Experts recommend nine essential items for every household's medicine cabinet, including pain relievers, allergy medications, cold and flu treatments, digestive aids, topical treatments, first aid supplies, sun safety products, neti-pots or saline rinses, and eyedrops. Proper storage and regular checks for expired medications are crucial for maintaining their effectiveness and safety.
The U.S. FDA is considering removing phenylephrine, an ineffective nasal decongestant, from over-the-counter cold remedies, but this could disrupt the supply chain and leave consumers without readily available options. Despite phenylephrine's lack of effectiveness, the cold remedies containing it also include other helpful ingredients. The dilemma highlights the need for tighter regulation of over-the-counter medications to ensure their effectiveness.
The U.S. FDA is considering removing phenylephrine, an ineffective nasal decongestant, from over-the-counter cold remedies, which could disrupt supply chains and leave consumers without readily available options. Despite its lack of effectiveness, phenylephrine products remain popular due to their combination with other helpful ingredients. This dilemma highlights the need for tighter regulation of over-the-counter medications and a comparable pathway for monitoring their effectiveness, according to researchers.
Researchers at Brigham Young University have studied the effectiveness of ingredients in over-the-counter cold medications for symptom relief. They recommend dextromethorphan for coughs, pseudoephedrine for congested sinuses, and antihistamines for runny noses, with specific suggestions for nighttime and daytime use. They caution against overdoing acetaminophen or ibuprofen, especially if they are also present in cold medications, and emphasize the importance of paying attention to the ingredient panel. The advice is intended for adults and not for pregnant women, the elderly, or children, who require medications formulated for their age group.
A new study published in JAMA Network Open reveals that a significant number of adolescents, particularly girls, are using over-the-counter weight loss products, with diet pills being the most prevalent. However, experts warn of the potential risks, including harmful health consequences, habit-forming tendencies, and emotional tolls. Parents are advised to watch for signs of over-the-counter medication use, model positive behaviors around weight, and engage in open and empathetic conversations with their children, while also involving medical professionals if weight concerns arise.
Dr. John Mafi, an associate professor of medicine, emphasizes prevention as the key to staying healthy during cold and flu season. However, when he does get sick, he reaches for two essentials before turning to over-the-counter medications. The first is honey, which has been found to reduce the duration and severity of common cold symptoms. The second is garlic, which may help reduce the severity and duration of colds. Both honey and garlic have minimal side effects and are considered safe for most people.
When it comes to treating cold and flu symptoms, there are both over-the-counter (OTC) and prescription medications available. OTC medications can be purchased without a prescription and are suitable for self-treatment of conditions like colds, allergies, headaches, and joint pain. Prescription medications, on the other hand, require authorization from a healthcare provider and are often more effective for treating the flu due to the availability of antiviral agents. However, OTC remedies can provide symptom relief a few hours earlier, although they may come with potential side effects. It is important to consult a healthcare professional before giving OTC medications to children, as they can cause serious side effects in young children. Additionally, it is crucial to read labels carefully and be aware of any potential interactions with prescription medications or underlying medical conditions. Ultimately, the best prevention against influenza is getting vaccinated and staying home when sick to avoid spreading the virus.
Rite Aid will continue to sell medications containing phenylephrine, a popular ingredient in cold and cough products, despite an advisory committee declaring it ineffective when taken orally. The decision is subject to change if the FDA decides to remove products with this ingredient. CVS, on the other hand, has already announced the removal of such products from their stores, while Walgreens is awaiting a final decision from federal regulators. The FDA has not issued a final decision yet and has not asked manufacturers or retail pharmacies to remove products with phenylephrine from shelves.
Rite Aid will continue to sell medications containing phenylephrine, a popular ingredient in cold and cough products, despite an advisory committee declaring it ineffective when taken orally. The decision is subject to change if the FDA decides to remove products with this ingredient. CVS, on the other hand, has already announced the removal of such products from their stores, while Walgreens is awaiting a final decision from federal regulators. The FDA has not issued a final decision yet and has not asked manufacturers or retail pharmacies to remove products with phenylephrine from shelves.
A TikTok video by a mom questioning the FDA's recent ruling declaring popular over-the-counter decongestants ineffective has gone viral, sparking a debate about alternative medicine and government control. The video suggests a conspiracy theory that the FDA is removing these medications to force people to go to the doctor. While the FDA has not made a final decision on pulling the medications off the market, alternatives such as nasal sprays with phenylephrine are still available. The video has garnered over 1 million views, with some viewers expressing agreement with the conspiracy theory or offering their own remedies.
Melatonin gummies, commonly used to promote sleep, may contain higher doses of the hormone than what’s listed on the label, according to a study. Researchers found that most of the 25 supplements tested contained 20-50% more melatonin than advertised, and four products had less melatonin than promised. The study also found that five products that listed cannabidiol (CBD) as an ingredient had slightly higher levels of CBD than indicated on the label. The rise in consumer demand for melatonin supplements has made it easier for children to get their hands on them, and the study warns that giving the gummies to children could result in ingestion of unpredictable quantities of the hormone.