4 ms·

I've noticed that in the UK all phenylephrine based OTC medications also contain paracetamol (acetaminophen) and often caffine. They are just an expensive way t

I've noticed that in the UK all phenylephrine based OTC medications also contain paracetamol (acetaminophen) and often caffine. They are just an expensive way to buy two very cheap compounds with an added bit of placebo effect from the flashy packaging. I can't take pseudoephedrine due to high blood pressure and I've found that the most effective thing for me, especially at night, is paracetamol, a blast from a nasal spray, and one of those nasal strips that help keep your nostrels open a bit more. It's not quite up there with the real Sudafed, but it's generally enough to get me a good night's sleep.

Suppafly 2y ago
>I can't take pseudoephedrine due to high blood pressure I really miss being able to take pseudoephedrine. I mentioned to my doctor that it seemed to affect my blood pressure and he looked scandalized and told me I should never take it again. Apparently someone should have told me when I was diagnosed with high blood pressure. The only real information I got was a handout for a DASH diet.
- noneeeed 2y ago
  Yeah, I don't think it was mentioned when I was diagnosed, but the pharmacist asked about it when I next went to buy some more. That was a very sad day. I miss being able to take Night Nurse and then sleep like a baby.
- astura 2y ago
  I just checked the package for a random pseudoephedrine product https://www.cvs.com/shop/sudafed-sinus-congestion-maximum-strength-decongestant-tablets-48-ct-prodid-587763 https://www.cvs.com/shop/sudafed-sinus-congestion-maximum-st... It says consult your doctor before use if you have high blood pressure or heart disease.
  - Suppafly 2y ago
    How often do you consult your doctor about over the counter medicines that you've taken for years?
    - astura 2y ago
      Every time I have a new diagnosis or a new medication I absolutely double check any OTC medications.
radicalbyte 2y ago
Cough medicine in the UK is sugar + paracetamol. My wife's a pharmacists so always laughs at it (and the decongestants) when we visit the UK.
- noneeeed 2y ago
  Yep! OTC medicines here are really limited. Although you can always get something stronger from the pharmacist. I remember being ill in Switzerland and getting something for a nasty cold. I have no idea what it was other than magic in pill form.
  - rootusrootus 2y ago
    > OTC medicines here are really limited But you can get scopolamine there OTC. In chewables for kids, even! We can only get it as a patch, and only by prescription. Makes me want to find an importer I feel like I can trust, because I don't get over there often enough to bring it back myself.

Suppafly 2y ago

>I can't take pseudoephedrine due to high blood pressure I really miss being able to take pseudoephedrine. I mentioned to my doctor that it seemed to affect my blood pressure and he looked scandalized and told me I should never take it again. Apparently someone should have told me when I was diagnosed with high blood pressure. The only real information I got was a handout for a DASH diet.

noneeeed 2y ago
Yeah, I don't think it was mentioned when I was diagnosed, but the pharmacist asked about it when I next went to buy some more. That was a very sad day. I miss being able to take Night Nurse and then sleep like a baby.
astura 2y ago
I just checked the package for a random pseudoephedrine product https://www.cvs.com/shop/sudafed-sinus-congestion-maximum-strength-decongestant-tablets-48-ct-prodid-587763 https://www.cvs.com/shop/sudafed-sinus-congestion-maximum-st... It says consult your doctor before use if you have high blood pressure or heart disease.
- Suppafly 2y ago
  How often do you consult your doctor about over the counter medicines that you've taken for years?
  - astura 2y ago
    Every time I have a new diagnosis or a new medication I absolutely double check any OTC medications.

radicalbyte 2y ago

Cough medicine in the UK is sugar + paracetamol. My wife's a pharmacists so always laughs at it (and the decongestants) when we visit the UK.

noneeeed 2y ago
Yep! OTC medicines here are really limited. Although you can always get something stronger from the pharmacist. I remember being ill in Switzerland and getting something for a nasty cold. I have no idea what it was other than magic in pill form.
- rootusrootus 2y ago
  > OTC medicines here are really limited But you can get scopolamine there OTC. In chewables for kids, even! We can only get it as a patch, and only by prescription. Makes me want to find an importer I feel like I can trust, because I don't get over there often enough to bring it back myself.