Pharmacology — guides by drug class
Detailed guides by drug class — antibiotics, NSAIDs, antihistamines, PPIs, statins, anxiolytics, contraceptives, vitamins, cough medicines and probiotics. The information is synthesised from official sources (ANMDMR, CNAS, CANAMED) and international ones (EMA, WHO, BNF). The content does not replace medical consultation.
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Antibiotics: what they are, when they are prescribed and why they are not taken “on demand”
A complete guide to antibiotics in Romania: classes, active substances, usual doses, ANMDMR regulation, CNAS reimbursement, bacterial resistance and common mistakes.
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NSAIDs (ibuprofen, ketoprofen, diclofenac): how to choose, doses, gastric risks
Compare the common NSAIDs in Romania — ibuprofen, diclofenac, naproxen, celecoxib. Doses, indications, gastric and cardiovascular risks, gastroprotection with a PPI.
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First- vs. second-generation antihistamines: allergies, sleep, driving
Loratadine, cetirizine, bilastine, fexofenadine vs. chlorphenamine and hydroxyzine. Sedation, driving, pregnancy, seasonal allergies.
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PPIs (omeprazole, pantoprazole) vs. simple antacids: when and for how long
The difference between omeprazole, pantoprazole, esomeprazole and Maalox/Gaviscon antacids. Indications, duration, risks of chronic PPI, CNAS reimbursement.
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Statins: lowering LDL cholesterol, myths and side effects
Atorvastatin, rosuvastatin, simvastatin — how to choose, LDL targets, myalgia, myths about cancer and dementia. A practical guide for Romanian patients.
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Prescription anxiolytics and sedatives: dependence, OTC alternatives
Benzodiazepines (alprazolam, diazepam) and Z-drugs (zolpidem) — the limits of use, the risk of dependence, OTC alternatives: melatonin, valerian, SSRIs.
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Oral contraceptives in Romania: types, prescribing, contraindications
COC, POP, patches, ring, IUD, implant — a guide to contraception in Romania. WHO MEC criteria, absolute contraindications, prescribing and CNAS reimbursement.
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Vitamin D, B12 and C: when to supplement, when it is marketing
Vitamin D, B12 and C — doses, real indications and myths. Deficiency in Romania, evidence-based supplementation, the risk of “megadoses”, CNAS reimbursement.
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Dry vs. productive cough: cough suppressants vs. expectorants, what works
Tell a dry cough from a productive one. Butamirate, dextromethorphan, ambroxol, NAC, codeine — when to choose what. Cochrane evidence and EMA recommendations.
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Probiotics: studied strains, when they help, when they don’t
Saccharomyces boulardii, Lactobacillus rhamnosus GG, L. reuteri — which probiotic really helps (AAD, infant colic, IBS) and when it is just marketing.
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The HartaFarmacii app for iPhone and Android
A guide to the HartaFarmacii iOS app: native map, offline cache, 24/7 filter, one-tap favorites, barcode scanner, search by symptoms and a Home Screen widget. Free, no account.
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Metformin and Oral Antidiabetics: How They Work, Doses
How metformin and oral antidiabetics work: mechanism, usual doses, slow titration, real side effects and the other oral drug classes, explained.
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Antihypertensives: ACE Inhibitors, ARBs, Beta-Blockers, Diuretics
The antihypertensive drug classes used in Romania — ACE inhibitors, ARBs, calcium channel blockers, diuretics, beta-blockers: indications, side effects, monitoring.
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Antihypertensives: ACE Inhibitors, ARBs, Beta-Blockers, Diuretics
The antihypertensive drug classes used in Romania: indications, side effects, combinations, monitoring and CNAS reimbursement, explained clearly.
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Corticosteroids: Inhaled, Topical and Systemic
Guide to corticosteroids in Romania: inhaled forms (asthma), topical (skin) and systemic (prednisone), side effects, and why you must not stop them abruptly.
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Levothyroxine and Hypothyroidism: How to Take It, Dose, TSH
Levothyroxine (Euthyrox, L-Thyroxin) for hypothyroidism: how to take it correctly on an empty stomach, dosing by TSH, monitoring, pregnancy, CNAS coverage.
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SSRI Antidepressants: How They Work, Side Effects, Stopping
SSRI antidepressants (sertraline, escitalopram, fluoxetine): how they work, how long they take, side effects, why they aren't addictive and why you shouldn't stop abruptly.
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Anticoagulants and antiplatelets: aspirin, NOACs, risks
Anticoagulants and antiplatelets in Romania: aspirin, clopidogrel, acenocoumarol (Sintrom, INR), NOACs (apixaban, rivaroxaban). Indications, bleeding risk, warning signs.
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Laxatives for Constipation: Types and Safe Use
Laxatives for constipation: bulk-forming, osmotic, stimulant and local types, how to use them safely, and when to see a doctor. Informational.
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Nasal Decongestants: Sprays, Pills and the Rebound Effect
Nasal decongestants: sprays (xylometazoline, oxymetazoline) max 5-7 days to avoid rebound congestion, pseudoephedrine pills and gentler saline options. Informative.
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Antifungals: Skin, Nail & Yeast Infections — OTC vs. Rx
Antifungals in Romania: OTC creams for skin mycoses, ovules for yeast infections, oral treatment for nails. When to see a doctor. Informational only.
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How much do medicine prices differ between pharmacies in Romania? A study of 7,991 products
A study of 7,991 products: the median price difference between pharmacy chains is 41.4%, and a typical basket of 20 products costs nearly double.