ASK THE PHARMACIST

Q I HAVE been feeling faint on occasion since taking my blood pressure pills. Is that normal?

A SOME people do feel faint when taking blood pressure medication, especially on standing up. This is due to a temporary but sudden fall in blood pressure. It could be that the dosage is too high and needs adjusting, or that it should be split — you should not do this yourself but talk to your doctor or pharmacist. Q how do I know if I am using my asthma inhaler properly?

A TASTING the medicine in your mouth or ‘smoke’ coming out of the nose or mouth are signs of bad inhaler technique. There are two types of inhalers: preventers, used once or twice a day to prevent symptoms, and relievers, to treat them. The correct technique is first to breathe out fully, then use the inhaler — taking five seconds to breathe it in. Afterwards, hold your breath for five to ten seconds to ensure the medicine gets into the lungs. Take only one puff at a time and leave at least 30 seconds between each puff on a reliever to prime the device for the next dose.