Please don't swig the cough syrup
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Q: Our family has been plagued recently with an annoying dry cough. We have been using Robitussin to stop coughing so we could get to sleep.
My husband does something that seems to be a bad idea: He takes the cough syrup directly from the bottle instead of pouring it into the little cup that comes with it or using a teaspoon.
I am concerned that his germs could live in the bottle so that the next person using the cough syrup could catch the bug. It also makes for a very inexact dose to just take a "swig." Could a virus live for a time under these conditions?
A: We checked with a microbiologist who suggested that little cup is provided for a good reason. For one thing, it makes it possible to measure the dose.
In addition, he thinks your fears might be justified. It is theoretically possible that bacteria could contaminate the sweet cough syrup, or that viruses could survive for a time.
If your husband doesn't want to "clean up his act," get him his own bottle of cough syrup. It's better not to expose everyone else to his germs.
Q: I've been taking Premarin for 13 years. I also took Provera until I had a hysterectomy six years ago. I understand that hormone-replacement therapy has both benefits and risks, and I take it to prevent osteoporosis. It must be working, since a recent bone-density test showed that my bones are in excellent condition.
I have been happily married for 45 years, but at this time I have very little interest in sex. My doctor recently prescribed Estratest. I'm hoping you have some information about the side effects of this medication. How does it differ from Premarin?
A: Estratest contains the hormone testosterone (as methyltestosterone) as well as estrogen. Testosterone often increases sexual desire and arousal in women as well as in men, so your doctor is hoping that by adding it to your estrogen you will develop more interest in sex.
Side effects of testosterone include the growth of facial hair, hoarseness, fluid retention or acne. Your doctor should do liver-function tests periodically.
Estrogen can increase the risk of gallbladder disease and serious blood clots. It may also cause nausea, breast tenderness, fluid retention or changes in vision. Long-term use can increase the risk of breast cancer.
Q: I have had a jock rash for more than 40 years. At first I went to many specialists and was told there was no cure. I have kept it under control by washing several times a day and using medicated powder.
I have not seen a doctor about it for more than 20 years. Is there something now on the market for this kind of condition?
A: There are many effective antifungal creams or lotions now on the market. They include Aftate, Lamisil, Lotrimin AF, Micatin, Mycelex, Tinactin or Zeasorb-AF. Some men have found the cleanser Cetaphil helpful in banishing jock itch. If it still doesn't go away, please see a dermatologist for a prescription medication.
Contact People's Pharmacy at askpeoplespharmacy@HealthCentral.com or write People's Pharmacy, P.O. Box 52027, Durham, NC 27717. Web site: www.peoplespharmacy.com