Q I'm currently using a steroid ointment and an oral antihistamine for the itching from the dermatologist. Is it okay to take herbal medicine alongside them?
A It's fine to use them together if you space them out. Keep using the topical ointment, and we advise spacing the oral antihistamine and the herbal medicine about 1-2 hours apart; once the itching stabilizes, we gradually reduce the conventional medication.
Detailed Answer
Since topical steroid ointment acts on the skin, it is fine to use alongside herbal medicine, and spacing oral antihistamines about 1-2 hours apart from herbal medicine causes little interference with absorption. There is no need to abruptly stop medication you are taking during a period when severe itching keeps you from sleeping; as treatment stabilizes the itching and thickened skin, we adjust it to taper gradually.
Korean Medicine Clinic Perspective
If you are using any topical or oral medication, sleeping pills, or sedatives, please let us know at your visit and we will adjust the herbal formula and dosing times accordingly. As a principle, Dongjedang manages safe concurrent use and gradual tapering together rather than forcing you to stop conventional medication.
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