Health

Pharmacists' Favorite Over The Counter Treatments

Tylenol Ranked The Best For Normal Tension Headaches

5-Thousand Pharmacists Pick The Best 'Over The Counter' Meds

MIAMI (CBS4) ― Headaches, stuffy noses and sinus congestion.

Many people rely on 'over the counter' medicines to treat these minor health problems. But is one brand better than the others?

According to a survey of 5-thousand practicing pharmacists, Claritin D is the best for treating seasonal allergies. The recommend that it be taken before encountering whatever triggers the allergy.

While it is kept behind the counter, unlike other antihistamines, it's less likely to cause drowsiness.

To treat a stuffy nose, the pharmacists chose Sudafed; the active ingredient shrinks swollen blood vessels around the nose and sinuses. They caution, however, some people should not use it.

"Those who have blood pressure problems, those who have glaucoma, or if there's a problem with prostate enlargement," said pharmacist Dave Hairgoer.

For a common tension headache, Tylenol is the pharmacist's number one recommendation since it is not as hard on the stomach as ibuprofen or aspirin.

They warn the users should be careful what they take with Tylenol because it's processed through the liver.

"You want to make sure you limit your alcohol intake while on Tylenol," said Hairgoer.

For heartburn help, the pharmacists gave a 'thumbs up' to prilosec which reduces acid at a slow rate. To relieve red itchy eyes, the winner was Naphcon, but they caution not to over do it.

"If you use it more than three days, it can result in reddening of the eyes occurring or getting worse," said Hairgoer.

A decongestant in the medication shrinks the blood vessels in the eye which give it a red appearance, while an antihistamine soothes the itch.

For motion sickness, don't forget the Dramamine. Motion sickness comes from mixed signals to the brain; it thinks that the body is sitting still while it's moving. Since Dramamine can cause drowsiness, the pharmacists advise to use it with caution.

To abbreviate a cold sore, the pharmacists chose Abreva. They recommend that it be used early to keep the cold sore virus from spreading to other cells.

"You need to apply it as soon as you feel it tingling. Once a cold sore appears, it's too late," said Hairgoer.

For poison ivy or poison oak, be sure to wash all the plant oil off the skin and then the pharmacists recommend that the application of Cortaid.

To stop a yeast infection, Monistat was the pharmacist's number one pick.

The pharmacists caution that just because the products are widely available over the counter, they should be used within limits. Most are meant to be used over a two or three week period. If the problem persists, consult a doctor.

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