Allergy Medication
Ask our expert about behind-the-counter medications
About Our Expert:
Jeffrey Brown, D.O., is a family medicine physician and pharmacist with Lehigh Valley Health Network.
- Why is my allergy medicine behind the counter?
- Why do we have to jump through all these hoops just to get some allergy relief?
- I’ve taken decongestants before. Does this mean I’ve taken methamphetamine?
- Is it even worth getting pseudoephedrine anymore?
- My whole family has allergies, and we use more than 120 tablets a month. What are we supposed to do?
Q: Why is my allergy medicine behind the counter?
A: A new amendment to the U.S. Patriot Act says that decongestants containing the ingredient pseudoephedrine must now be sold from behind the counter at pharmacies and stores. The amendment also states that you may buy only 30 grams (120 tablets) a month. People also must sign a logbook and show identification to buy the medication.
Q: Why do we have to jump through all these hoops just to get some allergy relief?
A: The new law is supposed to help curb – even stop – the manufacturing of an illegal stimulant called methamphetamine (also known by its street names, “crystal meth” and “crank.”)
Q: I’ve taken decongestants before. Does this mean I’ve taken methamphetamine?
A: No, not at all. Taking the prescribed dose of medications containing pseudoephedrine will not harm you. People who manufacture methamphetamine buy large quantities of medications that contain pseudoephedrine and then alter it chemically to make methamphetamine. If you are concerned about pseudoephedrine, you should talk to your doctor about its effects on you.
Q: Is it even worth getting pseudoephedrine anymore?
A: Yes. Pseudoephedrine is still one of the most effective medications we have to help with congestion. The government is taking these extra precautions with over-the-counter sales, but there is no reason to stop taking pseudophedrine if it’s effective for you.
Q: My whole family has allergies, and we use more than 120 tablets a month. What are we supposed to do?
A: Don’t worry. There are other options to clear up congestion and stuffy noses, although some aren’t quite as effective as pseudoephedrine. Look for medications that have ‘PE’ behind the name. This stands for phenylephrine, which was pseudoephedrine’s predecessor. Phenylephrine may not be as effective in relieving your congestion, but it still works to some degree. A higher dose may be required to get the same effect, though.
Some other alternatives to pseudoephedrine and PE medications are nasal sprays or nasal saline solutions. With nasal medicines, the medication goes right where it’s needed without the potentially negative effects (like jitteriness, and a “medicine-head” feeling) that people sometimes experience with PE medications. Nasal sprays clear out mucus pretty quickly. But be sure to consult your doctor and pharmacist before switching to any new form of treatment. The new medication could negatively interact with other medications you are taking.
This page last updated 5/27/09 11:52 PM
