Pharmacy notes from a local pharmacist

When a drug company chooses a name for a new drug, it has to be careful how the name translates into different languages. Usually the letters, H,J,K, and W are not used in order to make the translation easier. Also, the new name shouldn't be too similar to those already in use. An example in Canada is Losec and Lasix, which, however, was allowed.

It's important to include sufficient fibre in our diet each day. The recommended amount is 30 grams. Here's how you can do this. Eat one apple with the skin, 4 grams; 1/2 a cup of peas, 5 grams; 6 asparagus spears, 2 grams; 1 1/2 cups of whole wheat pasta, 9 grams; 2 slices of whole wheat bread, 6 grams; 1 cup of oatmeal, 4 grams. Total, 30 grams.

Can tonic water help alleviate leg cramps? An 8 oz. (250ml.) glass of tonic contains 41mg. of quinine, a drug used to combat malaria and occassionally to treat leg cramps, but in much higher doses. Some people say it works. No proof it works for everyone, but it may be worth a try.