Page 180 - (DK) Home Doctor: Providing practical advice on home treatments

178 A–Z OF DRUG AND NATURAL REMEDIES

antifungal drug, is very effective, often when other Precautions Avoid eyes, nose, mouth,
treatments don’t work. Coal tar shampoos (see p.180 or broken or sensitive skin. Vaginal suppositories and
reduce scaling, as does sulfur and salicylic acid creams may damage latex condoms and diaphragms.
which may also be used to treat cradle cap in babies. See also GENERAL CAUTIONS, p.176.
Method of use As directed. Beneficial
Antihistamine/decongestant
effect may not be apparent for a few weeks.
eye drops
Side effects Occasionally, itching, irritation,
Common brands
or burning sensation on the scalp.
● Aller-chlor (chlorpheniramine) ● Opcon A
Precautions Avoid eyes and inflamed or
(pheniramine, naphazalone) ● Refresh (ketotifen)
broken skin. Coal tar shampoos may stain blonde
● Visine A (pheniramine, naphazalone)
or gray hair; may also increase the risk of sunburn
for up to 24 hours; protect your head from strong Contain an antihistamine, pheniramine, and a
sunshine. See also GENERAL CAUTIONS, opposite page. decongestant, naphazalone. Act quickly to provide
temporary relief of itchy, red, and watery eyes
Antidiarrheal drugs associated with hay fever and other causes of
allergic conjunctivitis.
Common brands
Method of use Use as directed; usually 1
● Pepto Diarrhea Control (loperamide) ● Imodium
to 2 drops in the affected eye(s) up to 4 times a day.
(loperamide)
Side effects Some users may experience a
Diarrhea is best left to run its course, but when
brief tingling sensation in the eye.
essential, medicines may be taken as a short-term
Precautions Remove contact lenses before
measure to slow bowel activity.
use. Consult your doctor first if you have urinary
Method of use Use as needed. Take the
problems or glaucoma.
lowest dose that helps. Drink plenty of clear fluids
to prevent dehydration. Antihistamines
Side effects Usually none; loperamide, Common brands
however, may cause constipation, nausea, fatigue, NONSEDATING: ● Allegra (fexofenadine) ● Claritin
dry mouth, or a rash. (loratadine) ● Zyrtec (cetirizine)
Precautions See GENERAL CAUTIONS, p.176. SEDATING: ● Benadryl (diphenhydramine)
● Phenergan (promethazine)
Antifungal drugs
Control allergic symptoms such as sneezing and
Common brands runny nose. Also itchy eyes, and itchy and inflamed
RINGWORM AND ATHLETE’S FOOT: ● Lamisil skin from insect bites or nettle rash. Sedative types
(terbinafine) ● Micatin (miconazole) can be used as a short-term sleeping aid.
● Lotrimin (clotrimazole)
Method of use Pills and liquids taken as
VAGINAL YEAST: ● Gyne-lotrimin (clotrimazole)
soon as allergic reaction occurs, or to prevent one.
● Monistat (miconazole)
Some need to be taken several times a day; newer
Treat fungal conditions, such as ringworm, athlete’s types usually only once a day.
foot, or vaginal yeast. Side effects Older, sedating types may
Method of use Cream, powder, or spray cause drowsiness for a few days. Newer nonsedating
powder for skin infections. As suppositories or types less so, but caution needed.
cream (with applicator) for vaginal yeast. Wash Precautions Don’t take sedating types if
hands after use. driving or operating hazardous machinery. See also
Side effects Occasionally, irritation and GENERAL CAUTIONS, p.176.
redness may occur; if severe, stop using and
consult a doctor.