Page 185 - (DK) Home Doctor: Providing practical advice on home treatments

A–Z OF DRUG AND NATURAL REMEDIES 183

Side effects Usually none; most likely Glucosamine and chondroitin
problems are mouth inflammation or ulcers..
Naturally occurring substances in cartilage covering
Precautions Don’t take if you are pregnant bone ends in joints. In arthritis, supplements of
(may cause miscarriage) or breast-feeding. See also either or both may help relieve pain, improve
GENERAL CAUTIONS, p.176. flexibility, and slow rate of damage.
Method of use Usually taken as pills.
Flatulence relief Full effects may take at least a month; if there is
Common brands no improvement after 10 weeks, stop using.
● Gas-X (calcium carbonate, simethicone) ● Maalox
Side effects Usually none.
Max (calcium carbonate, simethicone) ● Maalox
Precautions Don’t take glucosamine if you
Anti-Gas (simethicone) ● Flatulex (activated
are allergic to shellfish. Consult a doctor before use
charcoal, simethicone)
with blood-thinning drugs such as warfarin. See
Simethicone breaks down bubbles of gas in also GENERAL CAUTIONS, p.176.
stomach. Sometimes combined with an antacid
(see p.177) or with charcoal in preparations to H2-blockers
treat indigestion. Common brands
Method of use As directed on package. ● Pepcid (famotidine) ● Tagamet (cimetidine)
Available as hard pills, chewable pills, and liquid. ● Zantac (ranitidine)
Side effects Usually none. Reduce amounts of stomach acid to relieve occasional
Precautions Consult your doctor before bouts of indigestion and heartburn. Especially useful
giving flatulence relief preparations to a child. if antacids (see p.177) have not helped.
Method of use Follow instructions
Ginger carefully. Recommended only for short-term use (no
Common spice and flavoring. Ginger (Zingiber more than 2 weeks).
officinale) may also help to prevent or relieve Side effects Usually none; most likely
nausea in conditions such as motion sickness. problems are headaches, dizziness, stomach upsets,
Method of use Available as capsules, rash, and fatigue.
candies, or tea. Can be eaten fresh, crystallized, or Precautions Not usually recommended for
powdered in capsules or tea. To help prevent motion children under 16. See also GENERAL CAUTIONS, p.176.
sickness, take 30 minutes before journey.
Side effects Brief heartburn or gas. Hair bl
Precautions None. Common brand
● Jolen Creme Bleach (hydrogen peroxide)
Ginkgo Mild bleach used to lighten facial or body hair and
May improve circulation: in particular, blood flow make it less noticeable against fair skin.
in the brain to help relieve tinnitus.
Method of use Usually a cream supplied
Method of use Available as pills, tincture, with ammonia to activate bleach. Mix and apply
or capsules. Beneficial effects may take 4–6 weeks. with a spatula. Use as directed on the packet.
Side effects Mild stomach upset or nausea Side effects Irritation or allergic reaction
may occur. may occur; test on a small area of skin. Wait for
Precautions May increase risk of bleeding. 24 hours to make sure there is no reaction.
Don’t take with blood-thinning drugs, or if you are Precautions Don’t use on broken or inflamed
pregnant. See also GENERAL CAUTIONS, p.176. skin or near the eyes. Don’t use after taking a bath,
since skin is sensitive, or expose treated areas to
sunlight for 24 hours. Can stain clothing and furniture.