The Zed Pharmacist

20/03/2026

What are cold sores / fever blisters

19/03/2026

These sores are not caused by a headache as most people think. Here is a true description of what these sore are.

🦠This is a viral infection caused by the herpes simplex virus. Primarily HSV 1. Other names for this infection may include cold sores or fever blisters.

☣️ These cold sores are contagious and can be spread form person to person by close contact (kissing, oral s*x, touching sore then touching others), sharing items (lipbalm, cups , towels ) with infected people. They are most contagious when the blister bursts forming weeping sore.

😷 Once Infected this virus remains dormant ( asleep /innactive) in your body and can only be reactivated by triggers such as stress & fever ( explains why most people get this after a headache ). Cold sores can also be triggered hormonal changes , weakend immune system, sun exposure, injury or menstruation.

💊 Currently there is no cure but antiviral can help reduce the frequency / occurrence of the cold sores and shorten the outbreak. Additionally associated pain can be treated with over the counter pain killers e.g paracetamol ( panado) or ibuprofen (brufen).

🏥 See a doctor when the sores spread near the eye, lasts more than two weeks or when you get more than 6 outbreaks on a year

🛑 Remember do not self medicate always see your nearest health care provider. And most importantly this cannot be treated with antibiotics.Its not tuswende but a viral infection.

favourite community pharmacist

zed pharmacist

08/01/2026

▪️UTI (Urinary Tract Infection) is a common bacterial infection that affects any part of the urinary system.This can occur in the kidneys, bladder or urethra.

▪️Urinary tract infections are more common in women than men, this is because of the proximity between the a**s and the va**na making it easier for f***l bacteria like E.coli to enter the urinary tract, and also because the urethra of a woman is shorter than that of a man. Other factors include pregnancy and hormonal changes.

▪️ Common symptoms include painful, frequent urination, urgency, cloudy or bloody urine, and lower abdominal pressure.

▪️Today I am here to tell you that this uti can be prevented by following the simple steps I have outlined below :

🚽 PRACTICE PROPER HYGIENE

After using the toilet, always wipe from front to back. This prevents bacteria from the a**l area moving to the front, which can cause infections, especially in women. Regular bathing, changing of wet clothes quickly, and keeping the ge***al area clean can prevent bacterial colonisation. Dear ladies avoid using scented soaps or sprays in the va**nal areas, as they can disrupt the natural balance and lead to infections.

🚽DO NOT HOLD YOUR URINE

Holding urine for too long allows bacteria to grow, which can lead to infections. Make it a habit to urinate when you feel the urge. Ignoring it frequently can also weaken your bladder muscles over time.

➡️ URINATE AFTER S*X

Sexual intercoure can introduce bacteria into the urinary tract. Urinating after s*x may help flush out that bacteria before it causes problems. Washing the ge***al area before and after s*x can also help reduce the risk.

🥛 STAY HYDRATED

Drink plenty water as it helps flush out waste and bacteria from your system, reducing the risk of infections.

🍻 AVOID BLADDER IRRITATION

Certain foods and drinks can irritate the bladder, making you urinate more often or feel discomfort e.g alcohol, caffeine, carbonated drinks.

👙 WEAR BREATHABLE UNDERWEAR

Tight clothing and synthetic fabrics trap moisture, creates a moist or warm environment where bacteria thrives and grows in numbers. Instead use loose, cotton underwear. Also change your underwear daily and avoid sharing underwear.

🍒 CONSIDER USING CRANBERRY SUPPLEMENTS AND PROBIOTICS

cranberry helps prevent bacteria from sticking to the bladder walls, reducing the risk of infections. Probiotics (found in yogurt and supplements) can also help by maintaining a healthy balance of bacteria in your body.

🏥MANAGE HEALTH CONDITIONS

Diabetes, Pregnancy, kidney disease, and hormone imbalances can affect your urinary health. Watch out for UTI symptoms and visit your nearest healthcare provider.

Follow The Zed Pharmacist for more tips.

07/01/2026

Let's talk about cranberry (cranberry juice,gummies or tablets)

💊Cranberry helps prevent urinary tract infections ( UTI ). This is because cranberry contains proanthocynidins, anthocyanins along with vitamin C. This helps prevent harmful bacteria such as E.coli from sticking to the bladder walls.

▪️Regular intake of cranberry may help reduce the frequency of urinary tract Infections especially in Individuals prone to them, cranberry can not treat uti's. This is because it does not remove harmful bacteria already stuck to the walls of the bladder.

➡️ cranberry provides antioxidants that help support immune function.

❤️ Cranberry also improves heart health by lowering bad cholesterol and blood pressure.

🤒 Side effects may include gastro intestinal upsets, diarrhea and may increase the risk of kidney stones when taken in large quantities.

🛑 Avoid use of cranberry if you are taking the following medications:
1). Warfarin - cranberry may increase the effects of warfarin leading to an increased chance of bruising and bleading.
2). Atorvastatin, nifedipine, Diclofenac or medicines changed by cytochrome P450 2C9 as it decreases how quickly these drugs are Brocken down leading to increased chances of experiencing the side effects of these drugs,which may include headaches , ulceration and gastro intestinal upsets.

Always consult a pharmacist before taking cranberry and inform them on all medications you are taking including herbal remedies.

friendly community pharmacist.

06/01/2026

Do you know the right way to take your malaria medicine especially artemether-lumefantrine ( coartem )?

▪️Many people take artemether-lumefantrine commonly known as coartem, but the sad part is that majority of the people don’t know the Right way in which this medicine should be taken.

▪️This explains why malaria keeps coming back for many people, even after treatment.

BUT WORRY NOT, YOUR FAVOURITE COMMUNITY PHARMACISTIS HERE TO EXPLAIN THE CORRECT WAY TO TAKE YOUR COARTEM :

▪️Malaria medicine works better when taken with food that contains fat. This helps your body absorb it properly.Taking this medicine on an empty stomach reduces its effectiveness.

▪️Coartem ( artemether-lumefantrine) should be taken for 3 days with a total of 6 doses.

▪️On the first day of treatment, make sure you take the first two doses 8 hours apart. Meaning when you take the first dose wait 8 hours then take the second dose.

▪️This is important because the first dose begins to reduce the malaria parasites, and the second dose helps build up enough medicine in your blood to kill them off completely. This is also referred to as a loading dose.

▪️After the first day (Day 2 and 3 of your treatment ), you can continue taking it in the morning and night (12 hours apart )until you finish your treatment.

▪️If you vomit within 1 to 2 hours, take another dose .

NOTE: Even if you feel better on the first day of treatment, it is important that you finish the full course. Stopping early allows the malaria parasites to survive and cause malaria again.

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06/01/2026