Allergies and Sinus Medications, What You Need To Know
May 13 '01 (Updated Jul 07 '01)
The Bottom Line (leaning in for a closer look) Is that giant red dripping thing your freaking nose? Whoa. Read on.
Do you suffer from allergies and sinus trouble? I think I can help. I'm qualified to tell you this for two reasons: 1. Allergies conspire to make me miserable too. 2. I'm a registered nurse familiar with these medications.
Allergies:
In a nutshell, an allergic reaction is your body's response to something it perceives as foreign. This is called the allergen. It can be just about anything, from the common offenders like smoke, pollen and dust, to more uncommon allergies like food, latex and building materials.
During an allergic reaction, your body will produce histamine. Medications used for allergies and sinus problems usually are combination products, one of which is usually an anti-histamine. Most anti-histamines do not reverse a reaction, they merely help to prevent further release of histamine into the bloodstream.
Symptoms of a Histamine Response (Allergy):
Itchy, red, irritated eyes
Sneezing, clear thin nasal discharge
Sinus pain, sinus pressure, upper gums may be tender
Hives, other rashes
Difficulty breathing **This is a life threatening response called anaphylaxis, a severe allergic reaction, and 911 should be called immediately.
Over the Counter Medications
Most products are combination medications. This means there are several different medications within one pill, combined to give you relief of several symptoms in one dose. Examples of medication classifications you'll see in these combination products are:
Analgesics: Reduce pain, inflammation and fever. Examples would be acetaminophen (Tylenol), ibuprofen (Motrin).
Anti-histamines: Reduce further histamine release. There are many different anti-histamines available, common ones are diphenhydramine (Benadryl), and Claritin.
Nasal Decongestants: Reduce mucus secretion, 'dry you up', thereby reducing sinus pressure. Example: pseudephedrine (Suda-fed). Pseudoephedrine is the most common decongestant for children and adults. It is in just about every over the counter medication that claims to have a 'nasal decongestant' effect. It is the only ingredient in regular Suda-Fed. The usual per tablet amount is 30mg, and dosing will usually state to take 2 tablets, for a total dose of 60mg. *This is for regular acting medications, usually taken every 4 to 6 hours. The amount will be higher in time release medications that advertise themselves as lasting for 12 hours or more.
Pseudoephedrine is relatively cheap to make. You will notice a wide range of prices available for practically the exact same medication. Do note that pseudoephedrine can cause an increase in blood pressure, and should not be taken by anyone with untreated high blood pressure, or those on medications to lower blood pressure (anti-hypertensives). Side effects also frequently reported with pseudoephedrine are dry mouth, insomnia, and a nervous or hyped up feeling.
So what do I look for?
By law, each med manufacturer must list the 'Active Ingredients' in a separate, easy to read section on the package. Find this area first to see exactly what is inside each pill.
Ideally, you'll want a anti-histamine, an analgesic, and a decongestant combined into one. An example of active ingredients of a sinus/allergy medication is below:
Acetaminophen: 650mg (equivalent of 2 regular strenth Tylenol, extra strength Tylenol is 500mg per pill).
Diphenhydramine: 25mg (equivalent of 1 regular strength Benadryl capsule).
Pseudoephedrine: 60mg (equivalent of 2 regular strength Suda-Fed).
Once you know what each medication does, you have POWER. Why? Because you don't have to pay for the name brands like Suda-Fed to get exactly the same medication. Suda-Fed tablets usually cost about $7 for 24 pills. That's only 12 doses. At 3 doses a day, it might last you 4 days. Serious rip-off.
Compare the name brands to the store brands, also known as 'generic' medications. Be sure to note how many pills they suggest you take, and how many are in the box. I'm sure you've opened large medication boxes before, to find one blister package holding only 12 pills. Price wise, expect to pay no more than $4 for at least 24 tablets. You'll do even better if you shop around at different stores. Because allery/sinus sufferers like ourselves take medication either seasonally or year round, it's important to get as much as you can, for as little as you can.
As always, check with your doctor, nurse or pharmacist to make sure the medication you select will not interfere with other medications you are currently taking.
**An update~ I just found a really good deal, SAMS club carries their own brand of antihistamine/analgesic/decongestant combo pills, you get 96 in a box for $4.19. Bargoon, I say.
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