People’s Pharmacy: Painkiller warning presents dilemma
Q. A couple of weeks ago, I read that popular painkillers can cause irregular heart rhythms. I stopped taking Aleve for pain because I do experience A-fib and atrial flutters. Since going off Aleve, this heart problem has dropped to almost nothing.
The trouble is that I switched to aspirin instead. Now I am having big-time bruising with the slightest bump. That convinced me to stop the aspirin.
I am going to try Tylenol, but I hope my liver enzymes don’t act up. They have been elevated in the past. Is there anything else I can do except stop everything and endure joint pain?
A. You have reason to be cautious with pain relievers. A recent online article in the British journal BMJ (July 4, 2011) suggests that anti-inflammatory drugs such as ibuprofen, naproxen and diclofenac are “associated with an increased risk of atrial fibrillation or flutter.” Such heart-rhythm abnormalities can trigger blood clots that may lead to strokes.
Although aspirin does not appear to trigger arrhythmias, it can thin the blood enough to cause easy bruising. If acetaminophen (Tylenol) raised your liver enzymes in the past, there is a potential risk if you start taking it daily.
You may wish to try a home remedy to ease your joint pain. You will find details about dozens of options in our new book from National Geographic (“The People’s Pharmacy Quick and Handy Home Remedies”), online at PeoplesPharmacy.com. Fish oil, turmeric, tart cherries, pineapple or pomegranate juice, gin-soaked golden raisins, plant pectin and purple grape juice as well as herbs like ginger and boswellia may ease your discomfort.
Q. I read a question in your column about smelly gas, and I have a suggestion: Take a Pepto-Bismol tablet. It helps control that odorous gas.
Pepto-Bismol will turn your stool black, but there’s no harm in occasional use. I take the tablets with me on trips to prevent traveler’s diarrhea.
A. Pepto-Bismol (bismuth subsalicylate) has been shown to control the odor in flatus. It reduces hydrogen sulfide (the smelly stuff) from the colon quite dramatically (Gastroenterology, May 1998).
Regular use of Pepto-Bismol could be problematic, though. Excessive bismuth can be toxic, leading to symptoms such as nausea, rash, diarrhea, stomach pain, mouth ulcers and kidney damage. Too much salicylate can interact with other medications such as warfarin (Coumadin).
Q. I have suffered from excessive perspiration since I was a child. I have used countless deodorants, antiperspirants, crystals, baking soda – you name it. Nothing worked for very long, not even the prescription formulas.
I’ve been using MoM (milk of magnesia) for roughly four months, and I will never switch to anything else. I use it on my underarms as well as my groin area, and I swear by it. I use a regular generic formula and have never experienced any issues. On days that I shave my armpits, I skip it just in case I might absorb too much magnesium.
A. Milk of magnesia is usually thought of as a laxative to be taken orally, but many people report that it is an effective deodorant when used topically.
Although MoM seems to be gentle, some people develop a skin reaction and should avoid it.
We doubt there is much absorption, but loose stools would be a sign of too much magnesium.