Health Guides – Simple Advice for Everyday Use
Welcome to the Health section of First Pharmacy UK. Here you’ll find short, easy‑to‑read articles that explain how common medicines work, what to watch out for, and when you might need a safer alternative. Everything is written with NHS guidance in mind, so you can trust the advice is reliable and suited to life in the UK.
We know you don’t have time to read long scientific papers. That’s why each guide focuses on the practical questions you ask yourself: What does this drug treat? How do I take it safely? What side effects should I expect? And are there any interactions with other medicines or supplements you might already be using?
Top Articles to Read Right Now
Below are three of our most popular posts. They cover a range of conditions and drug types, so you’ll quickly find something that matches what you need.
- Quibron‑T (Theophylline) Uses, Dosage, Side Effects, Interactions [2025 Guide] – Learn when doctors prescribe theophylline, how to dose it correctly, and which medicines can cause problems.
- Metoclopramide (Reglan): Uses, Dosage, Side Effects, Warnings, and Safer Alternatives – Get the basics on this anti‑nausea drug, who should avoid it, and safer options if you’re worried about side effects.
- Crotamiton Cream vs Lotion: How to Choose the Right Formula for Itch or Scabies – Find out the difference between cream and lotion forms, how to apply them, and what to look for when treating itchy skin or scabies.
Each article breaks the information into short sections, uses bullet points where needed, and ends with a quick checklist you can keep handy.
How to Use This Site
Start by scanning the headlines. If a title matches a symptom, condition, or medication you’re dealing with, click through. Inside the article you’ll see clear headings like “What it treats,” “How to take it,” and “When to call a doctor.” Those sections let you find the exact answer you need without scrolling through pages of text.
If you’re not sure which drug to look up, use the search bar at the top of the site. Type in the name of the medicine, a symptom, or the condition you’re concerned about and you’ll be taken to the most relevant guide.
Remember, these guides are for informational purposes only. They don’t replace a conversation with your GP or pharmacist. If anything feels unclear, or if you notice new symptoms, give your healthcare provider a call.
We update our articles regularly to keep up with the latest NHS guidance and new research. Check back often, or sign up for email alerts so you never miss a refreshed guide.
Health decisions can feel overwhelming, but with the right info you can feel confident about what’s best for you. Browse, read, and use the tips that fit your life – it’s that simple.
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15 Dec
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15 Dec
Liquid Antibiotics and Reconstituted Suspensions: Why They Expire So Fast
Liquid antibiotics like amoxicillin expire quickly after mixing with water - usually in 10 to 14 days. Learn why they degrade, how storage affects potency, and what you need to do to keep your child’s treatment effective. -
12 Dec
Daptomycin Muscle Toxicity: What You Need to Know About CK Monitoring and Symptoms
Daptomycin is effective against resistant infections but can cause muscle toxicity. Learn key symptoms, when to check CK levels, how to prevent serious damage, and what to do if you're on statins or higher doses. -
11 Dec
Medication Therapy Management Services Explained for Patients
Medication Therapy Management (MTM) is a free service for Medicare Part D patients taking multiple medications. Learn how pharmacists help you avoid side effects, save money, and take your drugs safely and correctly. -
9 Dec
Benzodiazepines: Memory Loss, Fall Risks, and How to Taper Safely
Benzodiazepines can cause memory loss, increase fall risk in older adults, and lead to dependence. Learn how tapering slowly can help restore cognitive function and reduce danger. -
8 Dec
Rhodiola and Antidepressants: What You Need to Know About Serotonin Risks
Rhodiola may help with mild depression, but combining it with antidepressants like SSRIs can cause serotonin syndrome-a dangerous, potentially fatal reaction. Learn the risks, symptoms, and why most supplements don't warn you. -
7 Dec
GLP-1 Agonists and Gallbladder Disease: Recognizing Abdominal Pain Red Flags
GLP-1 agonists like Ozempic and Wegovy can increase gallbladder disease risk, especially with rapid weight loss. Learn the key abdominal pain signs that signal gallstones or cholecystitis - and what to do next. -
6 Dec
Buprenorphine Side Effects: Understanding the Ceiling Effect and Real-World Safety
Buprenorphine's ceiling effect makes it one of the safest treatments for opioid use disorder. Learn how it reduces overdose risk, compares to methadone, and what side effects to expect - backed by clinical data and real-world use. -
5 Dec
Serious vs Non-Serious Adverse Events: When to Report in Clinical Trials
Understand when to report serious vs non-serious adverse events in clinical trials. Learn the FDA and ICH criteria, reporting timelines, common mistakes, and how to avoid costly errors in safety monitoring. -
4 Dec
Paragraph IV Certifications: How Generic Drug Makers Challenge Patents Before Launch
Paragraph IV certifications let generic drug makers challenge brand patents before launch, speeding up affordable drug access. This legal tool under the Hatch-Waxman Act saves billions annually but faces challenges from patent thickets and pay-for-delay deals. -
4 Dec
Stability Testing: Long-Term Quality Monitoring Post-Manufacture in Pharmaceuticals
Stability testing ensures pharmaceutical products remain safe and effective over time. Learn how real-time monitoring, ICH guidelines, and lab data determine shelf life and prevent dangerous drug failures. -
4 Dec
Postpartum Anxiety: Recognizing Symptoms, Screening Tools, and Effective Care Paths
Postpartum anxiety affects 1 in 5 new mothers and is often missed. Learn the key symptoms, how screening works, and proven care paths-from therapy to medication-that actually help.