WebMD Ask the Pharmacist

Allergy Medications: Ask the Pharmacist

Pharmacist Brian Lawson, RPh, answers your questions about allergy medicine.

Question:

Welcome, Brian. Let's get to our first question: I never know whether to take an antihistamine or a decongestant, so I end up getting a product with both. Is that a good idea?

Answer:

It depends on your symptoms. Antihistamines generally relieve allergy-type symptoms like itchy and watery eyes, runny nose, sneezing, and itchy throat. Decongestants are helpful to relieve sinus congestion and pressure, as well as nasal congestion. Rule of thumb: You want to take the smallest number of medications to treat most of your symptoms and to minimize the number of potential side effects. So if you have runny nose and watery eyes, and no congestion, an antihistamine-only product is a good choice. If you ever have questions about which over-the-counter medication to choose, ask your pharmacist.

Question:

I have dry sinuses. What OTC products will be the most helpful?

Answer:

Saline nasal sprays or mists can be applied to the nasal cavity. Avoid sharing spray bottles with other members of the family. There are many types of nasal sprays available in the OTC aisle; be sure to ask your pharmacist for help with product selection.

Question:

What can I take for allergic conjunctivitis?

Answer:

Allergic conjunctivitis, one of the conditions that causes "pinkeye," requires a diagnosis from your health care provider as well as a prescription for treatment (steroids, antihistamines, decongestants). There are no over-the-counter products I recommend. Non-treatment tips include good hand-washing hygiene, avoid rubbing your eyes, and avoid sharing eye products (makeup, contact lenses).

Question:

Is it alright to take both Claritin-D and Tylenol or Advil at the same time? Is there anything in the medications that should not be mixed?

Answer:

There is no problem taking Claritin-D with Tylenol or Claritin-D with Advil. In fact, combination products (i.e. Advil Allergy Sinus) exist with the same ingredient or same class of ingredients as the ingredients within these individual products. As with any over-the-counter (OTC) products, read and follow dosage directions. Also, pay particular attention when taking other OTC products containing Tylenol (acetaminophen) or Advil (ibuprofen) because taking more than the recommended dose or other products containing the same ingredients can cause toxicity and overdose and lead to liver damage. If you ever have questions about over-the-counter medications, be sure to ask your pharmacist.

Question:

How often can I use medicated sprays or drops?

Answer:

It depends on which products you are using. Over-the-counter (OTC) products have directions on the label with age-specific dosage instructions as well as uses, warnings, and possible side effects and storage information. Decongestant ointments and sprays can cause rebound nasal congestion if used for an extended period of time. If you ever have questions about over-the-counter medications, be sure to ask your pharmacist.

Question:

I have tried Claritin, and today took the last of Zyrtec. I still have allergy symptoms -- runny eyes, runny nose, spitting up phlegm, coughing. Should I try Benadryl?

Answer:

You haven't been on one medication long enough for it to get into your system to work. Diphenhydramine, the active ingredient in antihistamines like Benadryl, would be a last resort due to the side effects that include a "hangover" feeling, dry mouth, constipation, and dizziness. Do you tune into your weather forecast to check the pollen counts? If they are high, you will continue to have your symptoms. Stay on one product during the allergy season and if after a week or so you do not seem to be getting better, see your doctor or health care provider; you may need prescription medication. This is an example of something you can talk to your pharmacist about.

Question:

Why are some medications, like Sudafed, kept behind the counter?

Answer:

Sudafed is an over-the-counter (OTC) nasal and sinus decongestant that contains the active ingredient pseudoephedrine. Although safe and effective if used as directed, it has been placed behind the counter because of its potential for misuse and abuse. Federal regulations require states track products containing pseudoephedrine as a means to curb improper use.

Question:

Can I give my 7-year-old son Zyrtec and Motrin at the same time?

Answer:

I have to question why we are giving Motrin. Unless the doctor specifically advised you to use Motrin, I would use Tylenol. We have had cases of Reye's syndrome when parents treat a fever or pain associated with a viral infection with Motrin, so until the cause of a fever is determined, you should use Tylenol first. And, of course, don't give your son aspirin or medications that contain salicylate. They're definitely linked to Reye's syndrome. Parents should always ask the pharmacist about children's medications, especially since many have different dosing and may not be appropriate for all. Make sure you read the instructions and all warnings on the packaging.

Question:

Can you take Tylenol and Benadryl together?

Answer:

This is a great question to ask you pharmacist. Yes, it is fine to take these medications, but make sure you tell your doctor or health care provider, along with your pharmacist, and add them to your personal medication list. Make sure you follow the instructions on the package for each and be aware of the possible side effects like drowsiness, dizziness, and dry mouth. If you have any questions, just ask!

Question:

Can I take Zotex while on Cipro?

Answer:

This is a great question and very common for pharmacists to get during cough, cold, and allergy season. It is fine to take these two medications together. If you ever have any questions about possible drug interactions or other questions, come and ask the pharmacist. We are here to help.

Question:

Hi! I know it's kind of odd to ask a question like this, but what exactly is the role of a pharmacist in a community, and how can he\she probably help a patient?

Answer:

I am very happy to answer this question. The pharmacist is the medication expert. We go to school for over six years, and we focus on medications and how they work. I practice as a community pharmacist, and my goal is to make sure my patients are taking their medications correctly, protect them from drug interactions, provide patient care services like medication therapy management, and help them understand their disease. Medications have a lot of side effects and can interact with foods, over-the-counter medications, vitamins, and herbals. We should be a resource for you -- after all, we are the most accessible health care provider! In many states you can now get your flu vaccination from a pharmacist. We should be a "VIP" on your trip to the pharmacy. Get to know us on a first name basis. (We don't bite, I promise!) Always ask to speak to the pharmacist when you are picking up or dropping off a prescription; you can get some valuable information. We can advise you of side effects or answer even the most basic question of "what is this medication for?" The best part of my day is talking to patients and making a difference.

Question:

I have trouble swallowing pills. Can my prescription be made into a liquid?

Answer:

Some medications are available in liquid formulations. Many other medications can be made into a liquid formulation by a compounding pharmacist. Be sure to let your health care provider know you have difficulty swallowing medications. They should be able to accommodate you.

Question:

I've been taking Respa-AR for allergies. I love the way it works. Now I can't seem to get it refilled. What drug would be comparable to this one? Or will it be back on the market soon?

Answer:

Try Claritin-D, which is located behind the pharmacy counter. I'm not sure if or when Respa-AR will be back on the market.

Thank you for joining us for WebMD Ask the Pharmacist. Be sure to come back on September 29 at 1 p.m. ET when we'll be focusing on cuts, burns, and bug bites. Sign up if you'd like an email reminder the day before our next premiere event.