Ask A Pharmacist

How Do I Treat Spring Allergies?

2007-06-01T08:48:00.000-05:00

Spring allergies are caused mainly by pollen. They can also be aggravated by changes in the weather, especially windy days.

The most common treatment for springtime allergies is the use of over-the-counter antihistamines and decongestants, such as Clariton and Sudafed.

We advise you limit the use of over-the-counter nasal sprays to no more than three days or a condition called rebound congestion may occur. for more information please visit one of our locations or give us a call!

Why is the FDA concerned about Internet drug sales?

2006-12-21T12:09:00.002-05:00

Patients who buy prescription drugs from Websites operating outside the law are at increased risk of suffering life-threatening adverse events, such as side effects from inappropriately prescribed medications, dangerous drug interactions, contaminated drugs, and impure or unknown ingredients found in unapproved drugs. Click HERE to visit the FDA's web site.

Is December to late to get a flu shot?

2006-12-21T12:09:00.001-05:00

No, it takes 3-4 weeks for the vaccine to protect the patient, and since the worst of the flu season does not start until mid to late January, there is plenty of time to get the vaccine.

I get poison ivy frequently, what can I do?

2006-12-21T12:07:00.002-05:00

As soon as you come into contact, wash with a good soap such as Ivy Dry Soap to remove the oils using warm or cool water. Do not use hot water, this will spread the oil on the skin causing a worsening of the poison ivy. The hot water will also cause a increased blood flow to the area, making the bodies own allergic response worse. If it is not caught at time of contact, wash area well and apply a steroid cream (hydrocortisone), and use oral benadryl if itching is severe.

Will an antibiotic help my cold?

2006-12-21T12:07:00.001-05:00

No, most colds are caused by viruses and there is not any antibiotics to kill viruses. Things you may want to try are Zinc Lozenges, Airborne, Cold Eze or Vitamin C. With all these products if you start taking them at the first signs of cold symptoms, the duration of the cold can be shortened.

Are my diabetic shoes covered by medicare?

2006-12-21T12:03:00.001-05:00

Yes, if you meet the Medicare criteria. Stop by the pharmacy and talk with our staff and we can help get the proper documentation from the doctor and send the billing in to Medicare.

What cold medication can I take for sinus if I have high blood pressure?

2006-12-21T12:01:00.000-05:00

You should not take any cold medication containing pseudoephedrine (Sudafed), or phenylephrine , both common ingredients in cold remedies. The key word to look for is “decongestant”. That will be the ingredient to avoid no matter what it is called. Try using warm applications such as a heating pad, a mild liniment containing menthol, or even one of the new plug ins that emit menthol and eucalyptus odors. Also, try using a plain saline nasal spray. It might be such that your blood pressure is well controlled and your doctor would let you use a product such as Sudafed but do not take it without his/her permission.