Cold Medicines Are Nothing to Sneeze At
In winter, when colds are rampant, many of us develop stuffy noses. It is a common condition and we often hear it described by various terms, including “blocked sinus.” At one time, all medications to relieve nasal congestion--primarily decongestants--were available only by prescription. Nowadays, however, the American public is bombarded with TV commercials showing how various over-the-counter products provide dramatic relief from this condition.
One of the more effective nasal decongestants, with the fewest side effects, is pseudoephedrine. It can be used to relieve nasal and sinus congestion associated with the common cold, inflammation of the sinus as well as allergic rhinitis, commonly called hay fever.
Brand-name products containing only pseudoephedrine include Afrinol, Cenafed, Neofed, Sudafed and Sudrin. When these products are taken in accordance with instructions on the package, there is only a slight chance of developing any side effects. However, for some unknown reason the American drug consumer tends to believe that more is better and increases the recommended dosage--though instead of bringing more relief this often brings on more adverse side effects. These side effects, such as lightheadedness, nervousness or irritability, most often occur in children and the elderly. The appearance of these symptoms is a signal to reduce the dosage or cease taking the product.
Pseudoephedrine, when more than the recommended dosage is taken, may increase blood pressure and pulse rate and should not be used by people with severe high blood pressure or angina unless directed by a physician.
People taking monoamine oxidase inhibitors (MAOIs, brand names Nardil and Parnate), prescribed for depression, or a MAOI prescribed for high blood pressure (brand name, Eutonyl) should not use any products containing pseudoephedrine.
Another group of products for nasal decongestion due to allergy contains pseudoephedrine combined with antihistamines. Although it has not been proved, some investigators believe the combination of drugs is more effective in allergy decongestion than pseudoephedrine alone and that the potential side effects of pseudoephedrine are lessened by the addition of the antihistamine. Products containing pseudoephedrine and antihistamine include the brands Actifed, Chlor-Trimeton Decongestant, Sudafed Plus and Drixoral.
