FitSugar

Fight Seasonal Allergies With Heat

FitSugar — Thu, 11 Jun 2009 03:30:00 -0700

If seasonal allergies are preventing you from breathing through your nose, you can take decongestants, but they'll end up drying you up everywhere, even your lady business. Plus they can make you feel kind of spaced out and tired.

A natural alternative I've found that relieves congestion is to raise your body temperature through exercise. Choose heart-pumping activities such as running, biking, hiking, cardio kickboxing, or exercise in a heated room such as Bikram or Ashtanga yoga. Do it for at least 20 minutes, and once you start sweating, your nasal congestion will start to thin out a little, making it easier to blow your nose and clear your sinuses. Just make sure you have a pack of tissues with you so you can get rid of the mucus instead of sniffing it back in.

If the pollen count is really high outside, do your cardio inside to avoid aggravating your symptoms.

Source

Cold and Flu Tip: Neti Pot Instead of Decongestants

FitSugar — Wed, 11 Feb 2009 03:00:00 -0800

It's cold and flu season and just about everyone I know is sniffling, sneezing, and all stuffed up. To deal with these nasal symptoms, you can pop decongestants like Sudafed, but they'll cause annoying side effects like dry mouth, sore throat, and headaches, and can lead to sinusitis. Plus if you think about it, your body creates all that mucus to help flush the germs out. So why would you want to turn off your body's natural response? It means the germs will just stay in your body.

You can help get rid of the germs and mucus by using a neti pot. It's a small container that you fill with warm salt water, and use to flush out your nasal passages. Think of it as a bath for your nose.

To see a video of the neti pot in action, read more.

Once you try it, you'll be hooked. It's not only great for colds, but also good if you suffer from congestion caused by allergies. For detailed instructions on how to use the neti pot click here.

Does anyone else think that gal in the photo looks an awful lot like Reese Witherspoon, or is it just me?

Milk, Mucus and You: The Congestion Connection

FitSugar — Thu, 31 May 2007 08:45:00 -0700

If you suffer from seasonal allergies, and your symptoms involve nasal and sinus congestion 24-7, you may want to take a look at the dairy in your diet.

Dairy products like milk, cheese, yogurt, and ice cream may be making your allergy symptoms worse. Casein, the naturally occurring protein in dairy products, can promote the formation of mucus. It can also make existing mucus thicker in your nose and sinuses, leaving you completely congested. It may also cause a runny nose or the ever annoying post nasal drip.

Of course, conventional doctors may not agree with the notion that dairy promotes mucus (there's no scientific evidence, but maybe because there have been no studies - I don't know), but many people swear that ditching dairy has cured their sinus problems. So if you are curious, you'll have to test the theory yourself. Try eliminating all things dairy for at least 1 to 2 weeks and see how you feel. It's made a world of difference for me, my nose and my sinuses, so I definitely think it's worth a shot.

Here's a cool tidbit of info - casein is also used to make adhesives, like glue, beer bottle labels and wood glue used in furniture. Think about it - if casein can make two objects stick together, imagine what it can do to your sinuses.

Fit's Tips: To help relieve congestion in your nose and sinuses, try using a neti pot. Not only does it get rid of mucus, but it helps to flush dust and allergens out of your nose that can make you stuffy in the first place.

Source

Antihistamines or Decongestants: Which Does What?

FitSugar — Wed, 04 Apr 2007 04:00:00 -0700

So it's officially Spring (yippee!!) and the snow is melting away. The trees and grass and flowers will begin to grow and bud, and for people with seasonal allergies, this time of year can be a nightmare.

When someone has seasonal allergies, his or her immune system sees pollen as an invader. As a defense mechanism, their body produces histamine, an inflammatory chemical that attaches to the cells in their body and irritates them. The histamines are what cause the sneezing, runny nose, watery and itchy eyes.

When you take an antihistamine (like Benadryl or Claritin), it prevents the histamine from attaching to those cells, and therefore prevents allergy symptoms. Antihistamines can also relieve itchiness caused by insect bites, stings, poison ivy, and poison oak.

This is great, but most Antihistamines have the awful side effect of making you feel really drowsy and out of it. Your head just feels really foggy, like when you have a cold.

Want to know what a decongestant does? Then read more

Sometimes a person who has allergies can experience different symptoms. They may get an extremely stuffy nose and congested sinuses. This can affect a person's sense of smell and taste. Also, if the sinuses remained plugged, a person could develop a sinus infection, which can cause severe facial pain and headaches.

People with these symptoms might want to take a decongestant (like Sudafed or Allegra D - the "D" stands for decongestant). Decongestants work by narrowing the blood vessels in the lining of your nose. This reduces how much blood flows through the area so that swollen tissue inside the nose shrinks, and air can pass through more easily.

Decongestants work well to de-clog your nose and face, but they make your mouth and throat uncomfortably dry.

Allergies are different for everyone, and different over-the-counter medications may work better than others. You may want to try them all. Some medications combine both antihistamines and decongestants, which could prevent your symptoms, better than they could alone.

Fit's Tips: If you know what you're allergic to, you can work on avoiding that trigger. If you have allergy symptoms, but don't know what specific allergens are affecting you, make an appointment with an Allergist. You can also see one if you've been taking over-the-counter meds and your symptoms are still bothering you.

Dealing With Sinus Congestion

FitSugar — Thu, 26 Mar 2009 14:30:00 -0700

Hooray for warmer weather and longer days. Isn't Spring the best? Well, not for everyone because 'tis the season when allergy symptoms rear their ugly heads: congestion, runny noses, sneezing, asthma, as well as agonizing pain and pressure around your eyes and forehead. Here are some ways to relieve sinus congestion.

Make an appointment with an allergist to find out what's triggering your congestion since it could be dust under your bed, the mold or mildew in your bathroom, or pollen outside. After determining that your best friend's new kitty is causing your symptoms, you can avoid the trigger to ease your congestion.
If you can't figure out the trigger or it's impossible to avoid, talk to your doctor about allergy medication. I'm a fan of nasal sprays since they clear up congestion but don't cause any other annoying side effects like dry mouth or drowsiness. You may have to take the medication for a week or two to start feeling results.

To see how to get immediate relief read more.

Use a neti pot to flush allergens, irritants, and mucus out of your nose and sinuses.
Use heat therapy. Breathe in hot steam when taking a hot shower or bath. Adding eucalyptus oil to the water and the vapors should help clear your breathing passages.
To relieve sinus pain and pressure, use a therapeutic warming pillow. Pop it in the microwave for two minutes, lie down and place it on your face, and the heat will help loosen up the mucus.

Source

Analgesic/antitussive/decongestant/expectorant combination (By mouth)

admin — Thu, 04 Sep 2008 20:09:55 -0700

Overview

Introduction
Brand Name(s)
When This Medicine Should Not Be Used
How to Use This Medicine
How to Store and Dispose of This Medicine
Drugs and Foods to Avoid
Warnings While Using This Medicine
Possible Side Effects While Using This Medicine

HEALTH GUIDE REFERENCE FROM A.D.A.M

Introduction

Treats fever, headache, sore throat, body aches, sneezing, runny and stuffy nose, and cough. May also help to loosen mucus in upper airways.

Brand Name(s)

Duraflu, Tylenol Cold Severe Congestion, Comtrex Deep Chest Cold, Robitussin Cold Cough & Flu, Sudafed PE Cold & Cough, Rite Aid Multi-Symptom Cold Daytime, Good Sense Cold Head Congestion Daytime Severe, Tylenol Cold Multi-Symptom, Tylenol Cold Severe Head Congestion, Tylenol Cold Head Congestion Severe, Leader Pain Relief Cold PE, Decorel Forte Plus, Medi-First Non-Pseudo Cold Relief, Cetafen Cough & Cold, Flutabs

There may be other brand names for this medicine.

When This Medicine Should Not Be Used

You should not use this medicine if you have had an allergic reaction to acetaminophen (Tylenol®), or to any other ingredients in the medicine you are using. Do not give any over-the-counter (OTC) cough and cold medicine to a baby or child under 2 years old. Using these medicines in very young children might cause serious or possibly life-threatening side effects.

How to Use This Medicine

Liquid Filled Capsule, Tablet, Capsule, Liquid, Chewable Tablet, Fizzy Tablet

Avoid using the medicine at bedtime if it makes you restless.
Your doctor will tell you how much of this medicine to use and how often. Do not use more medicine or use it more often than your doctor tells you to.
If you are using this medicine without a prescription, follow the instructions on the medicine label.
Completely chew the chewable tablet before swallowing it.
Measure the oral liquid medicine with a marked measuring spoon, oral syringe, or medicine cup.
You may need to shake the liquid medicine container before opening it.
If the medicine is an effervescent tablet, carefully stir the tablet into at least 4 ounces (1/2 cup) of water. Drink all of it right away.
Swallow the extended-release tablet whole. Do not crush, break, or chew it.

If a dose is missed:

If you miss a dose or forget to use your medicine, use it as soon as you can. If it is almost time for your next dose, wait until then to use the medicine and skip the missed dose. Do not use extra medicine to make up for a missed dose.

How to Store and Dispose of This Medicine

Store the medicine in a closed container at room temperature, away from heat, moisture, and direct light.
Keep all medicine away from children and never share your medicine with anyone.
Ask your pharmacist, doctor, or health caregiver about the best way to dispose of any outdated medicine or medicine no longer needed.

Drugs and Foods to Avoid

Ask your doctor or pharmacist before using any other medicine, including over-the-counter medicines, vitamins, and herbal products.

You should not use this medicine if you are using certain medicines for depression called MAO inhibitors, such as Nardil®, Marplan®, Eldepryl®, or Parnate®.
Do not use other medicines that contain acetaminophen, a cough suppressant, a decongestant, or an expectorant while taking this medicine. You may be getting more than a safe amount of these medicines.
Tell your doctor if you are using any medicines that make you sleepy. These include sleeping pills, cold and allergy medicine, narcotic pain relievers, and sedatives.
Do not drink alcohol while you are using this medicine.Acetaminophen can damage your liver and alcohol can increase this risk. If you often drink three or more alcoholic drinks every day, do not take any medicines that contain acetaminophen without asking your doctor.

Warnings While Using This Medicine

Make sure your doctor knows if you are pregnant or breast feeding, or if you have heart disease, high blood pressure, diabetes, asthma, emphysema or other serious lung problems, an enlarged prostate gland that causes trouble passing urine, or thyroid problems.
Make sure your doctor knows if you drink alcohol often.
This medicine may make you nervous, dizzy, or unable to sleep. Avoid driving, using machines, or doing anything else that could be dangerous if you are not alert.
Children may be more sensitive to this medicine than adults, especially if they take too much of it. Always read the medicine label carefully so you give your child the right amount. Ask your pharmacist or doctor if you are not sure how much medicine to give your child.

Possible Side Effects While Using This Medicine

Call your doctor right away if you notice any of these side effects:

Allergic reaction: Itching or hives, swelling in your face or hands, swelling or tingling in your mouth or throat, chest tightness, trouble breathing.
If your symptoms do not improve or if they get worse, call your doctor.
Fever that lasts for a long time or a fever that does not go away.

If you notice these less serious side effects, talk with your doctor:

Cough that lasts for a long time or a cough that does not go away.
New symptoms.
Redness of your throat or swelling around your throat.
Trouble passing urine.

Review Date: 8/4/2008

A.D.A.M., Inc. is accredited by URAC, also known as the American Accreditation HealthCare Commission (www.urac.org). URAC's accreditation program is an independent audit to verify that A.D.A.M. follows rigorous standards of quality and accountability. A.D.A.M. is among the first to achieve this important distinction for online health information and services. Learn more about A.D.A.M.'s editorial policy, editorial process and privacy policy. A.D.A.M. is also a founding member of Hi-Ethics and subscribes to the principles of the Health on the Net Foundation (www.hon.ch).

A.D.A.M. Copyright

The information provided herein should not be used during any medical emergency or for the diagnosis or treatment of any medical condition. A licensed medical professional should be consulted for diagnosis and treatment of any and all medical conditions. Call 911 for all medical emergencies. Links to other sites are provided for information only -- they do not constitute endorsements of those other sites. © 1997-2009 A.D.A.M., Inc. Any duplication or distribution of the information contained herein is strictly prohibited.

adam.com

Source Doc: 45_5322

Analgesic/decongestant (By mouth)

admin — Thu, 04 Sep 2008 19:50:23 -0700

Overview

Introduction
Brand Name(s)
When This Medicine Should Not Be Used
How to Use This Medicine
How to Store and Dispose of This Medicine
Drugs and Foods to Avoid
Warnings While Using This Medicine
Possible Side Effects While Using This Medicine

HEALTH GUIDE REFERENCE FROM A.D.A.M

Introduction

Treats stuffy nose, fever, sinus headaches, and mild aches caused by hay fever, colds, or flu.

Brand Name(s)

Tylenol Sinus Maximum Strength, Advil Cold & Sinus, Aleve Cold & Sinus, Rite Aid Suphedrine PE, Good Sense Sinus Headache PE, Sudafed PE Sinus Headache, Rite Aid Sinus Congestion & Pain, Mapap Sinus Congestion and Pain, Quality Choice Sinus Pain Relief, Good Sense Sinus Congestion & Pain, Good Sense Sinus, Sinutab Sinus, Rite Aid Sinus Formula DayTime, Good Sense Sinus Headache, Rite Aid Sinus Congestion & Pain DayTime

There may be other brand names for this medicine.

When This Medicine Should Not Be Used

You should not use this medicine if you have ever had an allergic reaction to a decongestant or pain medicine. Some of these medicines may contain aspirin and should not be given to children under age 16. Aspirin can cause a serious disease called Reye's syndrome in children and teenagers who have chicken pox, flu, or similar infections. You should not use this medicine if you have used an MAO inhibitor such as Nardil®, Marplan®, Eldepryl®, or Parnate® within the past 14 days. Do not give any over-the-counter (OTC) cough and cold medicine to a baby or child under 2 years old. Using these medicines in very young children might cause serious or possibly life-threatening side effects.

How to Use This Medicine

Tablet, Chewable Tablet, Fizzy Tablet, Long Acting Tablet, Capsule, Liquid Filled Capsule, Liquid, Powder

Your doctor will tell you how much of this medicine to use and how often. Do not use more medicine or use it more often than your doctor tells you to.
If you are using this medicine without a prescription, follow the instructions on the medicine label.
It is not safe to take more than 4 grams (4,000 milligrams) of acetaminophen in one day (24 hours).
You may take your medicine with food or milk to avoid stomach upset.
If you use the tablet, capsule, extended-release tablet, or liquid-filled capsule, swallow the pill whole. Do not crush, break, or chew (unless the medicine label says "chewable").
Measure the oral liquid medicine with a marked measuring spoon, oral syringe, medicine dropper, or medicine cup. You might need to shake the medicine just before you use it.
If you use powder or effervescent tablet, stir the medicine into water and drink it right away. You must use at least 4 ounces (1/2 cup) of water to dissolve the effervescent tablet. Do not keep any mixture to take later.

If a dose is missed:

If you miss a dose or forget to use your medicine, use it as soon as you can. If it is almost time for your next dose, wait until then to use the medicine and skip the missed dose. Do not use extra medicine to make up for a missed dose.

How to Store and Dispose of This Medicine

Store the medicine in a closed container at room temperature, away from heat, moisture, and direct light. Do not freeze the oral liquid.
Ask your pharmacist, doctor, or health caregiver about the best way to dispose of any outdated medicine or medicine no longer needed.
Keep all medicine away from children and never share your medicine with anyone.

Drugs and Foods to Avoid

Ask your doctor or pharmacist before using any other medicine, including over-the-counter medicines, vitamins, and herbal products.

Make sure your doctor knows if you are also using medicine for high blood pressure or depression, a blood thinner such as Coumadin®, or an MAO inhibitor (Nardil®, Marplan®, Parnate®, Eldepryl®).
Avoid drinking alcohol or using diet pills (Accutrim®, Dexatrim®) while using this medicine.
If you regularly drink 3 or more alcoholic drinks every day, do not take acetaminophen without asking your doctor.
Do not also use other medicines that contain acetaminophen, or you may be getting more than a safe amount of this medicine. Many combination medicines contain acetaminophen, including products with brand names such as Alka-Seltzer Plus®, Comtrex®, Drixoral®, Excedrin Migraine®, Midol®, Sinutab®, Sudafed®, Theraflu®, and Vanquish®. Carefully check the labels of all other medicines you are using to be sure they do not contain acetaminophen.
Avoid using sleeping pills, other cold or allergy medicine, sedatives, muscle relaxants, tranquilizers, or narcotic pain killers unless approved by your doctor.

Warnings While Using This Medicine

If you are pregnant or breastfeeding, talk to your doctor before using this medicine.
Make sure your doctor knows if you have heart disease, high blood pressure, diabetes, an enlarged prostate, or an overactive thyroid.
This medicine might contain phenylalanine. This is only a concern if you have a disorder called phenylketonuria (a problem with amino acids). Talk to your doctor before using this medicine.
Call your doctor if your symptoms get worse after 2 or 3 days of treatment, or if they do not improve after 7 days. Also call if you develop a severe sore throat or fever; or cough up thick yellow mucus.
If you are allergic to aspirin, you may also be allergic to ibuprofen. Read the medicine label carefully to see if your medicine has ibuprofen in it, or ask your pharmacist.
If your medicine contains aspirin and has a vinegar smell, you should not use it.
This medicine may make you restless. If you have trouble sleeping, take your medicine well before bedtime.
Children may be more sensitive to this medicine than adults, especially if they use too much medicine. Always read medicine labels closely to give your child the right amount. If you are not sure how much medicine to use, ask your pharmacist.

Possible Side Effects While Using This Medicine

Call your doctor right away if you notice any of these side effects:

Red or brown, grainy vomit
Black stools
Ringing or buzzing in the ears
Fast, pounding, or irregular heartbeat
Trouble breathing
Severe headache

If you notice these less serious side effects, talk with your doctor:

Restlessness
Trouble sleeping
Stomach upset
Painful or difficult urination
Headache

Review Date: 8/4/2008

A.D.A.M. Copyright

adam.com

Source Doc: 45_0388

Acetaminophen/guaifenesin (By mouth)

admin — Thu, 04 Sep 2008 20:14:22 -0700

Overview

Introduction
Brand Name(s)
When This Medicine Should Not Be Used
How to Use This Medicine
How to Store and Dispose of This Medicine
Drugs and Foods to Avoid
Warnings While Using This Medicine
Possible Side Effects While Using This Medicine

HEALTH GUIDE REFERENCE FROM A.D.A.M

Introduction

Acetaminophen (a-seet-a-MIN-oh-fen), Guaifenesin (gwye-FEN-e-sin)

Treats minor aches and pains, headache, sore throat, and reduces fever. This medicine may also help loosen mucus in your lungs to make coughs more productive.

Brand Name(s)

Good Sense Chest Congestion Daytime, Tylenol Chest Congestion, Quality Choice Medifin CP

There may be other brand names for this medicine.

When This Medicine Should Not Be Used

You should not receive this medicine if you have had an allergic reaction to acetaminophen or guaifenesin. Do not give any over-the-counter (OTC) cough and cold medicine to a baby or child under 2 years old. Using these medicines in very young children might cause serious or possibly life-threatening side effects.

How to Use This Medicine

Liquid, Tablet

Your doctor will tell you how much of this medicine to use and how often. Do not use more medicine or use it more often than your doctor tells you to.
This combination medicine contains acetaminophen (Tylenol(R)). Carefully check the labels of all other medicines you are using because they may also contain acetaminophen. It is not safe to use more than 4 grams (4,000 milligrams) of acetaminophen in one day (24 hours).
Shake the oral liquid well just before each use. Measure the liquid with a medicine cup provided for this medicine.
Swallow the caplet whole. Do not crush, break, or chew it.
If you are using this medicine without a prescription, follow the instructions on the medicine label.

If a dose is missed:

If you miss a dose or forget to use your medicine, use it as soon as you can. If it is almost time for your next dose, wait until then to use the medicine and skip the missed dose. Do not use extra medicine to make up for a missed dose.

How to Store and Dispose of This Medicine

Store the medicine in a closed container at room temperature, away from heat, moisture, and direct light.
Ask your pharmacist, doctor, or health caregiver about the best way to dispose of any leftover medicine after you have finished your treatment. You will also need to throw away old medicine after the expiration date has passed.
Keep all medicine away from children and never share your medicine with anyone.

Drugs and Foods to Avoid

Ask your doctor or pharmacist before using any other medicine, including over-the-counter medicines, vitamins, and herbal products.

Do not drink alcohol while you are using this medicine. Acetaminophen can damage your liver and drinking alcohol may increase this risk. If you regularly drink 3 or more alcoholic drinks every day, do not take this medicine without asking your doctor.
Do not also use other medicines that contain acetaminophen, or you may be getting more than a safe amount of this medicine.
Many combination medicines contain acetaminophen, including products with brand names such as Alka-Seltzer Plus®, Comtrex®, Drixoral®, Excedrin Migraine®, Midol®, Sinutab®, Sudafed®, Theraflu®, and Vanquish®. Carefully check the labels of all other medicines you are using to be sure they do not also contain acetaminophen.

Warnings While Using This Medicine

Make sure your doctor knows if you are pregnant or breastfeeding, or if you have liver disease. Tell your doctor if you have breathing problems such as asthma, chronic bronchitis, or emphysema, or if you have cough that brings up a lot of phlegm (mucus). Also tell your doctor if you smoke or if you drink alcohol often.
Tell your doctor if your symptoms do not improve after 7 days, or if you develop new symptoms such as redness or swelling. If you have been using this medicine for a fever and the fever lasts longer than 3 days, stop using the medicine and call your doctor.
Tell your doctor if you have a cough that lasts more than one week, that comes back often, or that happens with a fever, rash, or headache.
Do not give this medicine to a child under 12 years old unless your doctor tells you to.

Possible Side Effects While Using This Medicine

Call your doctor right away if you notice any of these side effects:

Allergic reaction: Itching or hives, swelling in your face or hands, swelling or tingling in your mouth or throat, chest tightness, trouble breathing.
Dark-colored urine or pale stools.
Nausea, vomiting, loss of appetite, or pain in your upper stomach.
Yellowing of your skin or the whites of your eyes.

Review Date: 8/4/2008

A.D.A.M. Copyright

adam.com

Source Doc: 45_5642

Chlorpheniramine/pseudoephedrine (By mouth)

admin — Thu, 04 Sep 2008 20:10:17 -0700

Overview

Introduction
Brand Name(s)
When This Medicine Should Not Be Used
How to Use This Medicine
How to Store and Dispose of This Medicine
Drugs and Foods to Avoid
Warnings While Using This Medicine
Possible Side Effects While Using This Medicine

HEALTH GUIDE REFERENCE FROM A.D.A.M

Introduction

Chlorpheniramine (klor-fen-IR-a-meen), Pseudoephedrine (soo-doe-e-FED-rin)

Treats sneezing, runny nose, stuffy nose, watery eyes, and other symptoms of hay fever, common cold, or other allergies.

Brand Name(s)

Sudal-12, QDALL, Allerest Maximum Strength, Chlor-Pheniton, Suphedrine Cold & Allergy, SudoGest Cold & Allergy, Genaphed Plus, Chlor-Trimeton Allergy Decongestant, Triaminic Softchew Allergy Runny Nose & Congestion, Triaminic Softchews Allergy Runny Nose & Congestion, PSE CPM, Deconamine SR, Pseudocot-C, Zinx Allergy, Colfed-A

There may be other brand names for this medicine.

When This Medicine Should Not Be Used

You should not use this medicine if you have had an allergic reaction to chlorpheniramine, or pseudoephedrine. You should not use this medicine if you are using MAO inhibitors such as Eldepryl®, Marplan®, Nardil®, or Parnate® within the last 14 days. Do not give any over-the-counter (OTC) cough and cold medicine to a baby or child under 2 years old. Using these medicines in very young children might cause serious or possibly life-threatening side effects.

How to Use This Medicine

Tablet, Capsule, Chewable Tablet, Long Acting Capsule, 24 Hour Capsule, Long Acting Tablet, Liquid

Your doctor will tell you how much of this medicine to use and how often. Do not use more medicine or use it more often than your doctor tells you to.
This medicine comes with patient instructions. Read and follow these instructions carefully. Ask your doctor or pharmacist if you have any questions.
Measure the oral liquid medicine with a marked measuring spoon, oral syringe, or medicine cup.

If a dose is missed:

If you miss a dose or forget to use your medicine, use it as soon as you can. If it is almost time for your next dose, wait until then to use the medicine and skip the missed dose. Do not use extra medicine to make up for a missed dose.

How to Store and Dispose of This Medicine

Store the medicine in a closed container at room temperature, away from heat, moisture, and direct light.
Ask your pharmacist, doctor, or health caregiver about the best way to dispose of any leftover medicine after you have finished your treatment. You will also need to throw away old medicine after the expiration date has passed.
Keep all medicine away from children and never share your medicine with anyone.

Drugs and Foods to Avoid

Ask your doctor or pharmacist before using any other medicine, including over-the-counter medicines, vitamins, and herbal products.

Tell your doctor if you are using any medicines that make you sleepy. These include sleeping pills, cold and allergy medicine, narcotic pain relievers, and sedatives.
Do not drink alcohol while you are using this medicine.
Make sure your doctor knows about all other medicines you are using.

Warnings While Using This Medicine

Make sure your doctor knows if you are pregnant or breastfeeding.
Make sure your doctor knows if you have diabetes, glaucoma, heart disease, high blood pressure, problems with urination due to enlarged prostate gland, or thyroid disease.
Make sure your doctor knows if you have breathing problems such as asthma, chronic bronchitis, or emphysema. Tell your doctor if you have prolonged cough caused by smoking, or due to breathing problems.
This medicine may make you dizzy. Avoid driving, using machines, or doing anything else that could be dangerous if you are not alert.
Do not give this medicine to a child under 6 years old unless your doctor says it is okay.
If your symptoms do not improve or if they get worse, call your doctor.

Possible Side Effects While Using This Medicine

Call your doctor right away if you notice any of these side effects:

Allergic reaction: Itching or hives, swelling in your face or hands, swelling or tingling in your mouth or throat, chest tightness, trouble breathing.
Drowsiness or nervousness.

If you notice these less serious side effects, talk with your doctor:

Fussiness in your child.
Trouble sleeping.

Review Date: 8/4/2008

A.D.A.M. Copyright

adam.com

Source Doc: 45_5348

Analgesic/antihistamine/decongestant (By mouth)

admin — Thu, 04 Sep 2008 19:50:16 -0700

Overview

Introduction
Brand Name(s)
When This Medicine Should Not Be Used
How to Use This Medicine
How to Store and Dispose of This Medicine
Drugs and Foods to Avoid
Warnings While Using This Medicine
Possible Side Effects While Using This Medicine

HEALTH GUIDE REFERENCE FROM A.D.A.M

Introduction

Treats runny nose, sneezing, stuffy nose, fever, sinus headaches, and mild aches caused by hay fever, colds, or flu.

Brand Name(s)

Flu-Relief, Kolephrin, Complete Sinus Relief, Onset Forte, Actifed Cold & Sinus, Relief-SF, Comtrex Sinus & Nasal Decongestant, Sine-Off, Comtrex Flu Therapy, Tylenol Allergy Sinus, Rite Aid Multi-Symptom Cold DayTime, Rite Aid Flu Formula, Mapap Multi-Symptom Cold Formula, Good Sense Cold Head Congestion Daytime, Tylenol Cold Head Congestion

There may be other brand names for this medicine.

When This Medicine Should Not Be Used

You should not use this medicine if you have had an allergic reaction to any cough, cold, or pain medicine, or if you have taken an MAO inhibitor such as Nardil®, Marplan®, Eldepryl®, or Parnate® within the past 14 days. Teenagers and children under age 16 should not use any medicines that contain aspirin if they have a virus infection such as chicken pox or the flu. Do not give any over-the-counter (OTC) cough and cold medicine to a baby or child under 2 years old. Using these medicines in very young children might cause serious or possibly life-threatening side effects.

How to Use This Medicine

Long Acting Capsule, Capsule, Liquid Filled Capsule, Tablet, Chewable Tablet, Long Acting Tablet, Fizzy Tablet, Liquid, Packet

Your doctor will tell you how much of this medicine to use and how often. Do not use more medicine or use it more often than your doctor tells you to.
If you are using this medicine without a prescription, follow the instructions on the medicine label.
It is not safe to take more than 4 grams (4,000 milligrams) of acetaminophen in one day (24 hours).
Completely chew any chewable tablet before swallowing it. Swallow any other tablet or capsule whole. Do not crush, break, or chew. Measure the oral liquid medicine with a marked measuring spoon, oral syringe, or medicine cup.
If you use powder or effervescent tablet, stir the medicine into water and drink it right away. You must use at least 4 ounces (1/2 cup) of water to dissolve the effervescent tablet. Do not keep any mixture to take later.
If you are using medicine that makes a hot drink: Mix the powder in at least 6 ounces (3/4 cup) of hot water. Or, you may mix the powder in 6 ounces (3/4 cup) of cool water and heat it in a microwave oven. Read the directions on the package to find out how long to heat the mixture. Carefully drink the hot mixture right away.

If a dose is missed:

If you miss a dose or forget to use your medicine, use it as soon as you can. If it is almost time for your next dose, wait until then to use the medicine and skip the missed dose. Do not use extra medicine to make up for a missed dose.

How to Store and Dispose of This Medicine

Store the medicine in a closed container at room temperature, away from heat, moisture, and direct light. Ask your pharmacist, doctor, or health caregiver about the best way to dispose of any outdated medicine or medicine no longer needed.
Keep all medicine away from children and never share your medicine with anyone.

Drugs and Foods to Avoid

Ask your doctor or pharmacist before using any other medicine, including over-the-counter medicines, vitamins, and herbal products.

Do not use this medicine if you are also using a blood thinner such as warfarin (Coumadin®), unless your doctor has told you to. Avoid drinking alcohol or using any other medicines that make you sleepy. These include sleeping pills, other cold and allergy medicine, narcotic pain relievers, and sedatives.
If this medicine contains acetaminophen: If you regularly drink 3 or more alcoholic drinks every day, do not take acetaminophen without asking your doctor. Do not also use other medicines that contain acetaminophen, or you may be getting more than a safe amount of this medicine. Many combination medicines contain acetaminophen, including products with brand names such as Alka-Seltzer Plus®, Comtrex®, Drixoral®, Excedrin Migraine®, Midol®, Sinutab®, Sudafed®, Theraflu®, and Vanquish®. Carefully check the labels of all other medicines you are using to be sure they do not contain acetaminophen.

Warnings While Using This Medicine

Make sure your doctor knows if you are pregnant or breastfeeding, or if you have heart disease, high blood pressure, seizure disorders, asthma, emphysema, diabetes, glaucoma, or an overactive thyroid.
If your symptoms do not improve within 7 days or if they get worse, call your doctor. If you have a severe sore throat, fever, or thick yellow or green mucus, call your doctor.
This medicine might contain phenylalanine (aspartame). This is only a concern if you have a disorder called phenylketonuria (a problem with amino acids). Talk to your doctor before using this medicine.
This medicine can make you drowsy or restless. Avoid taking at bedtime if it makes you restless. Avoid driving, using machines, or doing anything else that could be dangerous if you are not alert.
If you are allergic to aspirin, you may also be allergic to ibuprofen. Ask your pharmacist or read the medicine label to see what kind of pain medicine this product contains.
If your medicine contains aspirin and has a vinegar smell, do not use it.
Some brands of this medicine may contain alcohol. Read the label carefully or ask your pharmacist so you know what is in your product.
Children may be more sensitive to this medicine than adults, especially if they take too much. Always read the medicine label closely so you give your child the right amount. Ask your pharmacist or doctor if you are not sure how much medicine to give your child.

Possible Side Effects While Using This Medicine

Call your doctor right away if you notice any of these side effects:

Allergic reaction: Itching or hives, swelling in your face or hands, swelling or tingling in your mouth or throat, chest tightness, trouble breathing
Fast, pounding, or irregular heartbeat
Severe headache, ringing or buzzing in your ears
Bloody or black, tarry stools, severe stomach pain, vomiting blood or material that looks like coffee grounds

If you notice these less serious side effects, talk with your doctor:

Dry mouth, nose, or throat
Nausea
Trouble urinating

Review Date: 8/4/2008

A.D.A.M. Copyright

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Source Doc: 45_0379