Cough and chilly season is arriving: Select medicines safely – . Well being Weblog

With the end of summer and the onset of autumn, colder weather will soon set in – along with the cold and flu season. Millions of Americans get a cold every year, often more than once. To counteract a cough and runny nose, many are turning to over-the-counter (OTC) medications that are available without a prescription for relief.

On the way to the pharmacy to find relief? Read this first

While OTC drugs don't cure or shorten the common cold or flu, they can help ease some symptoms. However, it may not be that easy to find a product that suits your needs. A recent study evaluated branded OTC drugs marketed as remedies for the common cold, allergy, sinuses, and nose. It found that 14 common brand names such as Mucinex, Tylenol, Robitussin, Benadryl and Theraflu 211 made up unique products, but all of these products contained only eight active ingredients, alone or in combination.

Half of these ingredients were found in more than 100 different products, very often combined with up to three other active ingredients. A total of 688 combination products were found. Many appear under the same brand name and all are aimed at curing colds, allergies or diseases of the sinuses and nose. No wonder a visit to a pharmacy aisle can be confusing (and the study didn't even include branded and generic products).

How to safely choose cough and cold medicines

How can you choose from a multitude of similar products? First of all, understand that many products contain more active ingredients than you need. And yes, these additional active ingredients have side effects and can interact with other drugs that you are taking. The simplest advice is to check the list of active ingredients on the package and choose a product that is tailored to your specific symptoms.

• For sore throats, headaches and muscle aches A pain reliever like acetaminophen or a nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drug like ibuprofen will do. These also break down fevers.
• Runny nose, watery eyes, and sneezing can be relieved by an antihistamine such as chlorpheniramine. Antihistamines can cause drowsiness. Therefore, caution should be exercised when taking an antihistamine during the day.
• Stuffy nose temporarily responds to decongestants such as phenylephrine and pseudoephedrine. However, decongestion can lead to insomnia and restlessness. These drugs can also increase blood pressure and heart rate. Ask your doctor or pharmacist if you have diabetes, glaucoma, heart disease, high blood pressure, prostate problems, or thyroid problems. Some decongestants are available as nasal sprays. These should not be used for more than three days, as prolonged use can overload the rebound.
• Common cough Medicinal ingredients include guaifenesin, which can help clear mucus, and dextromethorphan, a cough suppressant. The relief they offer is slight, if any. Guaifenesin is relatively safe; On the other hand, excessive use of dextromethorphan can increase blood pressure, cause an irregular heartbeat, and make you dizzy.

What should you watch out for?

Despite glamorous claims and an ever-growing arsenal of products, over-the-counter cough, cold, and flu medications provide only marginal relief for some symptoms that go away on their own without treatment.

• Note that the American Academy of Pediatrics does not recommend over-the-counter cough and cold supplements for children under 6 years of age.
• If you are taking more than one product, make sure you don't double the ingredients. Paracetamol, in particular, is found in many cough and cold medications, as well as in some prescription pain relievers. While it is safe in low doses, in high doses (over 4 grams per day) it can be toxic to the liver. So check the labels.
• Most of these products contain multiple ingredients, many of which have potentially serious side effects. Don't assume they are safe for you and read the labels carefully. If in doubt, talk to a pharmacist or your doctor.
• Always tell your doctor about all medications and supplements you are taking. A brand name may not provide enough information. So bring products or packages with you when you visit.

These precautions are especially important if you have an underlying medical condition such as high blood pressure or heart problems.

The best treatment for colds is plenty of rest and fluids. Prevention is even better. So wash your hands and stay away from sick people if possible. And get a flu shot – it won't prevent the common cold, but it's the best way to prevent the flu and you don't want to worry about the flu this year.