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Over the counter cold, cough and flu medications.
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Colds and flu.
'Tis the season for sneezing, coughing and generally feeling unwell. Colds, coughs and flu (most notably the current H1N1 pandemic) abound this month, and more people than ever are reaching for over the counter medications, vitamin and mineral supplements and hygiene and sanitation products to treat their symptoms or prevent themselves from catching them. But are they safe for everyone, and what are the things one should look out for before self-medicating with these products? Below are some of the products available over the counter (OTC) and some of the important points to remember while considering using them.
Aspirin-containing products (Ascriptin, Bufferin, Sureprin, Buffinol, etc) are widely available, well-known and (usually) cheap, and can be used to alleviate minor aches and pains (such as a mild headache), inflammation and to reduce fever. However, there are restrictions on their usage; pregnant women should never take aspirin-containing products (unless their doctor expressly tells them to do so) because of the risk of Reye's syndrome to the foetus; individuals under the age of 20 should not self-medicate with them either. Patients taking anti-coagulants (or any other drugs, for that matter), asthmatics and individuals suffering from stomach problems such as ulceration or acid reflux should consult their doctor first too. Similar restrictions apply to non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drugs (NSAIDs, such as ibuprofen, diclofenac, naproxen, etc) that are available over the counter (Advil, Motrin, Voltaren, Aleve, etc).
Acetaminophen (also known as paracetamol) products are usually the alternative to aspirin or NSAID-containing OTC medications. Examples include Tylenol, Valorin, Aspirin-free Anacin, etc. These can be used to alleviate mild aches and pains and to reduce fever, but they generally do not have an anti-inflammatory effect. Acetaminophen can usually be taken by pregnanct women and children, but it is always best to consult with a doctor first anyway, as everyone is different in their physical make-up and how they may react to medication (especially if it is being taken for the first time). Individuals with liver problems or who have a regular, high intake of alcohol should also consult with their doctor before using these products.
As for OTC decongestant products (like pseudoephedrine and phenylphrine), they can be used to offer relief from a blocked nose, but there are many considerations to bear in mind; patients suffering from high blood pressure, patients suffering from depression (especially those who may be on the Monoamine Oxidase Inhibitor (MAOI) class of antidepressants), diabetics, asthmatics, the elderly and many others should not take them without consulting with their doctor. Even the nasal spray/drops form of these products should not be used for a long period of time (even by otherwise healthy adults), as they can cause rebound congestion. An example of an OTC decongestant is Sudafed.
All in all, OTC cold, cough and flu medications have many benefits; they decrease the load on the healthcare system as patients do not have to obtain a prescription from their doctor for every cold they get and increase patient self-instruction and self-reliance as they feel empowered about their health and motivated to do something themselves about it, but as with everything, it is always best to check things relating to our health first and to consult with a healthcare practitioner if in any doubt whatsoever.
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