The #1 Medication Mistake People Make in Cold/Flu Season
Thanks to H1N1, cold and flu season has hit early this year, so it's time for one of the most important warnings of the year. Beware of accidentally overdosing on acetominophen (Tylenol) or ibuprofen (Advil, Motrin) by taking both the painkiller and an over-the-counter cold and flu remedy that also contains it.
According to doctors and pharmacists, this is the most common -- and one of the most dangerous -- medication errors people can make, and yet it happens every day.
To help make this clear, I've put together a list of common OTC cold and flu remedies that contain either acetominophen or ibuprofen as one of the main ingredients. These include:
• Comtrex (325 mg acetominophen)
• Nyquil (500 mg acetominophenl)
• Dayquil (325 mg acetominophen)
• Dristan cold (325 acetominophen)
• Nurofen (200 mg ibuprofen)
• Contac (500 mg acetominophen)
• Alka Seltzer Plus (250 mg acetominophen)
As you can see, acetominophen (Tylenol) or acetominophen is in a lot of combo products. This makes it all too easy to take your regular dose of acetominophen for your headache or aches and pains, then double dose by taking a cold remedy as well. For more information on common medication mistakes, see our handy list.
Another concern: Acetominophen can be tough on the liver, so if you take a double dose and then drink alcohol (remember, Nyquil and many cough syrups contain alcohol) you're loading up your liver in a way that can be unhealthy.
So, what to do? As a shortcut, watch out for any product labeled "multi-symptom" and always read the ingredients. Space your doses of acetominophen four hours apart, whether it's in a pain reliever or a combination cold and flu medicine. Space doses of ibuprofen six hours apart. And best not to drink alcohol, or limit yourself to one drink, when taking these remedies.
One more thing: Most older adults should avoid the "PM" version of acetaminophen (Tylenol) or ibuprofen (Advil), or any other over-the-counter medicine. Why? The sleepiness comes from the inclusion of a sedating antihistamine, usually diphenhydramine (also known as Benadryl) or doxylamine.
Sedating antihistamines are part of a class of medicines known as anticholinergics that studies show increase the risk of dizziness and falls. Since you're more likely to fall at night in the first place, this is a concern to take seriously. In older adults, they can also cause constipation, dry mouth, difficulty urinating, and confusion.
Certainly one of the most important meds notices ever posted anywhere! Most nartotic pain meds are listed as #/#, with the second number being the non-narcotic active component--and more often than not, it is acetominophen (tylenol). Check your meds, and those of your loved ones carefully! What good is taking all this stuff to stay alive if it's killing you daily OD by daily OD in the meantime?
I am seeing this happening to my mother whom denies it. Ihave gone as far as counting the pain medications and recounting but she willnot admit to it and I have tried to explain to her that this is dangerous. My father use to get mad and yell at me but he knows it now and just shakes his head. Neither of my parent take their medications properly. I do not want o takeover their life but they are not going to be around if the Dr. does not know what is going on. They get mad at me for talking to their doctor and he even took up for me none of the other siblings are helping or doing anything. When your parents sleep all day there is something wrong, She was dignosed with Dementia 1 year ago I found out I just got on her HIPPA form. No one sees her going downhill Ilive with them and see it daily repeat the conversations over and over because she did not understand or forgot it. she ask me the same questions with in 20 minutes so I think the Doctor is correct. She made the statement the I made her feel like she was stupid. their house flooded and I was the only one here to take care of it she gave me permission to handle all of the repairs and insurance company was informed to work / go with me. Bills come in and there is a problem she will pay it or ask me to take care of it. Our dishes are dirty after she washes them and 3 of us have had upset stomachs...... from old refrozzen foods and I willnot eat things I know could contain bacteria and it makes her mad I usually just say I already ate thank you but no thanks. I'm at the end of my ropes some days and other are fine. I just do not like the mean days.
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This is "must have" information. I am fairly well versed in a good bit of pharmacology, but had never given much thought to the ramifications of the effects of the "PM" versions of multi-symptom treating OTCs. Thank you!