With the COVID-19 virus still at large, someone in your household coming down with something as simple as a cough can be absolutely nerve wracking. As much as possible, you want to find relief and get back on your feet. But with all the different over-the-counter medications available right now, choosing one could be very confusing.
Most of these medications claim to be effective in clearing your symptoms. They come in different forms, too—tablets, capsules, syrups. Which one is really the best for you? To help you make the right decision, here are some Dos and Don’ts from Pharmasave that you should keep in mind:
What Are the Dos of Buying Cough and Cold Medicine?
Do choose a medicine that only addresses the symptoms that you actually have. There are products that are intended to address a plethora of symptoms, but if you’re only suffering from one or two, then there’s no reason to get them. In fact, they might even have adverse effects on you.
Do consider any preexisting conditions that you might have when buying medicine. You should always mention to your pharmacist if you have high blood pressure, diabetes, or other chronic health conditions that might be affected by medications.
Do check the label to see if there are any ingredients that you might be allergic to. You should also ensure that you follow the correct dose. Taking less than recommended might not help you with the symptoms you’re experiencing. On the other hand, going over the maximum limit could be extremely dangerous.
Do remember to drink plenty of water whenever you have a cough and cold, and especially when you start taking medications.
What Are the Don’ts of Buying Cough and Cold Medicine?
As much as possible, don’t self-medicate, especially if you have a chronic condition. Cough and cold are often not that serious, and taking medication that could be bad for your chronic illness can be more dangerous.
Don’t take medicines that are past their expiry date. Some people think it’s okay to take drugs that are a few months over their expiry date, but you should never do this. There’s a reason that the expiration information is printed on the packaging, and you should not ignore it.
Don’t take two or more medicines with acetaminophen unless you’ve confirmed with your doctor that it’s fine. Acetaminophen can be damaging to the liver when taken in excess.
Don’t hesitate to ask your pharmacist any questions you might have about cough and cold medicines. Pharmacy consultants from Pharmasave are more than happy to provide you with the prescriptions that you need during the consultation, so feel free to schedule one with us.
Common Non-Prescription Medicines for Cough and Cold
- Antihistamines like Benadryl® could help with itchiness, runny noses, and watery eyes.
- Analgesics like Tylenol® and Advil® can address the body pain that often accompanies cold and flu.
- Cough suppressants such as Robitussin® DM and Delsym® can help lessen coughing, especially dry coughs that are harder to hold back.
- Expectorants, including Robitussin® and Mucinex®, can help clear air passages by pushing mucus out.
- Nasal decongestant sprays like Afrin, Vick’s, and Neo-Synephrine can also provide relief
Conclusion
Cough and cold can be easy enough to treat with the proper medications taken in correct dosages. But even if the medicines for these are readily available, you should still get pharmacy consulting services to ensure that you are getting the right products for your specific needs. This is also important if you need prescription drugs.
You can consult with an Edmonton pharmacy consultant from Pharmasave if you have any questions about medications for cough and cold, flu, and more. Our network of pharmacists and doctors only prescribe the safest medicines while considering your health. Reach out to us today for a consultation and prescription!