Health Advice

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Head Lice – Help!!!

Every parent’s heart sinks when they receive the dreaded note from school warning about head lice. Don’t worry – Jane Brennan from Brennan’s Life Pharmacy in Donabate is here to to give us advice and tips. The first thing to do is to check the child’s head. You will need some tea tree conditioner, a... Read more >

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Are You SunSmart?

We ask Jane Brennan from Brennan’s Life Pharmacy Donabate how to make the most of great sunny summer days whilst protecting our skin from harmful rays. Jane says “The Irish Cancer Society SunSmart program has great guidelines to keep us safe. See below for some useful tips and advice” Ways to protect your skin: Shade... Read more >

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Pollen Highs & Watery Eyes

Pollen Highs & Watery Eyes… Talk to Jane Brennan, your Hay Fever Expert in Donabate Are your eyes itchy, red or watery? Is your throat scratchy? Are you sneezing? Do you have itchy ears, nose or mouth? Do you have a blocked or runny nose? Do you wake up feeling exhausted? Hay fever can cause... Read more >

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Life Pharmacy Ireland – Live Better

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NHS Choices - Special considerations

(03/07/2014)

Before taking beta-blockers, make sure your doctor is aware of any other conditions you have, because they may not be suitable to use.

When to avoid them

You should usually avoid taking beta-blockers if you have:

  • a history of asthma  beta-blockers are occasionally used in people with these conditions, but only under careful supervision
  • heart block  where the heart beats slower than usual
  • severe narrowing of the arteries to the legs or arms

Make sure your doctor is aware if you have a history of allergic reaction to any medication.

Using them with caution

Beta-blockers should be used with caution if you have:

  • diabetes  particularly if you have frequent episodes of low blood sugar
  • myasthenia gravis  a condition that causes muscle weakness 
  • slow heart rate
  • phaeochromocytoma  high blood pressure caused by a tumour of the adrenal gland
  • Prinzmetal's angina  a type of chest pain 

Pregnancy and breastfeeding

Some beta-blockers may be suitable for use in some stages of pregnancy and during breastfeeding.

Your GP can advise you about which medicine to use if you're pregnant or breastfeeding.

Stopping beta-blockers

You shouldn't stop taking beta-blockers without first consulting a doctor who is aware of your medical conditions. Suddenly stopping the medicine may cause your condition to get worse.



Back to Beta-blockers