Spring is in full bloom, bringing with it the dreaded allergy season. Millions of people suffer annually from allergies triggered by pollen from grass, weeds, flowers, and trees. To combat symptoms like coughing, sneezing, runny nose, congestion, and itchy eyes, many turn to over-the-counter and prescription allergy products (antihistamines). While these remedies provide relief, they also come with potential side effects.
“All medicines have side effects, even when taken correctly and according to the dosing directions on the label,” says Diane Calello, executive and medical director of the New Jersey Poison Control Center at Rutgers New Jersey Medical School. “We want consumers to be aware of the potential side effects of over-the-counter and prescription allergy medicine, which can range from agitation to drowsiness to upset stomach or liver damage.”
Non-prescription medicines, including antihistamines, carry the same risk of serious side effects, drug-to-drug interactions, and overdose as prescription medications. Many people mistakenly believe that over-the-counter drugs are risk-free because they are readily available at local stores. This is a misconception. The poison control center’s medical professionals handle daily calls involving over-the-counter products, including vitamins and supplements.
To reduce the risk of injury when taking medicine (over-the-counter, prescription, vitamins, and supplements), follow these safety tips:
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Lock Up Medicine: Prevent accidental poisoning by keeping medicine out of reach of children and pets. Medicines are often mistaken for candy because of their small size and colorful appearance.
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Select Medicines That Treat ONLY Your Symptoms: Use a decongestant if you are congested, but only use a decongestant with a cough suppressant if you also have a cough.
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Be Aware of Multiple Ingredients: Many medicines contain more than one active ingredient and may include alcohol. These ingredients can interact dangerously with alcohol, causing nausea, vomiting, drowsiness, fainting, and loss of coordination.
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Watch for Duplicate Active Ingredients: Check for the same active ingredients in products taken simultaneously to avoid an overdose, even if each product is taken at the intended dose.
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Follow Dosage Directions: Adhere strictly to the dosing instructions for both adults and children. Do not exceed the recommended dosage or duration. Use a dosing tool (oral syringe, dosing spoon, dosing cup, or dosing dropper) to measure liquid medicines accurately, rather than a kitchen utensil.
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Beware of Side Effects That Affect Driving: Many legal drugs, including allergy medicines, can impair your ability to drive safely by causing drowsiness, fatigue, blurred vision, and decreased coordination.
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Pay Attention to Dosage for Children: Infants and children should only receive medicines specifically formulated for them, and dosages should be measured according to their weight rather than age.
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Avoid Adverse Drug Interactions: When taking multiple medicines, be cautious of potential drug-to-drug interactions. Consult your pharmacist, healthcare provider, or the medical staff at the New Jersey Poison Control Center for advice on safe medication combinations.
If you suspect someone has come into contact with something dangerous, contact the New Jersey Poison Control Center immediately for medical treatment advice. Anyone can call for help – children, teens, and adults. Poison control centers are a valuable resource for both the public and healthcare professionals.
Stay safe and enjoy the spring season without the worry of unexpected side effects from allergy medications.
