It is very common for general public to buy over the counter medications for cough and colds. The followings are some important points which we should pay attention.
- It is not recommended to buy any over the counter cough and cold medicine for children under 6 years. Seek medical attention.
- Parents may buy over the counter cough and cold medicine for their children aged 6 to 12 years. However, medical attention should be sought if symptoms persist after 5 days. It is advised to purchase from a pharmacy under supervision of a registered pharmacist.
- You should never give any over the counter cough medicine containing codeine to children under 12 years.
- Unless under medical supervision, any medication containing aspirin should not be given to person under 16 years.
- Nasal decongestant spray should not be used for more than 7 days, as this can cause rebound congestion.
- Although most cough and cold medicines are available over the counter, there is still a chance they may interact with the medicines you are taking. So, it is important to consult a pharmacist if you are taking or allergic to any medications.
- Cough and cold medicines are usually combined with several active ingredients, and apart from possible drug-drug interactions, drug-condition interactions can also occur. For example, taking an oral decongestant (eg Pseudoephedrine, Ephedrine) if you have high blood pressure may cause an unwanted reaction. In this case, saline nasal drops can be used instead. Remember! Consult your doctor or a pharmacist before taking any over the counter medicine if you have any other medical condition. Can you imagine an ingredient in a cold medicine may have negative effect on glaucoma especially narrow angles?
- Consult your doctor before taking any OTC medicine if you are pregnant or breastfeeding.
- Avoid alcohol when taking the medications.
- Read the label carefully before taking any medications. Pay attention to the warning, for example ‘do not drive after taking the medication’.
- If symptoms persist, consult your doctor.
[Reference: Facebook of “Kimek, the Maonshan pharmacist”]