ConsultPharmacist » Cold and Flu

Want Relief? Medications That Can Help Cold and Flu Symptoms

consultpharmacist — Sat, 12 Feb 2011 06:19:19 +0000

So what can you do when you catch the cold or flu? For this post we will focus with the common over-the-counter and prescription medications that can help alleviate cough and cold symptoms and/or shorten the duration of viral infections.

Note: you should always read the package insert or read the box for more information regarding dosing (based on age or weight) and caution remarks!

Cold and Flu Symptom Relief: Nasal Symptoms

Runny Nose & Sneezing

Antihistamine (1st generation) are commonly used to treat allergy symptoms such as itchy watery eyes, rash, sneezing and runny nose. However, these medications are also common in cold and flu products because of “drying” side effect. These medications will help dry up the nasal secretions thereby stopping your leaky faucet nose. Another beneficial side effect from these medications is the sedative effect, allowing you to get the most needed good night sleep.

The following are two common 1^st generation anti-histamines:

(1) Benadryl (diphenhydramine) and (2) Chlor-Tripolon or Chlor-Trimeton (chlorpheniramine)

You should consult with your health care provider before taking these if you have the following condition(s): glaucoma, lung conditions (asthma, emphysema, bronchitis), seizures, prostate enlargement, certain heart condition and/or on certain anti-depressant medications

Common undesirable effects include drowsiness, dry mouth and constipation

Other related products for runny nose: facial tissues

Stuffy Nose

Decongestants, which help reduce nasal congestion or stuffy nose, are available in oral or nasal formulations. So, which formulation is better?

Oral formulation is the choice if you (1) do not want to use nasal sprays or (2) anticipate that you will need decongestant effect for more than 5 to 7 days and (3) are aware that you are more likely to experience undesirable effects such as insomnia and nervousness. You should consult with your health care provider before taking or using decongestants if you have heart condition, hyperthyroidism, diabetes, glaucoma, prostate enlargement, and/or on certain MAOI antidepressants. Sudafed (pseudoephedrine or phenylephrine) is taken orally every 4 to 6 hours. There are longer acting formulations (Sudafed 12 hour or Eltor), which can be taken orally every 12 hours.

Nasal formulations are most beneficial if you use them for 5-7 days (using any longer can cause more congestion) and want to avoid or to experience fewer undesirable effects. Oxymetazoline (Afrin) and Xylometazoline (Otrivin), nasal decongestants effect can last up to 12 hours whereas, phenylephrine (Dristan) lasts only 4 hours.

I like to recommend Sudafed 12 hour relief for oral formulation and any nasal sprays with 12-hour relief such as Afrin for nasal formulation because of its longer acting effect.

Oral: Sudafed (phenylephrine or pseudoephedrine)

Nasal: Afrin (oxymetazoline), Otrivin (xylometazoline) and Dristan (phenylephrine)

Other methods of relieving stuffy nose: (1) humidifier, (2) Vicks Vaporub (3) Vicks inhaler (4) or non-medicated Breath-right strips (safe for children, pregnant or breastfeeding female)

Protect Yourself from The Next Wave of H1N1 Swine Flu Outbreak

consultpharmacist — Sun, 06 Feb 2011 23:11:08 +0000

Around the world, there are many confirmed cases of H1N1 flu outbreak. It is not too late to get vaccinated! The current vaccine will cover two strains of common influenza virus (H3N2) and one strain of swine flu virus (H1N1). Please contact your local pharmacies and physicians office for availability.

Please read my previous post of Prevention is key! How to ward off cold and flu viruses. for more tips to prevent getting infected.

Below are some news headlines regarding H1N1 outbreaks:
Jan 28, 2011 – Canada: H1N1 flu confirmed in Sask

Jan 29, 2011 – Asia: Singapore General Hospital confirms H1N1-related death

Jan 30, 2011- Asia: 44 confirmed cases of H1N1 (swine flu) in Sarawak, Malaysia
www.theborneopost.com/?p=90671

Feb 1, 2011 – Asia: 48 confirmed cases in Vietnam within January 2011
www.saigon-gpdaily.com.vn/Health/2011/2/89351/

Feb 1, 2011 – Europe: In Greece, total of 21 people died from H1N1
www.ekathimerini.com/4dcgi/_w_articles_wsite1_1_01/02/2011_376266

Prevention is key! How to ward off cold and flu viruses.

consultpharmacist — Sun, 16 Jan 2011 06:18:59 +0000

So, now we know the symptoms characterized by the common cold, seasonal flu, swine flu and avian flu from the previous posts. Now, I will discuss some simple things you can do to protect yourself from getting infected by these viruses.

(1) The best and most effective way to prevent the flu is to get vaccinated!
Currently there are vaccines available for both swine and seasonal flu: Agriflu, Influvac, Fluviral, Intanza, Vaxigrip and Flumist (vaccination in the form of nasal spray).
Note: avian flu vaccine is not available commercially.

Please check with your neighborhood pharmacies or physician’s office for more information about flu vaccinations.

Pneumonia, bacterial chest infection, is one of the major severe complications that may occur within 5 days of the viral infection.
Therefore, another vaccine to consider is the Pneumococal vaccine (such as Pneumovax-23, Prevnar).

(2) Flu or the common cold are spread from human to human through coughing or sneezing by infected people, or by touching contaminated surfaces or objects and later touching mouth or nose.
Therefore, to prevent the spread of viruses, it is important to (i) Clean contaminated surfaces with disinfectants such as
Lysol disinfectant spray or disinfecting wipes. (ii) Clean hands thoroughly and frequently with soap and water or alcohol-based hand-sanitizer or hand wipes, and (iii) Avoid touching eyes, nose and mouth.

(3) Try to avoid contact with people exhibiting flu-like symptoms (if unavoidable wear N-95 facemask or respirators)

Cold and Flu Season

consultpharmacist — Sat, 11 Dec 2010 23:42:36 +0000

Lately, I’ve been asked many questions regarding the differences and similarities between the common cold, seasonal flu, swine flu and avian flu. Hopefully, the information below can shed some light.

Virus	The Common Cold	Seasonal Flu	Swine Flu	Avian Flu (bird flu)
Type of Virus	Most common: rhinovirus, coronovirus Less common: adenovirus and enterovirus	Influenza A, B and C	Influenza A H1N1	Influenza A H5N1
Transmission	human to human through coughing or sneezing by infected person(s) or from touching contaminated surfaces or objects and later touching mouth, nose and eyes	human to human through coughing or sneezing by infected person(s) or from touching contaminated surfaces or objects and later touching mouth, nose and eyes	human to human through coughing or sneezing by infected person(s) or from touching contaminated surfaces or objects and later touching mouth, nose and eyes	virus mainly spread among birds or occurs in humans who are in direct or close contact with H5N1 infected birds or contaminated surfaces. However, there are cases where the virus was transmitted from human to human
Symptoms	Mild	Mild to Severe	Mild to Severe	Severe
Fever and Chills	Uncommon	Common; very sudden	Common; very sudden	Common; very sudden
Headache	Uncommon	Common	Common	Common
Aches and Pain	Mild	Common	Common	Common
Fatigue and weakness	Mild	Common	Common	Common
Runny nose	Common	Common	Common	Common
Stuffy nose	Common	Uncommon	Uncommon	Uncommon
Cough	Initially dry and then becomes wet (mucus or phlegm production)	Dry	Dry	Dry
Sore Throat	Common	Sometimes	Sometimes	Sometimes
Other symptoms			Nausea, vomiting and diarrhea	Nausea, vomiting and diarrhea

Please seek medical attention immediately if you experience any of the following symptoms:

chest and/or stomach pain, wheezing, shortness of breath (difficulty breathing or fast breathing)
fever: > 38.5C (101.3F) for more than 24 hours; or children with fever > 39C (102.2F).
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fever with rash
severe or persistent vomiting
severe sore throat
severe headache or neck pain
severe earache
low appetite or fluid intake
signs of dehydration: dizziness, light-headed, thirsty, low urine output, Children: sunken eyes, grayish skin, low urine output
confusion
seizures
loss of consciousness
bluish skin
bloody or colored phlegm (mucus)
fever and cough returns (may be worse than before)

The following population are more at risks of complications if infected by seasonal flu therefore they should take more precaution:

adults over the age of 65,
pregnant female,
individuals with the following conditions such as diabetes, heart or lung condition, kidney disease, cancer, low immune system or on immune-suppressing medication, blood disorder (sickle cell anemia)
Note: Swine flu affects more individuals below the age of 25, especially below 5 years, rather than those above the age of 64 like the regular seasonal flu (about 1/3 may have antibodies against virus but levels may not be adequate for protection)
Note: Avian flu mostly affects birds but there are a few cases where people whom have direct or close contact with H5N1 infected birds or contaminated surface were infected. Therefore, those who have close contact with birds such as poultry workers should follow proper hand hygiene care and wear protective equipment.

For next post, I will discuss ways to prevent, relieve symptoms or shorten duration of cold and flu infection