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Does Allergy Medication Work For Colds

The Common Cold: A Review Of Otc Options

Pharmacology – ANTIHISTAMINES (MADE EASY)

Blesson O. George, PharmD Candidate 2019St. Johns University, College of Pharmacy & Health SciencesQueens, New York

Associate Dean for Student AffairsAssociate Clinical ProfessorSt. Johns University, College of Pharmacy & Health SciencesQueens, New York

Emily M. Ambizas, PharmD, MPH, BCGPAssociate Clinical ProfessorSt. Johns University, College of Pharmacy & Health SciencesQueens, New YorkClinical Specialist, Rite Aid PharmacyWhitestone, New York

The common cold is often mistaken for the flu. The flu is caused by the influenza virus, classified as type A, B, or C. Types A and B affect humans, with type A generating more severe symptoms. The influenza virus can be dangerous in older people and in those patients who are immunocompromised. Nevertheless, people with influenza are sicker than those experiencing common cold symptoms and commonly manifest such signs and symptoms as temperatures greater than 102°F, chills, headaches, myalgia, and malaise .3

The common cold is the leading cause of missed work and school days during the winter months. There is no known cure. Many patients seek out nonprescription medications for symptom relief, leading to expenditures in excess of $8 billion annually on cough and cold products.4

What Other Drugs Will Affect Cold & Allergy Relief

Ask a doctor or pharmacist before using this medicine if you are also using any other drugs, including prescription and over-the-counter medicines, vitamins, and herbal products. Some medicines can cause unwanted or dangerous effects when used together. Not all possible interactions are listed in this medication guide.

Taking this medicine with other drugs that make you sleepy or slow your breathing can worsen these effects. Ask your doctor before taking Cold & Allergy Relief with a sleeping pill, narcotic pain medicine, muscle relaxer, or medicine for anxiety, depression, or seizures.

Warnings For Use In Children

Use caution when giving OTC cold drugs to children. It can be easy to give a child too much, and some OTC cold drugs can have serious side effects. Accidental overdoses can sometimes be fatal.

When in doubt about the safety of a cold drug for your child, always talk to your childs doctor or pharmacist.

Children who are younger than age 7 should never give themselves nasal decongestant sprays. Saline nasal drops are a child-safe alternative that can help ease congestion. Ask their doctor for guidance.

Also, never give aspirin to children. Aspirin has been linked to a rare but life-threatening illness called Reyes syndrome in children. Try ibuprofen or acetaminophen instead. These pain relievers are safe for children, but need special dosing based on your childs age and weight.

Always use cold drugs according to the product recommendations or your healthcare providers advice. This helps you use them safely.

However, certain cold drugs deserve special consideration:

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Allergies Follow A Pattern And Symptoms Tend To Stick Around Longer

If you have allergies, your symptoms will flare up at certain times throughout the year when the allergens youre sensitive to are present. For example, if you have a tree pollen allergy, your symptoms will first appear in the early spring.

This also means that your symptoms can last for several weeks until that particular allergy season has ended. To put that into perspective, colds usually only last about a week.

Cold viruses are present all year, so you can catch one at any time. However, the winter cold season is when getting sick is more likely.

What About Antihistamines In Cold And Flu Medications

Dimetapp Children

What many people may not know is that cold and flu medicines marketed to treat runny nose and sneezing usually include first-generation antihistamines the more sedating types. Thats because they are often better at treating cold symptoms and drying up runny nose than the newer types.

Because of their sedating effect, cold medicines with antihistamines are labeled for nighttime use. Take this labeling seriously, as some include medications like doxylamine that are more sedating than others. Check labels for dosages, as well, as these may vary, even within brands.

More is not better read labels carefully and take only as recommended. Dont supplement a multi-symptom cold medication with another single-ingredient antihistamine.

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Cold Vs Omicron Variant

Many viruses that cause the common cold are different types of coronaviruses.

Recent research shows that the Omicron variant of COVID-19 may have mutated to acquire some genetic material from another cold-causing coronavirus.

This may explain, at least in part, why this strain appears to be more infectious and its symptoms appear to be milder and more similar to those of a cold.

Data from a COVID-19 symptom study, conducted by Massachusetts General Hospital, the Harvard T.H. Chan School of Public Health, Kings College London, and Stanford University School of Medicine for the health science company ZOE, showed that Omicron symptoms tend to be cold-like mainly runny nose, headache, sore throat, and sneezing.

Omicron also appears to cause less severe illness in children under 5 years.

The symptoms of traditional COVID-19 like the Delta variant usually develop in 23 days .

Since a person cannot know what variant of COVID-19 they may have contracted, and the symptoms may be similar, any person who experiences cold-like symptoms should have a test for COVID-19.

What Are Some Common Decongestants And Antihistamines For Colds

There are many over-the-counter decongestants and antihistamines that can help treat your symptoms. They’re sold separately or as part of a combo with other cold and pain drugs.

If you choose a combination medicine, make sure you know everything that’s in it. Check to see if it has acetaminophen. If so, follow the directions on the label carefully, and don’t take acetaminophen along with it, because it could cause serious liver damage.

These over-the-counter antihistamines and decongestants treat cold and allergy symptoms.

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The Risks Of Medication Can Outweigh The Benefits

The new concerns about OTC medication for children are just the latest warning that popular over-the-counter medications can be dangerous. In 2001, the FDA ordered that all medications containing phenylpropanolamine be removed from the shelves because of evidence that taking PPA increases the risk of stroke. FDAs decision was made after a study at Yale Medical School showed an association between PPA use and stroke in women using the medicine to lose weight. Men may also be at risk.

Although medicines containing PPA should no longer be available at the store, it is possible that you may have medicines containing PPA in your medicine cabinet. To be safe, those medicines should be discarded. They include:

  • Acutrim Diet Gum Appetite Suppressant Plus Dietary Supplements
  • Acutrim Maximum Strength Appetite Control
  • BC Allergy Sinus Cold Powder
  • BC Sinus Cold Powder
  • Dimetapp Cold & Allergy Chewable Tablets
  • Dimetapp Cold & Cough Liqui-Gels
  • Tavist-D 12 Hour Relief of Sinus & Nasal Congestion
  • Triaminic DM Cough Relief
  • Triaminic Expectorant Chest & Head Congestion
  • Triaminic Syrup Cold & Allergy
  • Triaminic Triaminicol Cold & Cough

Some of the medications that used to contain PPA are sold under the same name today, but no longer contain PPA. If you have old versions of any of the following medicines, check to see if they contain PPA. If they do, throw them out.

Insight Into Recommended Use And Side Effects

Allergy Medications Explained – Can You Take More Than One?
  • What are the side effects of antihistamines?
  • Who should not use decongestants?
  • What are combination remedies?

Drugs for stuffy nose, sinus trouble, congestion and drainage, and the common cold constitute a large segment of the over-the-counter market for Americas medication industry. Even though they do not cure allergies, colds, or the flu, they provide welcome relief for at least some of the discomforts of seasonal allergies and upper respiratory infections. However, its essential for consumers to read the ingredient labels, evaluate their symptoms, and choose the most appropriate remedy. It is not necessary to take medication if your symptoms are mild to moderate. Seek care from a physician if your symptoms persist beyond 7-10 days or are accompanied by fevers greater than 101.5 and worsening illness.

Some patients may benefit from non-drug therapies for nasal symptoms, such as nasal salt-water sprays or mists and nasal saline irrigations. As with all over-the-counter medications and treatments, read and follow the products instructions before use.

Read Also: Is Venison Good For Dogs With Skin Allergies

How Are Antihistamines Classified

Antihistamines are divided into two major subtypes. The first subtype is called H-1 receptor antagonists or H-1 blockers. This subtype of antihistamines is used to treat allergy symptoms. The second subtype is called H-2 receptor antagonists or H-2 blockers. They are used to treat gastrointestinal conditions, including gastroesophageal reflux disease , peptic ulcers, gastritis, motion sickness, nausea and vomiting. The naming structure tells doctors and scientists the cell type the location of the histamine receptor that the antihistamine medication blocks.

The H-1 blocker subtype is further broken down into two groups first-generation antihistamines and second-generation antihistamines.

Are Cough/cold Medicines Good For Treating Allergies

    https://www.bcpowder.com/blog/are-coughcold-medicines-good-treating-allergies
    Most cold medicines have aspirin, acetaminophen or ibuprofen as a main ingredient, and with allergies, you donât need any of these. These ingredients are meant to relieve aches and pains as well as feverâsymptoms that are not allergy related. Many cold medicines also are formulated to relieve coughing. Cough relief medicines either have dextromethorphan to suppress a cough or â¦

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What Are The Dangers Of Allergy Medicine

When taking allergy medicine, it is essential to consider the type of antihistamines you are using along with other medications.

Some antihistamines contain painkillers and decongestants, similar to various types of cold medicine.

If you take these antihistamines on top of your existing cold regimen, you could be doubling up on painkillers that your body doesnt need.

In these instances, this could lead to severe consequences, such as overdosing on over-the-counter medication.

There is also a considerable risk to your livers health, stomach bleeding, and intestinal damage.

Always check the label of your allergy medicine before taking it, along with other over-the-counter medications.

Other common side effects of antihistamines include:

How Does Allergy Medicine Work

Alka

Allergy medicine, also referred to as antihistamines, is a unique classification of over-the-counter medications.

They are designed to block the production of histamine, a chemical your body produces when it comes in contact with an allergen.

Histamines typically make the nose swell and itch, leading to a runny, itchy nose and often sneezing.

Although antihistamines reduce your bodys responses to allergens, they might not be as effective for fighting cold symptoms.

Older medications, such as chlorpheniramine and brompheniramine, could alleviate more cold symptoms than newer options like fexofenadine and loratadine .

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Cold Or Flu: What Medications Should I Use

With so many variables in life keeping us on our toes, one thing always remains a constant: cold and flu season. Every year when sickness falls upon us, we find ourselves trying to differentiate between which one we might have. There are some key symptoms to each, and they can vary when it comes to treatment. With so many medications to choose from on the shelves, it can be overwhelming to make a decision.

If Your Child Is Under Age 1 It’s Likely A Cold

It is unusual for a child under 1 year old to be diagnosed with seasonal allergies. “With allergies, you typically must be exposed to things a number of times to get an allergic response,” explains Dr. Lee. “It’s not that a baby can’t have an allergic reaction to something during the first year of life, but typical seasonal allergies usually involve older kids.”

Read Also: Does Sinus Rinse Help With Allergies

What Other Information Should I Know

Ask your pharmacist any questions you have about chlorpheniramine.

It is important for you to keep a written list of all of the prescription and nonprescription medicines you are taking, as well as any products such as vitamins, minerals, or other dietary supplements. You should bring this list with you each time you visit a doctor or if you are admitted to a hospital. It is also important information to carry with you in case of emergencies.

For Children With Colds Doctors Are Increasingly Likely To Recommend Antihistamines Rather Than Cough And Cold Medicine

How Does Cold Medicine Work?
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Start With Some Home Remedies For Cold And Allergy Symptoms

When you start feeling icky, some simple home remedies can provide temporary relief. For starters, try to get more rest. Both allergies and colds can cause tiredness, so listen to your body and take it easy.

Also, take advantage of saltwater to soothe irritated nasal passages and scratchy or sore throats.

For your nose, use a neti pot. A neti pot can be picked up at any local drugstore or online, and typically comes with packets to mix with warm, distilled water to create a saltwater solution to pour through your nasal passages.

For your throat, simply mix a quarter or half teaspoon of table salt into an 8-ounce glass of warm water. Take a sip and gargle for a few seconds like you would with mouthwash. Then spit and repeat until the solution is gone. You can do this a couple times a day.

How Should I Take Cold & Allergy Relief

Use exactly as directed on the label, or as prescribed by your doctor. Do not use in larger or smaller amounts or for longer than recommended. Cold medicine is usually taken only for a short time until your symptoms clear up.

Do not give this medication to a child younger than 4 years old. Always ask a doctor before giving a cough or cold medicine to a child. Death can occur from the misuse of cough and cold medicines in very young children.

You should not use antihistamine medication to make a child sleepy.

Do not crush, chew, break, or open an extended-release tablet or capsule. Swallow it whole. Breaking or opening the pill may cause too much of the drug to be released at one time.

The chewable tablet must be chewed before swallowing.

Measure liquid medicine with a special dose-measuring spoon or medicine cup, not with a regular table spoon. If you do not have a dose-measuring device, ask your pharmacist for one.

Call your doctor if your symptoms do not improve after 7 days of treatment, or if you have a fever with a headache, cough, or skin rash.

This medication can cause unusual results with allergy skin tests. Tell any doctor who treats you that you are taking an antihistamine.

If you need surgery, tell the surgeon ahead of time if you have taken a cold medicine within the past few days.

Store at room temperature away from moisture and heat.

Recommended Reading: When Is Allergy Season In New York

The American College Of Physicians Consumer Guidelines For Antibiotics:

  • Dont insist on antibiotics for yourself or your children.
  • Ask your doctor, Is this antibiotic really necessary?
  • Take only with a doctors instructions-dont take antibiotics left over from old prescriptions, given to you by friends or family, or purchased abroad without a prescription.
  • Prevent infections by washing hands thoroughly. Wash fruits and vegetables thoroughly. Avoid raw eggs and undercooked meats-especially ground meats.
  • Keep immunizations up-to-date-especially for influenza and pneumonia if you are a senior citizen or have a chronic illness.
  • Finish each antibiotic prescription-even if you feel better. If you dont finish the prescription, some resistant bacteria may stay with you and multiply, requiring a different-and most likely stronger-antibiotic when the infection returns weeks later.
  • For Cold Symptoms Here Are The Best Over

    Top Care® 24 Hour Tablets All Day Allergy 30 Ct Blister

    You feel terrible. Youre coughing, youve got a stuffy nose, a sore throat the full monty.

    But which products are worth the money and which should you skip? Consumer Reports chose the best over-the-counter drugs based on effectiveness and safety. Use its picks below to treat a run-of-the-mill cold. But keep in mind that certain symptoms, such as shortness of breath, chest pain, a high fever or an illness that worsens after seven days, warrant a trip to a health-care professional. While some of the products mentioned are name brands, be aware that you can often save money by picking a generic version.

    Take: Afrin nasal spray

    Skip: Phenylephrine tablets such as Sudafed PE

    The nasal spray wins because its active ingredients work fast to shrink swollen nasal blood vessels, which will help you breathe easier. If you stick to the recommended dose, sprays used short term cause fewer side effects than oral decongestants because theyre usually not absorbed into your bloodstream in significant amounts, as are oral decongestants. The active ingredient in Afrin is also in Dristan and Vicks Sinex, which are two other good options for 12-hour congestion relief. Sprays containing phenylephrine, such as Neo-Synephrine, also work well but last only up to four hours. Be sure to limit over-the-counter nasal-spray use to no more than three days or you could end up with rebound congestion, leaving your nose even stuffier.

    Take: Chlor-Trimeton

    Read Also: What To Do To Get Rid Of Allergies

    What Is Claritin

    Claritin D is a prescription and over-the-counter medicine used to treat symptoms of seasonal allergies or the common cold, such as sneezing, runny nose, itchy/red/watery eyes, and post-nasal drip, as well as sinus pressure and nasal congestion.

    The D in Claritin-D stands for decongestant. Claritin-D is a combination medication with active ingredients loratadine and pseudoephedrine. Pseudoephedrine, the nasal decongestant, separates Claritin-D from Claritin, which only contains loratadine.

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