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The first hint of a sore throat or a runny nose sends many people scurrying to the drug store seeking relief in the form of over-the-counter cold remedies.
However, just because these remedies are self-prescribed and available without the consent of a health professional does not mean they are safe for everyone. Even the most popular cold remedies can be misused or abused with serious consequences.
According to Anna Garrett, doctor of pharmacy and health professional for more than a decade, using over-the-counter cold remedies improperly can decrease the effectiveness of the product and spell trouble for a person's overall health.
Before reaching for a cold remedy, Garrett says consumers should consider the following:
* Current and pre-existing medical conditions. For example, people with irregular heartbeats or high blood pressure should be especially careful with decongestants such as pseudoephedrine because these compounds may aggravate their condition. You should consult with a physician if you have symptoms in addition to those of a common cold, other medical conditions or are taking other medications - either over-the-counter or prescription. Side effects can be serious.
* What you have, what you need. It is important to identify specific symptoms and choose a product that targets them. Products that contain several medications are convenient, but may contain unnecessary drugs. Limiting the number of drugs taken will lessen the likelihood of side effects or drug interactions. Pharmacists are an excellent resource in aiding with the selection of products.
* Reading is fundamental. Reading and understanding the directions on the label and following the instructions precisely is vital. Just because many medications are similar does not mean they are always administered the same way.
* More is not better. Taking double the recommended dose, or taking the remedy more frequently than instructed, does not make a person feel twice as good. Some medications, such as acetaminophen or dextromethorphan, may cause very serious side effects if an accidental overdose is taken. Consumers should take the medication only as directed.
* Be alert to possible side effects. For example, some antihistamines can cause drowsiness and should be avoided when operating motor vehicles or machinery. Antihistamines can also cause dry mouth, constipation and difficulty urinating. The elderly may be especially sensitive to the effects of antihistamines. Decongestants may cause agitation or increases in blood pressure.
* Count the days. Consumers should not use cold remedies beyond the recommended duration to avoid creating other problems. For example, use of decongestant nasal sprays for more than three days can cause rebound congestion when the product is stopped. If a cold persists more than two weeks, then it is wise to seek medical attention. It could signal a more serious illness, such as a sinus infection, bronchitis or pneumonia.
* Will it work? Most traditional over-the-counter remedies just relieve symptoms, rather than preventing, curing or even shortening the duration of the illness. Products that contain zinc gluconate glycine, such as Cold-Eeze, have been shown to reduce the duration of a cold by almost half in clinical studies. A recent geriatric study being submitted for publication also found that when taken as directed, Cold-Eeze was safe to use by patients who were taking other prescriptions or other over-the-counter medications to treat a variety of conditions.
Garrett adds that fending off the common cold through preventative measures such as hand washing, getting sufficient rest and practicing healthy habits is the best approach.
By: Richard Lewis
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