Question 1

i have been taking 75mg of ranatidine for over 16 years now every single day for acid reflux.  how safe is long term use of this drug?

Accepted Answer

Yes: Class of h2-blockers (which ranitidine is in) are felt to be safe when taken long-term.

Question 2

how long is considered "prolonged use" of artificial tears? 1 week, a month?

Accepted Answer

Opinions will vary: "prolonged use" is a subjective term and there is no clear cut answer for your question, so this will vary from physician to physician.  For me, if you need artificial tears for a month, then there is a problem that should be investigated.   If it's just a few days or even 1-2 weeks then its likely not a problem.

Question 3

i have been on omeprazole for 10 years. i started taking 20 mg but after chemo 2 years ago ,acid reflux got worse. i am currently on 40 mg for the last 2 years. how safe is long term use of omeprazole. doctor said i can try 20 one day and then 40?

Accepted Answer

: Osteoporosis, B12 deficiency, gut bacteria change etc can occur . Your doc will/ should keep an eye for that

Question 4

how long is long term use of ibuprofen? i just take 400mg daily , i've been taking it for a month always with food. 
i take it for toothache , already visited dentist and have appointment for extraction. can i develop an ulcer with that amount?

Accepted Answer

: If you takes only 400 mg a day, I would suggest you take Acetaminophen 1,000 mg (Tylenol) instead. Ibuprofen can cause peptic ulcer but at least you will be alarmed with heartburn or stomach pain before that. 
Kidney damage can happen without any symptom and you only know if you have blood test done.
I wonder if dentist has given you the antibiotic in the meantime which is more important.

Question 5

how long is metamucil ok to use. currently, it's the only thing that helps produces a soft, bm. thought about trying align. any thoughts?

Accepted Answer

Metamucil: Metamucil is essentially a fiber supplement to your diet, and it is safe to use it on a regular basis for the long-term. In fact, it is probably good for you to do so. Eating foods that are higher in fiber is a good idea also. If you increase your fiber intake, you should also increase your fluid intake. Good luck.

Question 6

how long is it safe to use flonase ? once a day?

Accepted Answer

Long time: Flonase can be safely used if applied correctly and used within the recommended dose.  Although a WHO report suggested that this could be linked to a slightly higher incidence of glaucoma, this is not the usual experience.

Question 7

how long is it safe to use clindamycin, topically?

Accepted Answer

Acne antibiotics: Topical Clindamycin is used when acne is not controlled by standard care with benzoyl peroxide/salacylic acid or other otc products used religiously.  It should be used in conjunction with other therapies. Unlike systemic antibiotics little is absorbed. The only limit for use is: toxicities (rash, diarrhea, c diff), inefficacy/resistance, resolution of acne.

Question 8

how long is it ok to use glycerine liquid suppositories? is more than a week daily ok?

Accepted Answer

Confusing question: Your question does not indicate if this is for you or a child and why you are using it.If you, diet change, wetting agents and scheduled emptying are better long term plans. For a child, diet change and wetting agents are better. Glycerin can be a soothing short term solution but  is unlike;y to provide long term benefit.Using it daily for a week while you start the other agents would be my goal.

Question 9

how long is considered "long term use" of an otc drug?

Accepted Answer

More than 2 weeks: Most problems treated with otc should resolve quickly.

Question 10

how common is long-term condom use for married couples?

Accepted Answer

Condoms-good choice: Many married couples are very compliant and pleased with condoms for long term contraception. It is usually well tolerated by all and is very effective for prevention of pregnancy.
It is especially good for couples who are not ready to do something permanent and are concerned about side effects from hormonal contraceptives.

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Doctor answers about:

How longer is use

A member asked:

I have been taking 75mg of ranatidine for over 16 years now every single day for acid reflux. how safe is long term use of this drug?

A member asked:

How long is considered "prolonged use" of artificial tears? 1 week, a month?

A member asked:

I have been on omeprazole for 10 years. i started taking 20 mg but after chemo 2 years ago ,acid reflux got worse. i am currently on 40 mg for the last 2 years. how safe is long term use of omeprazole. doctor said i can try 20 one day and then 40?

A member asked:

How long is long term use of ibuprofen? i just take 400mg daily , i've been taking it for a month always with food. i take it for toothache , already visited dentist and have appointment for extraction. can i develop an ulcer with that amount?

A member asked:

How long is metamucil ok to use. currently, it's the only thing that helps produces a soft, bm. thought about trying align. any thoughts?

A member asked:

How long is it safe to use flonase ? once a day?

A member asked:

How long is it safe to use clindamycin, topically?

A member asked:

How long is it ok to use glycerine liquid suppositories? is more than a week daily ok?

A member asked:

How long is considered "long term use" of an otc drug?

A member asked:

How common is long-term condom use for married couples?

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