Medical Question
 

My mom has hurt her back. She went to the Dr today, but all he said was that it was a muscle and sent her on her way. I want to find out if she can take a certain medication, but with her drug allergies I need to make sure that it is ok. Where would I look?

Can you call the Dr and ask him?

Not really... umm... no.

Call the pharmacy and ask them.

So you want to give your mom your (or someone else's) prescription medication that wasn't prescribed for her?

Physicians Desk Reference would be a place to start (I think) and they'll have it at the library. Their drug web site here. For example Vicodin, see the section on drug interactions.

But if you are worried about allergies and/or drug interactions you should probably rely on professional advice which isn't likely to come from someone qualified to give it.

Ah. I didn't know it was a prescription.

I'm assuming so otherwise it should be ok to ask the doctor. If it is OTC then yeah, just stop at the pharmacy counter at your local Walgreen's clone and say "my mom has X allergy, should it be ok for her to take this?"

I have a drug reference book. I won't be giving her anything, but it is hard seeing her in pain when I know I have something that could help.

Motrin

How about a rub like tiger balm or patch like salonpas the systemic absorption is low so allergies are not generally an issue and they do help with muscle pain. If allergy is a problem the OTC Tylenol has almost no cross allergic reactions and will help with some pain. An NSAID would be better but if stomach upset or the like is a problem they should be avoided.