General Health Topics - What I Recommend for Allergies

Hello Everyone,

It's allergy season. People are suffering....me included.

We have talked about using antihistamines and decongestants to combat allergy symptoms. Several readers have asked what is better and how should they take them.

This is what I recommend for Over the Counter (OTC) allergy treatment.

AM Dosing - 2 psuedoephedrine tablets or 1- (12 hour) psuedoephedrine tablet

AM Dosing - 1 spray in each nostril of Afrin 12 hour formula (oxymetazoline) nasal spray.

PM Dosing - 1 spray in each nostril of Afrin 12 hour formula (oxymetazoline) nasal spray.

PM Dosing - 25mg (1 tab) - 50mg (2 tabs) of diphenhydramine before going to bed.

Remember:

If you have high blood pressure, heart condition, diabetes, currently taking and MAO Inhibitor drug, glaucoma or prostate swelling you should not take the decongestant.

Diphenhydramine can cause drowsiness. Take appropriate precautions when using this medication

Overuse (> 4-5 days) of decongestant nasal sprays can cause rebound congestion. Do not overuse.

When sleeping, if stuffiness or post nasal drip keeps you from sleeping comfortably, prop yourself up on a couple of pillows.

Hopefully this can help you feel better. Please read all medication labels carefully.

Have a nice weekend,

Dr. Paul