What products do you recommend to help ease cough, congestion and other cold symptoms?
Pharmacist Andy: Because there are no medicines or herbal remedies which actually shorten the duration of a cold, I focus on self-treatment of symptoms, such as runny nose, sneezing, cough, congestion and tiredness. During the day, if the symptoms are bothersome, I will take a pseudoephedrine decongestant tablet to clear congestion. If the symptoms persist, then I might take a diphenhydramine antihistamine close to bedtime. Cough drops (lozenges) help with cough relief. Guaifenesin (Mucinex) is useful to help loosen congestion. Hot tea with lemon and warm soup also helps relieve congestion. If I have a headache associated with a cold, I will usually use ibuprofen. Finally, I drink plenty of fluids and get as much rest as possible. I also take at least 500mg of Vitamin C, as a gummy chewable.
What’s the proper way to store and dispose of antibiotics?
Pharmacist Andy: First of all, it is important to finish your entire course of antibiotics as directed. To properly dispose of your unwanted or expired medicines, including antibiotics, check with your pharmacy to find out if a drug drop box is available to collect and dispose of unwanted medicines. Also, there are occasional medicine “take-back” programs that are announced for communities. And here’s how you can safely get rid of your unwanted drugs:
- Take your prescription drugs out of their original containers.
- Mix the drugs with an undesirable substance, such as cat litter or used coffee grounds.
- Put the mixture into a disposable container with a lid, such as an empty margarine tub or sealable bag.
- Remove personal information, including Rx number, on the empty containers by scratching it off, or covering it with black permanent marker or duct tape.
- Place the sealed container with the mixture and empty drug containers in the trash.
