Pharmacy knowledge base
Health guides & medicine information
Plain-English explainers from our editorial team — what the medicines do, how the strengths differ, and how to use them safely.
Showing 157–168 of 287 guides
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Amoxicillin vs Other Penicillins: A Simple Comparison
Summary: Amoxicillin is a broad-spectrum penicillin that is well absorbed by mouth. It is often a first choice for chest, ear, sinus, throat and urinary infections. Penicillin V has a narrower spectrum, flucloxacillin targets skin infections, and adding clavulanic acid widens amoxicillin's reach. A penicillin allergy rules out the whole family, so always tell your prescriber.
Bacterial Skin Infections: Types, Symptoms and Care
Summary: Most bacterial skin infections, are caused by Staphylococcus or Streptococcus bacteria entering through broken skin. They include impetigo, cellulitis, folliculitis, boils and infected wounds. Many minor ones respond to careful wound care and, if needed, prescribed antibiotics. See a doctor promptly if redness spreads quickly or forms streaks, or if you develop fever or swollen glands.
Sinusitis Explained: Causes, Symptoms and Relief
Summary: Sinusitis is inflammation of the air spaces behind the cheeks, forehead and nose, causing facial pain, a blocked nose and thick mucus. Most cases follow a cold and are viral, so antibiotics usually don't help, and most improve within two to three weeks with rest, fluids, painkillers and saline rinses. See a doctor if symptoms persist or worsen.
Sore Throat: Is It Bacterial or Viral?
Summary: Most sore throats are viral, come with a cough, runny nose or hoarse voice, and settle within about a week without antibiotics. A bacterial (strep) throat is more likely with a sudden severe sore throat, little cough, swollen neck glands, pus on the tonsils and fever. Only a healthcare professional can tell reliably and decide on antibiotics.
EU Customs and Medicine Delivery: What to Expect
Summary: Under the EU's Import One-Stop Shop (IOSS), VAT on eligible low-value imports is collected at checkout. There is then no separate VAT bill or handling fee when the parcel arrives. Without IOSS, the courier may collect VAT and a fee before releasing it, causing delays. Accurate delivery details help customs clearance go smoothly.
Narcolepsy Explained: Symptoms, Causes and Management
Summary: Narcolepsy is a long-term neurological condition in which the brain cannot regulate sleep and wakefulness normally. It causes overwhelming daytime sleepiness and sudden sleep attacks. Many people also have cataplexy, sleep paralysis or vivid hallucinations when falling asleep. It is often linked to a lack of orexin and is diagnosed with sleep studies and managed with routines and medicines.
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Sleep Apnoea and Daytime Wakefulness: What You Need to Know
Summary: Obstructive sleep apnoea repeatedly narrows the throat during sleep and interrupts breathing, fragmenting deep sleep. People then feel exhausted despite a full night in bed. Loud snoring, gasping and morning headaches are typical signs. The main treatment is CPAP and lifestyle change; in the EU, modafinil is no longer authorised for sleep apnoea sleepiness.
Beating Jet Lag: Practical Tips for Travellers
Summary: Jet lag happens when your body clock is out of step with local time after crossing several time zones, and it is worse travelling east. To adapt faster, shift your bedtime gradually before you fly, switch to destination time on board, seek daylight at the right times, and eat and sleep on local time. Caffeine and alcohol make it worse.
Zopiclone vs Other Sleep Aids: Understanding Short-Term Insomnia Options
Summary: Zopiclone is a prescription-only 'Z-drug' for short-term insomnia that, like benzodiazepines, can cause dependence, so courses are kept short. Melatonin and sedating antihistamines are milder options with their own limits. For lasting results, better sleep habits and cognitive behavioural therapy for insomnia come first, with medicines as a short-term aid.
Fibromyalgia Explained: Symptoms, Causes and Management
Summary: Fibromyalgia is a long-term condition of widespread pain, fatigue, unrefreshing sleep and 'fibro fog'. It is thought to come from the nervous system processing pain signals abnormally. It is genuine even though standard tests are often normal, and it does not damage joints. Management combines gentle regular exercise, good sleep, psychological support and medicines chosen by a doctor.
Sciatica and Nerve Pain: Causes, Relief and When to Worry
Summary: Sciatica is shooting, burning pain from an irritated or compressed sciatic nerve, running from the lower back down one leg. It is usually caused by a slipped disc or spinal narrowing. Most settle with time, staying active and simple pain relief. Get urgent help, calling 112 if needed, for numbness around the genitals or loss of bladder or bowel control.
Muscle Relaxants Explained: Uses, Types and Safety
Summary: Muscle relaxants ease muscle spasm, stiffness and pain, mostly as short-term help for acute back or neck strain. They are used alongside movement and physiotherapy; others treat spasticity in neurological conditions. Many act on the brain and spinal cord, so drowsiness is common: avoid alcohol and driving. They don't heal the injury, and some can cause dependence.