Our health care tip of the week is on proper use of Over-The-Counter remedies. Before reaching for a cold or flu remedy, experts offer the following considerations:

Current or pre-existing medical conditions: People with high blood pressure or irregular heartbeats, for example, should be careful with decongestant because it may aggravate their condition.

Consult with a doctor or pharmacist: If you are taking other medications, either over-the-counter or prescription. Cold and flu medications can have serious effects with combined with other drugs.

What you have versus what you need: Look for a product that targets only the symptoms you have. Limiting the number of drugs you take will lessen the likelihood of side effects or drug interactions.

More isn't better: Taking double the recommended dose won't cure a cold faster or make you feel twice as good. In fact, it could lead to very serious side effects if an accidental overdose is taken.

Will it work?: Most over-the-counter remedies just relieve symptoms, rather than preventing or shortening the duration of your illness. Products that contain zinc gluconate glycine, such as Cold-Eeze, have been shown to reduce the duration of a cold by almost half in clinical studies.

Washing your hands, getting enough sleep and practicing healthy habits will also go a long way toward fending off the common cold.

This article is courtesy of:

Soldotna Professional Pharmacy

299 Binkley Street

Soldotna, Alaska 99669

(907) 262-3800