How Pharmacists Help You Choose the Right Allergy Medicine
Welcome to the latest episode of the Allergy, Asthma & Immunology Innovations podcast. The allergy aisle can feel overwhelming, with so many boxes to choose from. In this episode, we hear how pharmacists help people pick the right allergy medicine.
Our hosts, allergist Payel Gupta, MD, and patient advocate Kortney, share interviews from the World Congress of Pharmacy in Montreal. Dr. Gupta and Suzanne Soliman, PharmD, a pharmacist, spoke with pharmacists from the UK, Ghana, Portugal, Argentina, Uruguay, and Malaysia. They talk about three patient cases a pharmacist might meet at the counter and how a pharmacist helps find the right medicine for them.
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This podcast is for informational purposes only and does not substitute professional medical advice. Any mention of brands is also informational and not an endorsement. Always consult with your healthcare provider for any medical questions or concerns.
Key Takeaways About Choosing Allergy Medicine
Your pharmacist can help you find an allergy medicine that works for you. Here is what they told us they think about.
- First, make sure it is allergies. Pharmacists ask: Is there a fever? Is it itchy? Does it keep coming back? Itchy eyes and symptoms that return each season point to allergies.
- Know when to see a doctor. A fever, pain on one side of your face, or coughing and wheezing can mean an infection. You may need medicine the pharmacist cannot give you.
- Newer antihistamines are the better choice. Older ones can make you sleepy and slow you down. Pharmacists around the world now pick newer (second-generation), non-drowsy ones, like fexofenadine and loratadine.
- Older antihistamines have other side effects. They can cause dry mouth, constipation, trouble peeing, blurry vision, and confusion. Older adults feel these side effects more.
- Bring your medicine list. Tell your pharmacist about all your health problems and medicines. Include what you buy yourself. This helps them pick something safe for you.
Timestamps for this Podcast on Choosing the Right Allergy Medicine
03:55 — Why pharmacists are so important
05:50 — Case 1: Amy’s cold that won’t go away
06:42 — Three questions to tell allergies from a cold
12:22 — When the pharmacist sends you to a doctor
14:53 — Case 2: Mark, the cab driver
17:20 — What anticholinergic side effects are
18:53 — Old vs. new antihistamines and the brain
23:19 — Allergy medicine that lets you keep working
26:52 — Which antihistamines are least sedating
28:40 — Case 3: Mr. Jones with kidney disease
30:26 — Antihistamines with kidney or liver disease
34:10 — Older adults and anticholinergic side effects
35:22 — Confusing packaging at the pharmacy
