About Allergies: Confused About OTC Cold and Allergy Medicines?

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Allergies Allergies Symptoms / Diagnosis Treatment Coping From Daniel More, MD, your Guide to Allergies When was the last time you went to the drugstore to buy an over-the-counter (OTC) cold or allergy remedy? If it's been a while, you're in for a real treat the next time you need purchase one of these medicines. There are dozens, if not hundreds, of different options. From "cough" and "congestion" remedies, to "cold and allergy" formulas, and from "daytime" and "nighttime" versions to multi-symptom medicines, it seems to take an MD degree nowadays to figure out which medicine to purchase. Even when I go to purchase OTC cold medicines for my kids, I spend quite a bit of time choosing the right one. After all, I want to give my kids exactly what they need based on their symptoms -- and nothing they don't. But short of asking a doctor or pharmacist which medicine is best for your (or your child's) symptoms, how do you decide which medicine to purchase? Take a survey sharing your thoughts and ideas. Take a Short Poll on OTC Cold and Allergy Medicine Use Take a survey sharing your thoughts and ideas. Cold versus Allergy: Which Is It? You might be blaming your nasal congestion and sneezing on a viral infection, but could your symptoms actually be caused by seasonal allergies? See an allergist to find out! See More About:  allergy diagnosis  allergy testing  sinusitis Over-the-Counter Allergy Medicines There are numerous over-the-counter (OTC) medications available for the treatment of allergy symptoms. Some of these, like oral decongestants such as Sudafed (pseudoephedrine) and sedating antihistamines like Benadryl (diphenhydramine), have been available for many years. Others, such as Claritin (loratadine) and Zyrtec-D (cetirizine/pseudoephedrine), have only recently become available OTC without a prescription. See More About:  allergies  allergist  allergy testing Allergy Shots and Drops (Immunotherapy) Discussion of what allergy shots are, what they are used for and how they work are presented. Risks and benefits of allergy shots are also described. Allergies Ads Allergy Symptom Sinus Allergies Seasonal Allergies Seasonal Allergy Pollen Allergies Featured Articles Alternative Therapies in the Diagnosis and Treatment of Allergies Glossary of Terms Information on the Most Common Allergy Medications Allergy Basics Frequently Asked Questions Nose and Eye Allergies   More from About.com Plan a Caribbean Vacation Whether you're planning a romantic escape, a girlfriend getaway, or an active family vacation we've got the resources you need. Read more...> How to Eat Locally Eating locally has many benefits, the food is fresher, tastes better, and has less environmental impact. But how can you get started? Read more...> This newsletter is written by: Daniel More, MD Allergies Guide Email Me | My Blog | My Forum   Sign up for more free newsletters on your favorite topics You are receiving this newsletter because you subscribed to the About.com Allergies newsletter. If you wish to change your email address or unsubscribe, please click here. About.com respects your privacy: Our Privacy Policy Contact Information: 249 West 17th Street New York, NY, 10011 © 2012 About.com   Must Reads What are Allergies? Symptoms of Allergies Diagnosis of Allergies Treatment of Allergies Preventing Allergies   Follow me on: Advertisement