expert type icon EXPERT

Dr. Ethan Huynh

Pharmaceutical Medicine

As the Chief Operating Officer at Alpha Plus Network Inc, Ethan Huynh is at the helm of the organization's intricate operations, steering the ship through day-to-day functions, clinical program development, compliance strategies, client and vendor relations, operational planning and delivery, and the intricate landscape of pharmacy benefit administrative services for APNI Health Inc.
In tandem with his role at APNI, Ethan assumes the position of Vice President of Clinical Operations at Sphinx Strategies, a distinguished consulting firm renowned for pioneering strategies in specialty pharmacy domain. Ethan's extensive background in the healthcare industry proves instrumental in catalyzing the establishment of outstanding partnerships with innovators, physician groups, manufacturers, medical professionals, healthcare organizations, insurance providers, and other stakeholders. This collaborative synergy consistently produces solutions that seamlessly integrate a patient-centric approach with exceptional cost-effectiveness.
With over 20 years of diverse leadership roles in pharmacy across clinical and community care settings, Ethan has excelled in the domains of specialty pharmacy, infusion, and accreditation. His academic foundation includes a Doctor of Pharmacy (PharmD) from Albany College of Pharmacy in Albany, New York, and his professional credentials extend across multiple states. Ethan proudly holds an Advanced Practice Pharmacist (APh) license in California and carries the distinction of being a Board-Certified Geriatric Pharmacist (BCGP), Immunoglobulin Certified Pharmacist (IgCP) and Certified Pharmacy Benefits Specialist (CPBS).
Ethan's dedication to leadership transcends the confines of his primary roles, extending into multifaceted contributions across diverse boards and committees. He actively serves on prestigious entities such as the California Pharmacists Association, the San Gabriel Valley Pharmacists Association, the Leadership Institute for Development, Education, and Research, and the Immunoglobulin National Society. This engagement is not confined to professional spheres alone; Ethan's impact resonates in nonprofit community organizations and transcends borders through his participation in medical missions abroad. Here, he plays a pivotal role in imparting leadership development and mentorship, shaping the next generation of emerging leaders.
Outside the realm of healthcare, Ethan embraces entrepreneurship in the financial services industry, dedicated to team-building and empowering families to attain financial independence. His philanthropic endeavors reflect a profound commitment to driving positive change across various causes.
20 years Experience
Dr. Ethan Huynh
  • Alhambra, CA
  • Albany College of Pharmacy
  • Accepting new patients

Pill amount?

No, 7.5 mg does not mean 750 mg. These are very different doses:

7.5 mg = 7.5 milligrams

750 mg = 750 milligrams

Is Zofran safe to take after expiration?

Using expired Zofran (ondansetron) from 2020 is not recommended, though it is unlikely to be dangerous, especially if stored properly. If you need nausea relief now and have no READ MORE
Using expired Zofran (ondansetron) from 2020 is not recommended, though it is unlikely to be dangerous, especially if stored properly. If you need nausea relief now and have no access to a new prescription, a single dose of expired ondansetron is unlikely to harm you, especially if the tablets look normal (no discoloration, crumbling, or odor). However, it is safest to consult your doctor or pharmacist and get a current, in-date supply for effective treatment.

Drug interactions?

There is no direct contraindication between Wellbutrin and diazepam, but there are some important considerations: If you were only given one dose (or a short-term prescription): Taking READ MORE
There is no direct contraindication between Wellbutrin and diazepam, but there are some important considerations:
If you were only given one dose (or a short-term prescription):
Taking your regular Wellbutrin dose is generally safe.
Avoid alcohol or other sedatives until the Valium fully clears (Valium’s half-life is ~48 hours, but the effects taper sooner).
Monitor for excessive sedation or confusion.

If you were prescribed diazepam for ongoing use, speak with your psychiatrist or primary care doctor ASAP. They can:
Assess risk/benefit of ongoing co-use.
Adjust doses or recommend an alternative short-acting benzodiazepine, if needed. Consider psychotherapy or SSRI/SNRI augmentation for panic attacks, which are safer long-term.

Prescription interaction?

Yes, drinking alcohol while taking Paxlovid (nirmatrelvir/ritonavir) is not recommended, even though there’s no direct drug-alcohol interaction. Avoiding alcohol during your 5-day READ MORE
Yes, drinking alcohol while taking Paxlovid (nirmatrelvir/ritonavir) is not recommended, even though there’s no direct drug-alcohol interaction.
Avoiding alcohol during your 5-day course of Paxlovid can help:
Prevent liver strain
Minimize side effects
Support your immune system’s fight against the virus
Ensure maximum drug effectiveness

Drug interactions?

Taking Lexapro (escitalopram) and dextromethorphan (DM) together can increase the risk of a rare but serious condition called serotonin syndrome, which occurs when there’s too READ MORE
Taking Lexapro (escitalopram) and dextromethorphan (DM) together can increase the risk of a rare but serious condition called serotonin syndrome, which occurs when there’s too much serotonin in the brain. This is especially a risk when taken together over long periods or at high doses.
Some symptoms of Serotonin Syndrome to watch for according to the Mayo Clinic and NIH include: Agitation or restlessness, confusion, rapid heart rate and high blood pressure, dilated pupils, muscle rigidity or twitching, heavy sweating or shivering, headache, diarrhea, fever.

If you are experiencing any of these symptoms right now, seek immediate medical attention — call 911 or go to the nearest emergency room.

What you can do now is stop taking Mucinex DM if you haven't already.
Then contact your healthcare provider ASAP even if you’re not having symptoms, and let them know about the combination and how long you've been taking both. Discuss your current health status and symptoms and get a recommendation for a safe alternative cough or cold remedy while on Lexapro. Monitor your symptoms. Keep a close eye on your health for the next 24–48 hours. If anything unusual arises, go to urgent care or the ER immediately.

Don’t abruptly stop Lexapro!
Unless directed by a physician, do not discontinue Lexapro suddenly, as it can lead to withdrawal symptoms and destabilization of your mental health.

GABA supplements?

GABA supplements do not cause weight gain like gabapentin or pregabalin, but they also likely don’t promote significant weight loss either. The weight gain from gabapentin/Lyrica READ MORE
GABA supplements do not cause weight gain like gabapentin or pregabalin, but they also likely don’t promote significant weight loss either. The weight gain from gabapentin/Lyrica is due to how they affect calcium channel modulation, appetite, and energy levels, not because they are "related to GABA."

Mixing medications?

Your friend should exercise caution and speak with a healthcare provider before taking Adderall (amphetamine/dextroamphetamine) and hydrocodone together. These two medications READ MORE
Your friend should exercise caution and speak with a healthcare provider before taking Adderall (amphetamine/dextroamphetamine) and hydrocodone together. These two medications have opposing effects on the central nervous system, and combining them can present risks, including potentially dangerous side effects.

Consult the Prescribing Provider: The doctor who prescribed Adderall should know about the hydrocodone use—especially if it's being taken regularly.

Consider Alternatives: If pain is being managed short-term, providers may delay starting a stimulant like Adderall until opioids are no longer needed.

Monitor for Side Effects: If both are prescribed, they should be used under close medical supervision with clear guidance on timing and dose spacing. If ADHD symptoms are mild or manageable, starting Adderall might be postponed until the pain resolves.

Therapeutic range?

The answer is not always. Being in the therapeutic range means that the blood concentration of a medication is within the range that is generally considered effective and safe READ MORE
The answer is not always. Being in the therapeutic range means that the blood concentration of a medication is within the range that is generally considered effective and safe based on population studies. However, just being in this range doesn't guarantee the medication is working optimally for you. It means the dose is in the right ballpark, but your response still needs to be assessed clinically.

Farxiga vs Golo?

No, there is no overlap in ingredients between GOLO and Farxiga. GOLO is a dietary supplement with natural extracts and minerals. Farxiga is a prescription drug with a defined READ MORE
No, there is no overlap in ingredients between GOLO and Farxiga. GOLO is a dietary supplement with natural extracts and minerals. Farxiga is a prescription drug with a defined pharmacological action for treating serious medical conditions.

Wine with my medicine?

The manufacturer and most psychiatric professionals recommend limiting or avoiding alcohol, particularly during the first few weeks of treatment. Don’t mix bupropion with wine, READ MORE
The manufacturer and most psychiatric professionals recommend limiting or avoiding alcohol, particularly during the first few weeks of treatment. Don’t mix bupropion with wine, especially in the first few weeks. It raises your risk of seizures and worsens side effects. Talk to your doctor before drinking while on this med. If you've already had wine while on bupropion and feel fine, that's reassuring, but it's still smart to be cautious going forward. Wait at least 2–4 weeks until your body adjusts to the medication and your doctor can evaluate how you're responding. If drinking occasionally is important to you, talk to your provider, they might adjust your dose or offer safer alternative

Ozempic and Saxenda?

No, it is not recommended to take Ozempic and Saxenda at the same time. Both Ozempic and Saxenda are GLP-1 receptor agonists. Ozempic (semaglutide) is FDA-approved for type 2 diabetes READ MORE
No, it is not recommended to take Ozempic and Saxenda at the same time. Both Ozempic and Saxenda are GLP-1 receptor agonists. Ozempic (semaglutide) is FDA-approved for type 2 diabetes and weight loss (as Wegovy, which is the same molecule in a different dose). Saxenda (liraglutide) is FDA-approved for weight management. Taking two GLP-1 drugs together does not increase efficacy and may raise the risk of adverse effects, including: nausea, vomiting, pancreatitis, severe GI distress and there are no clinical guidelines support dual use of GLP-1 agonists. The FDA and clinical trials only support the use of one GLP-1 agonist at a time. Using both concurrently is considered off-label and not evidence-based.

What is this medicine?

Doxycycline is a broad-spectrum antibiotic that belongs to the tetracycline class. It is commonly used to treat a variety of bacterial infections. Some of the conditions it treats READ MORE
Doxycycline is a broad-spectrum antibiotic that belongs to the tetracycline class. It is commonly used to treat a variety of bacterial infections. Some of the conditions it treats include:

Respiratory infections: Pneumonia, bronchitis, and sinus infections.
Skin infections: Acne, rosacea, and some skin rashes.
Sexually transmitted infections (STIs): Chlamydia, gonorrhea, and syphilis.
Urinary tract infections (UTIs).
Tick-borne diseases: Lyme disease, Rocky Mountain spotted fever.
Eye infections: Bacterial conjunctivitis.

Malaria prevention: When traveling to areas with malaria, doxycycline can be used as a preventive measure.

Anthrax exposure: Used as part of the treatment in cases of anthrax exposure.

It's important to follow your doctor's prescription and take the full course to avoid antibiotic resistance.

Accidentally took 2 50mg equate sleep aids?

Equate Sleep Aid typically contains diphenhydramine, an antihistamine used to promote sleep. The standard dosage for diphenhydramine sleep aids is 25 mg to 50 mg, usually taken READ MORE
Equate Sleep Aid typically contains diphenhydramine, an antihistamine used to promote sleep. The standard dosage for diphenhydramine sleep aids is 25 mg to 50 mg, usually taken as one or two 25 mg capsules.

Taking two capsules (50 mg) of Equate Sleep Aid is generally considered safe for most adults if taken occasionally. However, it's important to:

Follow package instructions: Always stick to the recommended dosage unless advised otherwise by a healthcare professional.

Consider side effects: Diphenhydramine can cause drowsiness, dry mouth, dizziness, and next-day grogginess. Taking too much can increase the risk of more severe side effects, like confusion or difficulty urinating, especially in older adults.

Avoid alcohol: Combining diphenhydramine with alcohol or other sedatives can amplify its effects and be dangerous.

If you have any underlying health conditions or are taking other medications, it's best to consult your healthcare provider before taking.

How to manage fall allergies?

Managing fall allergies in children can involve a combination of preventive measures and treatments to alleviate symptoms. Here are some strategies you can consider: Identify READ MORE
Managing fall allergies in children can involve a combination of preventive measures and treatments to alleviate symptoms. Here are some strategies you can consider:

Identify Triggers: Determine what specific allergens are causing your daughter's symptoms. Common fall allergens include pollen from ragweed, mold spores, and dust mites. Knowing the triggers can help you take targeted steps to reduce exposure.

Keep Indoor Air Clean: Use high-efficiency particulate air (HEPA) filters in your home's heating and cooling systems to trap allergens. Regularly clean floors, carpets, and surfaces to remove dust and mold spores. Keep windows closed during peak pollen times and use air conditioning instead.

Monitor Pollen Counts: Check local pollen forecasts and try to limit outdoor activities when pollen levels are high, especially on windy days. After spending time outdoors, encourage your daughter to change clothes and wash her face and hands to remove pollen particles.

Use Nasal Irrigation: Saline nasal sprays or irrigation can help flush out allergens from the nasal passages and relieve congestion. This can be particularly helpful for children who may have difficulty using nasal sprays.

Over-the-Counter Medications: Antihistamines, such as loratadine or cetirizine, can help relieve allergy symptoms like sneezing, itching, and runny nose. Be sure to use age-appropriate formulations and dosages recommended for children. Nasal corticosteroid sprays can also be effective for nasal congestion and inflammation.

Prescription Medications: If over-the-counter options aren't providing sufficient relief, your child's healthcare provider may prescribe stronger medications, such as prescription antihistamines or nasal corticosteroids. These should be used under the guidance of a healthcare professional.

Consult an Allergist: If your daughter's allergies are severe or not well-controlled with standard treatments, consider consulting an allergist. Allergy testing can help identify specific triggers, and allergists can provide personalized treatment plans, including allergy shots (immunotherapy) for long-term management.

Encourage Healthy Habits: Maintain overall good health by ensuring your daughter gets enough sleep, eats a balanced diet, and stays hydrated. A healthy immune system can better cope with allergy triggers.

By implementing these strategies, you can help your daughter manage her fall allergies and minimize their impact on her daily life. Always consult with your child's healthcare provider before starting any new medications or treatment regimens.

Pravastatin side effects?

Yes, it's possible to experience itching as a side effect of pravastatin, although it's not very common. Skin reactions like itching or rash can occur as a reaction to certain READ MORE
Yes, it's possible to experience itching as a side effect of pravastatin, although it's not very common. Skin reactions like itching or rash can occur as a reaction to certain medications, including statins like pravastatin. If you're experiencing itching shortly after starting pravastatin, it's advisable to inform your healthcare provider. They can assess whether the itching is related to the medication or if it might be due to another cause. Depending on their evaluation, they may adjust your dosage or recommend alternative treatments.



How much food is required hen taking ibuprofen 800?

The recommendation to take ibuprofen with food was intended to protect people from gastrointestinal adverse events, such as dyspepsia, or more serious events such as gastrointestinal READ MORE
The recommendation to take ibuprofen with food was intended to protect people from gastrointestinal adverse events, such as dyspepsia, or more serious events such as gastrointestinal bleeding. Although research has shown aspirin to be associated with higher rates of adverse events and gastric irritation there is no evidence that taking occasional, intermittent doses of OTC NSAIDs, such as ibuprofen, produce higher event rates. In addition, there is no convincing evidence that taking NSAIDs with food prevents side effects.

However taking ibuprofen with food increases the time it takes for ibuprofen to be absorbed, although it won't affect how much is absorbed. There is actually no evidence that taking ibuprofen with food prevents gastric irritation.

The risk of gastric irritation has more to do with other risk factors that may be present, such as:

Older age (>65 years)
Use of other medications that also increase gastric irritation, such as aspirin, SSRI antidepressants (eg, citalopram, fluoxetine), anticoagulants (such as warfarin or dabigatran), or prednisone
Alcohol use
Higher dosages of ibuprofen (more than 1200mg/day), including prescription dosages (this increases the risk 2 to 3 fold)
Duration of ibuprofen use
Helicobacter pylori infection
History of smoking
Previous history of gastric ulcers, bleeding ulcers, or GERD
Recent surgery
Serious other medical conditions, such as chronic inflammatory bowel disease, liver or kidney disease, cancer, or diabetes.

Ibuprofen 800 mg concern?

It is not a requirement to take ibuprofen with food. If taking low-dosages of ibuprofen (up to 1200mg/day in split doses for 1 to 7 days) on an empty stomach, this will give you READ MORE
It is not a requirement to take ibuprofen with food. If taking low-dosages of ibuprofen (up to 1200mg/day in split doses for 1 to 7 days) on an empty stomach, this will give you faster pain relief than taking it with food. Food increases the time it takes for ibuprofen to be absorbed, although it won't affect how much is absorbed.

The risk of gastric irritation has more to do with other risk factors that may be present, such as:

Older age (>65 years)
Use of other medications that also increase gastric irritation, such as aspirin, SSRI antidepressants (eg, citalopram, fluoxetine), anticoagulants (such as warfarin or dabigatran), or prednisone
Alcohol use
Higher dosages of ibuprofen (more than 1200mg/day), including prescription dosages (this increases the risk 2 to 3 fold)
Duration of ibuprofen use
Helicobacter pylori infection
History of smoking
Previous history of gastric ulcers, bleeding ulcers, or GERD
Recent surgery

Medications question?

It's important to consult with your healthcare provider or pharmacist before taking tramadol if you're also prescribed Suboxone or if you've stopped taking it recently. Both medications READ MORE
It's important to consult with your healthcare provider or pharmacist before taking tramadol if you're also prescribed Suboxone or if you've stopped taking it recently. Both medications can affect the central nervous system and have the potential for interactions, especially if taken together or shortly after one another. Your healthcare provider can provide personalized advice based on your medical history and current medications to ensure your safety.



Grapefruit and sertraline?

Research suggests that eating grapefruit while on sertraline can lead to too much sertraline in the blood due to grapefruit blocking the enzymes needed for metabolism. This can READ MORE
Research suggests that eating grapefruit while on sertraline can lead to too much sertraline in the blood due to grapefruit blocking the enzymes needed for metabolism. This can cause dizziness or drowsiness. Studies have shown that consuming 8 oz of grapefruit juice may affect drug metabolism for more than 3 days. Because of this you cannot simply take the sertraline later in the day and will have to consider waiting at least 3 days for the potential affects of the grapefruit juice to clear.

Is Zyrtec or Claritin better for a child?

Both Zyrtec (cetirizine) and Claritin (loratadine) are commonly used antihistamines for treating seasonal allergies in children. However, the effectiveness of each medication can READ MORE
Both Zyrtec (cetirizine) and Claritin (loratadine) are commonly used antihistamines for treating seasonal allergies in children. However, the effectiveness of each medication can vary from child to child, and some children may respond better to one over the other.

Here are some key points to consider when choosing between Zyrtec and Claritin for your daughter:

Effectiveness: Studies have shown that both Zyrtec and Claritin are effective in relieving symptoms of seasonal allergies such as sneezing, runny nose, itching, and watery eyes. However, individual responses may vary, so it's possible that one medication may work better for your daughter than the other.

Duration of Action: Zyrtec is generally known to have a longer duration of action compared to Claritin. Zyrtec is typically taken once daily, while Claritin may need to be taken twice daily for some children to maintain effectiveness.

Sedation: Claritin is considered to have a lower risk of causing drowsiness compared to Zyrtec. While both medications are generally considered non-sedating, some children may experience drowsiness with Zyrtec, especially at higher doses.

Age: Both Zyrtec and Claritin are approved for use in children as young as 2 years old, but it's essential to follow the dosage recommendations based on your daughter's age and weight.

Side Effects: Both medications are usually well-tolerated, but some children may experience mild side effects such as headache, stomach upset, or dry mouth. Serious side effects are rare but can occur.

Ultimately, the choice between Zyrtec and Claritin for your daughter should be made in consultation with her pediatrician or healthcare provider. They can consider her individual medical history, allergies, any other medications she may be taking, and other factors to determine which medication may be the most suitable and effective for her specific needs.