Caring for children with influenza one topic for 'Ask the Pharmacist'

With the flu season in high gear, one parent's question to the "Ask the Pharmacist" panel on Feb. 3 was whether to give a flu-ridden child aspirin.

Panelist Greg Naseman, R.Ph., cautioned against this practice. The use of aspirin in a child with any viral infection -- which includes the flu and childhood diseases such as chicken pox, but also can follow an upper respiratory infection or ear infection -- increases the risk of Reye's syndrome. Reye's syndrome causes inflammation of the brain and creates deposits of abnormal fatty tissue in the liver and other bodily organs. Symptoms generally surface as the child is beginning to recover from the original illness. It is important to note that not only children are susceptible
		A panel of community and hospital pharmacists discusses medications with moderator Jerry Sander (far left) during "Ask the Pharmacist," the UK College of Pharmacy's annual call-in show. The panelists are (left-right) Joan Fowler, Jackie Hamilton, Deanna Finnell and Greg Naseman.

to Reye's syndrome. It can strike adults of any age or race with equal frequency. According to the National Reye's Syndrome Foundation, 90 to 95% of cases in the United States have involved the use of aspirin during a preceding illness.

Be on the looking following any viral infection for unexpected vomiting or lethargy. Infants often have diarrhea rather than vomiting, and may exhibit abnormal breathing. All such symptoms require an immediate call to your physician and/or a trip to the emergency room. 

"Ask the Pharmacist" is an annual presentation of the University of Kentucky College of Pharmacy and averages more than 400 viewer calls during the one-hour program. Hosted by health reporter Jerry Sander of Channel 27, this year's panel included Naseman, a pharmacist with CVS in Louisville and president of the Kentucky Pharmacists Association; Joan Fowler, Pharm.D., BCCP, CGP, pharmacist with UK Chandler Medical Center Continuing Pharmacy Education; Jackie Hamilton, Pharm.D., pharmacist with Kroger's in Lexington; and Deanna Finnell, Pharm.D., clinical pharmacist with St. Joseph Hospital in Lexington.

Other questions answered by the panel included extended use of nasal spray for congestion. Does it really cause a "rebound effect"?

Indeed it does. Prolonged use causes the nasal tissues to swell, creating even more congestion. The proper treatment for this is to use an oral decongestant while continuing the use of the nasal product on only one nasal passage, until the swelling in the other nasal passage has cleared and you can breathe normally through that side. Then discontinue the nasal decongestant entirely.

The use of herbal supplements is an often-posed question. This year the product was saw palmetto, used by men with enlarged prostate. According to Dr. Fowler, saw palmetto works remarkably well, without the side effects of some prescription medications used for this purpose. The panel was quick to point out that any herbal product for this type of use should have the recommendation of a physician, and the use of all such products -- St. John's wort, gingko biloba, etc. -- have the potential for negative interaction with prescription and over-the-counter medications. The use of all herbal products should be reported to your physician and pharmacist.

The best calcium supplement? Try the chewable variety now on the market. They're easier to take than the pill form, which is generally a very large pill. If you take the supplement with a glass of orange juice, even better. But calcium isn't exempt from interaction with other medications. Dr. Finnell cautioned that some calcium supplements contain vitamin K, which can interfere with anti-coagulation medications such as Coumadin® (warfarin). While calcium supplements are necessary, especially for younger women, always double-check with your doctor before taking this or any type of supplement on your own.

Good news for those who struggle with removing safety caps. Just ask your pharmacist for an easy-open top. They can add that request to your patient profile so that you get easy-opening bottles every time. Just keep the bottles well out of the reach of children.

"Ask the Pharmacist" was broadcast statewide on KET-TV Sunday, Feb. 11, at 3 p.m. Pharmacists were on hand in the studio and answered viewers calls during the one-hour program.

  News | College of Pharmacy | College Site Index