DHF Interactive Weblog

Cold & Flu Season

This is the busiest time of year for the pharmacy.  Not only are we filling prescriptions for many antibiotics, we are also answering questions about the best over-the-counter (OTC) products to take.  I will try to clear up some confusion.  As many of you have noticed the cough & cold isle can be overwhelming!  Many of the products are the same, but are just made by different manufacturers.  What it comes down to is your symptoms.  Never buy something that treats more symptoms than you have.  These products are simply there to make you more comfortable until the infection goes away.  They do not speed up the process nor do they cure the infection.  What I usually ask my patients first is "what are your symptoms?"  I will then pull a product and look for active ingredients.  Advertising on the front makes the consumer think they are buying the right product, but can be misleading.  The active ingredients are the key. 

To start, decongestants shrink blood vessels in nose and ear passageways to relieve congestion.  Two common examples are phenylephrine (Sudafed PE) and pseudoephedrine (Sudafed).  Keep in mind these products keep a majority of people awake and can increase blood pressure.  Antihistamines block receptors responsible for runny nose/watery eyes and therefore, dry up the mucus.  They also help by suppressing the cough reflex.  Examples are diphenhydramine (Benadryl), loratadine (Claritin), and cetirizine (Zyrtec).  Keep in mind these products usually cause drowsiness.  Another product commonly used is guaifenesin, known as an expectorant.  This actually thins secretions which will help drainage and allow a cough to become more productive.  Yes, it is good if you can "bring up" the mucus!  Examples are Robitussin liquid and Mucinex tablets.  The most common cough suppressant used is dextromethorphan.  This product also suppresses the cough reflex.   An example is Delsym liquid.  There are also pain and fever reducers, commonly known as Tylenol (acetaminophen), Motrin/Advil (ibuprofen) and Aleve (naproxen). 

Now, this is just a breakdown of these products by themselves.  When you have a multitude of symptoms is when it becomes confusing.  Many of these brand names have variations of their active ingredient paired off with others.  Always ask yourself, what symptoms do I have and go from there. Be sure to let your physician, pharmacist, as well as your trainer know what you are taking.  Cough and cold medication can affect your performance and heart rate during exercise. Just because it is OTC does not mean it is "O.K." for you to take.  And you would never want something to be duplicated, whether prescribed or bought over-the-counter.  More is not better!  

I hope this helps, remember to utilize your pharmacists and healthcare professionals, we are always there to answer your questions!

Alison Morgan

Awareness

Over the past eleven years I have worked in retail pharmacy and have been able to build lasting relationships with my customers. One of the most profound awareness's I have had was that my customers are uneducated on diet and exercise. Within the past years I began to ask questions...Has your doctor recommended exercise? Are you working with a dietitian? Personal trainer? To my surprise those questions are answered with a no. It seems medicine first and medicine only.

I am excited to be on the DHF Advisory Board to change this alarming trend that I see. My focuses on this board and blog is to create an integration between medicine, exercise, and healthy eating.

Alison Morgan