Cough Drops the Mic
These two letters at the end of a product name, as in Robitussin ___, tell you it contains dextromethorphan.
What is DM?
This second-generation antihistamine, dosed 60 mg every 12 hours or 180 mg daily is known to interact with fruit juice.
What is fexofenadine
Ask, Advise, Assess, Assist, and this final "A" of the 5 A's of quitting.
What is Arrange (follow-up)?
This hormone from the pineal gland is great for resetting the sleep-wake cycle but can leave a "morning hangover."
What is melatonin?
This free database helps pharmacists check a medication's safety in breastfeeding.
What is LactMed?
The active ingredient in Mucinex, this expectorant decreases mucus viscosity for a productive, wet cough; counsel to take it with plenty of fluids.
*be sure to spell it correctly!
What is guaifenesin?
Periorbital darkening caused by venous congestion gives allergic rhinitis patients this raccoon-eyed facial feature.
What are allergic shiners?
NoDoz Maximum Strength contains this many milligrams of caffeine per tablet, the same as the usual adult dose.
What is 200 mg?
This herb induces CYP3A4, CYP2C9, CYP1A2, and P-glycoprotein. It speeds birth control metabolism and adds serotonin syndrome risk.
What is St. John's wort?
Latex condoms protect against STIs and pregnancy, but they are degraded by this type of lubricant.
What are oil-based lubricants?
"Afrin = fast relief, 3-day limit." Going past the limit risks this hard-to-treat rebound nasal congestion.
Give us the medical term for rebound congestion.
What is rhinitis medicamentosa?
Oral antihistamines help with itching, sneezing, and rhinorrhea, but not with this symptom.
What is nasal congestion?
This nicotine replacement product is a poor choice for a patient with TMJ disorder or extensive dental work.
What is nicotine gum?
The glycyrrhizin in this root can raise blood pressure and lower potassium. Artificially flavored products don't contain the compound.
What is licorice?
This antibiotic class isn't generally recommended for children under 8 because it stains teeth and weakens bones.
What are tetracyclines?
In 2024 the FDA proposed removing this oral decongestant from the OTC monograph for lack of effectiveness, not for safety. Its intranasal form is unaffected.
What is oral phenylephrine?
This mast cell stabilizer is approved for ages 2 and up, is dosed 3 to 6 times daily, and works best when started about a week before allergen exposure.
Give both BRAND and generic name.
What is cromolyn sodium? (NasalCrom)
A patient smokes 30 cigarettes a day and has for 20 years. Give us the pack years.
What is 30 pack-years?
A patient taking this cold-season vitamin may get a false-negative stool occult blood test for 48–72 hours after ingestion.
What is vitamin C (ascorbic acid)?
In a patient with CKD, we would avoid this drug class (provide at least two active ingredients)
What is NSAIDS (ibuprofen and Naproxen)?
Codeine's boxed warning about respiratory depression and death in children after tonsillectomy traces back to ultra-rapid metabolism by this CYP450 isoenzyme.
What is CYP2D6?
For patients seeking greater symptom control for moderate-to-severe seasonal allergic rhinitis in patients 12 and older, the ARIA-EAACI 2024-2025 says this two-drug intranasal combination beats either agent alone.
What is an intranasal corticosteroid plus an intranasal antihistamine?
After a patient quits smoking, the insomnia chapter recommends cutting caffeine intake in half. The reason is that tobacco smoke induces this CYP isoenzyme.
What is CYP1A2?
This omega-6 supplement studied for menopause may increase the risk of seizures and blood clots. Patients on anticonvulsants should avoid it.
What is evening primrose oil?
A patient who starts the HPV vaccine between ages 9 and 14 needs only this many doses.
What is 2 (a second dose 6–12 months after the first)