Breathe Easier

The most common question in the pharmacy (at least recently) is allergies. Most often nasal congestion. The are two basic routes to go: orally or in the nose. Let's cover the orals first.

Cheapies:

Pseuoephedrine [Sudafed] (OTC): cheap and effective, need an ID to prove you are not turning it into meth.

Phenylephrine [Sudafed PE] (OTC): cheap and not quite as effective, no ID needed.

Diphenhydramine [Benadryl] (OTC): anti-histamine, most effective-most drowsy. About $2 for a box.

Doxylamine [Unisom] (OTC): about the same as diphenhydramine but it lasts longer.

Loratidine [Claratin] (OTC): anti-histamine, less effective but not drowsy not all. Once a day dosing, about $2 a box.

Certrazine [Zyrtec] (OTC): the "middle of the road" anti-histamine, effective and usually not drowsy. Just went generic so not quite as cheap but coming down fast.

Chlorpheniramine [Chlor-Trimeton] (OTC): effective, can be drowsy, and last a long time. I've gotten #100 tablets for $2.19.

Hydroxyzine: the only prescription one in this category. It get prescribed for sleep, bee stings, and pain. Either way it's about $4.

Rip-offs:

Clarinex: $116/month, about $112 more than Claritin per month. A "patent extender" for Claritin. Thankful I probably see a Rx for this once a month. Unfortunately, I see a Rx for this once a month.

Come back next time to see what you can spray up your nose.