Expert: Dr. Ravindra Bhaskar Ghooi - 11/30/2008

Question
I have a viral infection.  My main complaints are a sore throat, I am quit horse, (sometimes I sound like Mini Mouse because what tones do come out are at a very high octave),  a huge amount of mucus, and now an earache.  It all started about 7 day's ago.  I need some relief form the pain. I'm writing because I'm concerned abut drug interaction.  I take Toprol-xl, Coumadin, and Flovent HFA.  Is there anything I can safely take for pain, (both throat, and ear), and to get rid of mucus to help minimize my cough?

Thank You, & Blue Skies,
Sandra Kline

Answer
Hi Sandra,
As I see you have a respiratory infection, and for that yo are not taking a drug. I would recommend a course of azithromycin and ibuprofen and paracetamol to reduce your inflammation and pain. You may take 400 mg of ibuprofen 4 times a day and 500 mg of paracetamol also 4 times a day. You may require a prescription to purchase azithromycin. Let me know if that helps.
Ravi Ghooi