce gastrointestinal side effects. The maximum dose is typically 2000 mg daily in divided doses.
Lansoprazole vs omeprazole: comparing two leading PPIs
Lansoprazole and omeprazole are both proton pump inhibitors (PPIs) that reduce stomach acid production. They are broadly similar in effectiveness for acid reflux and ulcers. Key differences include lansoprazole's faster onset of action and fewer drug interactions compared with omeprazole, though both are well tolerated and widely prescribed.
Propranolol side effects: what you need to know
Propranolol commonly causes fatigue, cold hands and feet, dizziness and sleep disturbance. These effects relate to its action of blocking beta-adrenergic receptors. Serious side effects include bronchospasm and severe bradycardia. Most side effects are dose-related and can be managed with dose adjustments.
Propranolol for anxiety: how it works and when it helps
Propranolol is a beta-blocker that effectively reduces the physical symptoms of anxiety such as tremor, palpitations and sweating. It is particularly useful for performance anxiety and situational stress. It does not treat the psychological components of anxiety and is not a first-line treatment for generalised anxiety disorder.
Sertraline side effects: what to expect during treatment
Sertraline commonly causes nausea, diarrhoea, insomnia and headache in the first 1 to 2 weeks. Sexual dysfunction is a frequent longer-term effect. Most initial side effects settle as the body adjusts. Serious but rare effects include serotonin syndrome and increased suicidal thoughts in young adults during early treatment.
Montelukast side effects: what patients need to know
Montelukast commonly causes headache, abdominal pain and, in children, behavioural changes. The MHRA has issued specific warnings about neuropsychiatric side effects including agitation, depression and suicidal thoughts. Most patients tolerate it well, but any mood or behaviour changes should be reported promptly.