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Healthwatch: Colds and Flu - Rest, Drink Fluids
Story Number: NNS040127-03
Release Date: 1/27/2004 9:20:00 AM
By Lt. Benjamin Schwartz, U.S. Naval Hospital Yokosuka
YOKOSUKA, Japan (NNS) -- The season for runny noses and aching bodies is here. To help cope, there are many over-the-counter (OTC) products to treat nagging cold and flu symptoms.
Many pharmaceutical companies market OTC products to be new and better than any of the other products available to treat a certain list of symptoms. The interesting part about these "new" products is that when you flip the package over and read the label, the products are basically the same or very similar to medications that have been available for years.
On the package there will be a general statement about what the medication does, what it may interact with, and who should and should not take it. Ask a physician or pharmacist if you are unclear if the product will negatively interact with an existing medical condition, or medications and herbal remedies you may be taking.
Many OTC products contain more than one active ingredient. The active ingredient is the component that reduces the symptom(s) you are experiencing. For instance, ibuprofen reduces pain, fever and inflammation, and pseudoephedrine alleviates a stuffy nose. Steer clear of OTC products that contain unnecessary active ingredients.
Take products containing ibuprofen with food or milk to help prevent stomach discomfort. Pseduoephedrine is stimulating in adults and may affect sleeping patterns if taken close to bedtime. Children may feel the opposite effect from pseudoephedrine and become sleepy.
Diphenhydramine, chlorpheniramine, clemastine and loratadine are antihistamines. Antihistamines are the type of medication to look for to treat a runny nose. All have the potential to make adults sleepy. Loratadine is the least sedating OTC antihistamine in adults. Children, on the other hand, may be “wired” from taking antihistamines.
Guaifenesin is an expectorant and dextromethorphan (DM) is a cough suppressant. For a productive cough (one that produces phlegm), guaifenesin is the mildly effective OTC product that can loosen mucus in the chest and help expel it. Increase clear fluid intake when taking guaifenesin. Dextromethorphan (DM) is the OTC medication that minimizes a dry, hacking cough or a productive one at night when sleep is a goal.
OTC medications are not a cure for the common cold. OTC medications are products that have the potential to minimize irritating symptoms.
See your health care provider if your symptoms persist or worsen within 48 hours of starting an OTC product. For further information about medication, contact your pharmacist at the nearest Military Treatment Facility.
For related news, visit the Naval Medicine Navy NewsStand page at www.news.navy.mil/local/mednews.
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Healthwatch: The Cold, Hard Facts on Flu - 11/6/2003
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