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This article discusses the common occurrence of dry skin, known as xerosis or xeroderma, and provides advice on routine skin care to maintain a protective barrier. The causes of xerosis include aging, certain medications, radiation therapy, UV radiation exposure, hot baths or showers, low humidity, cold temperatures, harsh cleansers, dehydration, malnutrition, contact with irritants, hormonal factors, and certain medical conditions. The goals of treating xerosis include identifying the underlying causes, improving skin hydration, restoring the skin barrier function, and educating patients on prevention. The article also mentions the use of nonprescription products formulated for routine skin care maintenance, such as cleansers and moisturizers. Recent clinical data suggests that skin care products containing ceramides promote a healthy skin barrier. The article concludes by recommending preventive and treatment measures for xerosis, and suggests that patients with severe or worsening cases should seek care from a dermatologist. [Extracted from the article]

Does a potential interaction with antipyretics vary with different vaccine types (mRNA vs non-mRNA vaccines)? In its response, the manufacturer indicated the following:[7] Pre-vaccination: There are no robust clinical data on how pre-treatment use of antipyretics affects COVID-19 vaccine-induced antibody responses.[7] Post-vaccination: There is no clinical evidence that the use of antipyretics post-vaccination has a negative effect on COVID-19 vaccine efficacy.[7] During the Janssen COVID-19 Vaccine clinical trial program, antipyretics were recommended post-vaccination for symptom relief as necessary. [Extracted from the article]

OA most commonly affects the weight-bearing joints, including the knee and hip; OA can also affect the neck, lower back, feet, and hands.[156] OA symptoms typically develop gradually, and patients may present with an array of symptoms that may vary in degree of severity and clinical presentation. The degenerative joint disease osteoarthritis (OA) is the most prevalent form of arthritis, affecting more than 32.5 million adults in the United States and more than 7% of the world population, representing more than 500 million individuals globally.[12] According to the Global Burden of Disease Study 2019, OA is an ongoing public health concern, with projections continuing to increase due to the growing aging population and the ongoing obesity epidemic.[3] OA is one of the primary causes of pain and disability worldwide.[1-5] The pathogenesis of OA can be due to genetic, metabolic, or environmental factors, with the most common risk factors for OA including older age, women aged 50 or older, being overweight or obese, joint overuse or injury, and musculoskeletal abnormalities.[1-5 ]Some individuals also have a genetic susceptibility to developing OA.[1-5] Although there is no cure for OA, there are numerous measures that patients can employ to alleviate and/or minimize pain and to improve mobility and overall health-related quality of life. [Extracted from the article]

Patients who experience frequent headaches can beencouraged to keep a headache diary, which may aid inidentifying possible triggers for headaches andimplementing strategies to avoid the triggers whenfeasible. The available nonprescription analgesics forself-treatment of headaches include acetaminophen andnonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drugs (NSAIDs), such asibuprofen, naproxen, and salicylates (aspirin andmagnesium salicylate). [Extracted from the article]

Routine habits such as brushing and flossing can have a drastic impact on one's overall health, including reducing risk of cardiovascular and autoimmune diseases. The ADA notes the following key recommendations for oral health12: Brush teeth twice daily with an ADA-recommended fluoride toothpaste for 2 minutes and replace the toothbrush every 3 to 4 months. [Extracted from the article]

Helping patients select and properly use nonprescription sleep aids when appropriate and directing patients to seek further medical evaluation for chronic insomnia. Results from several studies indicate that insomnia is associated with a decline in cognitive function and increased cardiovascular and metabolic risk factors.45 Many patients who struggle with insomnia initially try nonprescription sleep aids. [Extracted from the article]

Mild to moderate dyspepsia and heartburn may beamenable to self-treatment with the use of OTC products and nonpharmacologicalmeasures. Pharmacists are likely to encounter patients requesting advice aboutnonprescription products to manage dyspepsia and heartburn. [Extracted from the article]

2023;118(6):936-954. doi:10.14309/ajg.0000000000002227 10. van der Schoot A, Drysdale C, Whelan K, Dimidi E. The effect of fiber supplementation on chronic constipation in adults: an updated systematic review and meta-analysis of randomized controlled trials. Patients should be advised to avoid taking most laxatives within 2 hours of other medications to prevent potential interactions.2 Patients should be reminded to adhere to the manufacturer's recommendations, including dosage, administration, duration of selected therapy, potential adverse drug reactions, and treatment expectations. [Extracted from the article]

Many individuals who have allergies have reported that, left uncontrolled, seasonal allergy symptoms can negatively affect overall quality of life by affecting productivity and contributing to sleep disturbances. Pharmacists can also provide patients with information about nonpharmacological measures to manage allergy symptoms, including the use of aromatherapy with essential oils, nasal saline solutions, nonmedicated nasal strips marketed to clear nasal congestion, and steam inhalation therapy. [Extracted from the article]

Pharmacists can educate patients about the best OTC products for AD andthe importance of using OTC skin care products that contain ceramides, whichcan be beneficial in maintaining, protecting, and restoring the natural skinbarrier function and overall dermatological health. OTC Focus Guidelines Provide Information onthe Management and Treatment ofThis Common Skin Condition PHARMACISTS CAN PROVIDE ADVICE TO PATIENTS who are seeking guidanceon how to prevent and treat atopic dermatitis (AD), given the manytopical nonprescription products on the market, such as antihistamines,low-potency topical hydrocortisone products, moisturizers,and skin cleansers. [Extracted from the article]

However, larger-scale randomizedcontrolled trials are necessary before any definitiveinterpretations can be drawn.8,9 Conclusion Understanding and implementing preventive measures early oncan be instrumental in lowering the risk of CVD, and it isimportant that patients discuss their individual modifiableand nonmodifiable risk factors with their primary healthcare providers, as well as measures that may decrease theserisks. American Heart Association maintains stance on preferablyobtaining essential nutrients through dietary means. Pharmacists can provide patients with pertinent efficacyand safety data from clinical trials and recommendationsfrom various health organizations, such as the AHA and CDC,and guide their selection and proper usage of nutritionalsupplements often used for CV health. [Extracted from the article]

Because antipyretics can also be found inallergy, cold, cough, and flu products, advise patients andcaregivers to always read all medication labels prior toadministration to avoid ther-apeutic duplications orpossible medication overdose. In general, most fevers are non-life threatening and self-limited but can be associated with great discomfort andindicate an underlying process, such as an acuterespiratory virus.2 The occurrence of a fever is often areason for concern for many patients, particularly parentsand caregivers of children younger than 5 years. [Extracted from the article]

Cold and flu season can be very unpredictable from year to year. During counseling, pharmacists should stress the importance of obtaining an annual influenza vaccination, as well as suggest various nonpharmacologic measures that may provide relief of cold and influenza symptoms. [Extracted from the article]

Encourage patients with continual, severe, or recurring pain to seek additional care from their primary health care providers, especially if pain worsens or they see no signs of progress after using nonprescrip- tion analgesics. Nonprescription analgesics, and pharmacists can help them choose the correct OTC products. [Extracted from the article]

Conclusion Treatment of allergy symptoms may include a combination of allergen avoidance and environmental control measures when feasible, as well as immunotherapy and pharmacologic therapy. With climate change potentially affecting pollen counts, new OTC products can relieve symptoms. [Extracted from the article]

Taking appropriate doses of vitamins and minerals may aid in lowering the risk of cardiovascular disease. During counseling, pharmacists can remind patients about the importance of knowing about and discussing their modifiable and nonmodifiable CVD risk factors, including blood pressure values, family history, and lipid levels with their primary health care providers. [Extracted from the article]

The article offers a guide to pharmacists in managing symptoms and treatment for viral gastroenteritis. Topics covered include the common signs and symptoms associated with viral gastroenteritis, guidelines from the American Academy of Pediatrics for the management of acute gastroenteritis in children with the aim to prevent or correct fluid and electrolyte loss, control symptoms, and identify possible cause, and various oral rehydration over-the-counter (OTC) products to manage dehydration.

The article offers information on the consumption of nonprescription nutritional supplements by cancer patients to obtain recommended daily amounts (RDAs) of nutrients they need after adverse effects (AEs) of radiation therapy and chemotherapy. Topics include various studies on the consumption of nutritional supplements by adults, several types of supplements along with their interactions such as ascorbic acid and echinacea, and the role of pharmacists in terms of providing supplements.

The article offers information on several nutritional supplements that can be consumed for promoting cardiovascular health including omega-3 fatty acids, garlic and resveratrol. Various topics discussed include research conducted by the World Health Organization (WHO) on cardiovascular diseases (CVD), awareness raised by pharmacists among patients for becoming proactive for their health and importance of patient counseling.

The article offers information on the proper use of over-the-counter (OTC) medications for treatment and management of cough. Topics discussed include the role of pharmacists in evaluating and assisting patients in selection of product for self-treatment, OTC products, and administration of medications. Among the products mentioned are guaifenesin, diphenhydramine, and codeine.

The article discusses the recommendation of the use of over-the-counter (OTC) hair loss products for the treatment of androgenetic alopecia (AGA). Topics discussed include the counseling needed by patients to properly applied the minoxidil, the degree of AGA in men and women according to the U.S. National Institutes of Health, and the role played by the genetic and environmental factors in the development of AGA.

The article focuses on how pharmacists can advise parents on the manner and frequency of administering OTC medications for children's common ailments. It presents the main points of the guidelines the FDA issued for liquid nonprescription medications. Tables are also presented offering information about nonprescription medications and the pediatric population, and additional resources for further reference.

The article discusses different nonprescription drugs that are commonly used to relieve pain for the treatment of varied illnesses. Some of the drugs presented include acetaminophen, an analgesic/antipyretic drug, nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory Drugs (NSAIDs) and salicylates which include aspirin and magnesium salicylate. Charts showing the OTC brands that pharmacists recommend for various categories including cough suppressants, expectorants and flu products are also presented.

The article presents a lesson plan for pharmacy education which teaches concept about the pathogenesis and treatment of Alzheimer's disease.

The article examines several over the counter (OTC) treatments for allergic rhinitis (AR). The two types of AR are seasonal AR and perennial AR (PAR). Factors to consider when choosing a treatment option for the disease are given which include patient medical and medication history, symptoms and their severity as well as treatment cost and frequency. Pharmacologic treatment options for AR include oral antihistamines, cromolyn sodium and ocular antihistamines.

The article focuses on the etiology, treatment and management of polycystic ovarian syndrome (PCOS). The main features of PCOS include hyperandrogenism, ovulatory dysfunction and polycystic ovarian morphology. It cites the association of PCOS with lower adiponectin levels, which is the hormone secreted by adipocytes, which regulate lipid metabolism and glucose levels. It notes that women with PCOS are at greater risk of developing prediabetes or diabetes before the age of 40.

The article presents an update on the over-the-counter (OTC) treatment of allergies, specifically on allergic conjunctivitis. Allergy refers to a hypersensitivity response or overreaction of the immune system resulting from an exposure to an allergen. Several factors can be attributed to the increase of allergic conditions such as atopic family or personal history. A brief overview of the types of allergic conjunctivitis is provided.

The article explores several options for managing scars. Scar refers to the outcome of the normal healing process. Among the factors that should be considered before treating a scar include the anatomical location of the scar and the stigma of the scar. A brief discussion of the pathophysiology of wound healing and scare formation is presented, along with the description of various kinds of abnormal scars.

The article offers information on pain management. It states that pain can be classified as acute or chronic depending on their manifestations. It mentions that pain is commonly associated with many medical conditions and achieving adequate relief is a top priority for people experiencing pain. Several charts which list various pain relievers are also presented.