The cold and flu aisle is full of boxes that promise to fix everything at once. Most are safe for most people, but a few common health conditions and medications change which product is right for you. It takes about 30 seconds to ask.
Five Things to Tell Your Pharmacist First
1. You have high blood pressure
Many “daytime” and “sinus” cold products contain a decongestant, such as pseudoephedrine or phenylephrine. Decongestants work by narrowing blood vessels, and that can raise your blood pressure and heart rate. If your blood pressure is high or hard to control, or you have heart disease, ask us before you buy. We can suggest options that don’t contain a decongestant, or other ways to relieve a stuffy nose.
2. You take a blood thinner
Some cold and flu products contain ASA (acetylsalicylic acid) or ibuprofen for aches and fever. Combined with a blood thinner, these can raise your risk of bleeding. If you take any blood thinner, let us check the label with you first.
3. You already take something with acetaminophen
Acetaminophen is in a lot of combination products: cold and flu tablets, nighttime syrups, sinus pills and some prescription pain relievers. Taking two of them at once is an easy way to take more acetaminophen than is safe without realizing it, which can damage your liver. Tell us everything you’re taking, including anything you already have at home.
4. You’re pregnant or breastfeeding
Some cold medicine ingredients aren’t recommended during pregnancy or while breastfeeding, while others are considered safe. Our post on acetaminophen during pregnancy covers one of the most common questions. For anything else, ask us before you buy.
5. You’re buying it for a young child
Health Canada says over-the-counter cough and cold medicines should not be given to children under 6. For children 6 to 12, use only products made for children and follow the label dose exactly. Never give a child a product labelled for adults. For a feverish child, see our guide to acetaminophen and ibuprofen for fever in children, and for a cough in children over one, honey can help.
Treat the Symptoms You Actually Have
All-in-one products treat symptoms you may not have. If you only have a stuffy nose, a product for congestion alone means fewer ingredients and fewer chances of a problem. We can also point you to lower-cost Canadian alternatives to the big brand names.
Ask Us at the Counter
You don’t need an appointment to ask a pharmacist about a cold medicine. Bring the box to the counter at Centrum Pharmacy, or call us, and we’ll check it against your health conditions and the medications you take.
If your symptoms last more than a week, you have a high fever, or you have trouble breathing, see a doctor or visit a walk-in clinic.
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Disclaimer: The medical information on this site is provided as an information resource only and is not to be used or relied on for any diagnostic or treatment purposes. This information does not substitute for professional diagnosis and treatment. Please do not initiate, modify, or discontinue any treatment, medication, or supplement solely based on this information. Always seek the advice of your healthcare provider first. Full Disclaimer.
