MARIJUANA MAY NOT BE BEST WAY TO CONTROL GLAUCOMA SYMPTOMS

Question: I have heard that marijuana can greatly reduce intraocular
pressure, but I have also heard that it can have side effects. Could you
please tell me what to expect? How would one obtain marijuana legally?

Answer: There is preliminary research suggesting that ingredients in
marijuana can lower intraocular pressure in about two-thirds of patients.
The problem is that marijuana is not legal, and smoking it can lower blood
pressure, increase heart rate and cause drowsiness or dizziness.
Coordination and judgment can be impaired, so driving is dangerous. The
euphoria, or "high," can be disturbing for some people.

Your doctor could prescribe an oral formulation called Marinol, which has
been approved for nausea and vomiting associated with cancer chemotherapy
and loss of appetite due to AIDS. Whether it would work for glaucoma is not
clear. There are many effective prescription glaucoma drugs available.
Please discuss your treatment with an ophthalmologist.

* * * Q: Does the salicylate content of Pepto-Bismol cause problems when
the user is being medicated with Coumadin?

A: Aspirin in any form, including the salicylate in Pepto-Bismol, can be
dangerous in combination with Coumadin. Both drugs are blood thinners, and
together they might increase the risk of hemorrhage.

Coumadin can interact with a wide range of drugs, including Advil, Tagamet
and Tylenol, to name just a few. Many foods reduce Coumadin's
blood-thinning action. Some examples are broccoli, spinach and soybeans.

Aspirin and Pepto-Bismol also interact with many other medications. Because
they are available without prescriptions, people sometimes don't realize
these popular drugs may have dangers.

* * * Q: Can you explain why Sudafed is still being advertised and sold? I
thought it had been taken off the market.

A: The decongestant recently removed from the market was
phenylpropanolamine, or PPA. It was an ingredient in over-the-counter cold
or flu remedies as well as diet aids. Researchers found that young women
taking PPA were more susceptible to stroke.

Sudafed contains pseudoephedrine, a different decongestant.

* * * Q: I have found pineapple juice to be more effective than aspirin,
prescription painkillers and acupuncture for arthritis pain. It's
inexpensive, nutritious and has no side effects.

A: One ingredient in pineapple that might account for an anti-inflammatory
benefit is bromelain. This enzyme has been used to reduce irritation in
soft tissue as well as joints. Some people have told us that bromelain is
helpful against bone spurs. Stick with pineapple juice, though, rather than
taking capsules; on its own, bromelain might cause reactions such as
nausea, diarrhea or skin rash.

* * * Q: I've heard that horse chestnut is helpful for varicose veins. Can
you tell me more about it? How does it work?

A: In Europe, doctors often prescribe horse chestnut for varicose veins. It
makes veins stronger, improves their tone and increases blood flow. In a
clinical study, horse chestnut was equivalent to compression stockings in
reducing leg swelling and easing symptoms. People with bleeding disorders
and those on anticoagulant medicines should avoid horse chestnut. Possible
side effects include nausea, digestive upset or allergic reaction.

* * * Joe Graedon is a pharmacologist. Teresa Graedon holds a doctorate in
medical anthropology and is a nutrition expert. Their column runs every
Monday. Send questions to People's Pharmacy, King Features Syndicate, 235
E. 45th St.,New York, NY 10017, or e-mail pharmacy@mindspring.com.