Page 183 - (DK) Home Doctor: Providing practical advice on home treatments

A–Z OF DRUG AND NATURAL REMEDIES 181

Counterirritants cure cystitis and provides only temporary relief. You
may still need to see your doctor for treatment.
Common brands
● Icy Hot (methyl salicylate, menthol) ● Deep Method of use Follow directions carefully.
Heating (methyl salicylate, menthol) ● Flexa 11454 Usually, take 2 tablets 3 times a day, after meals as
(menthol) ● Heet (methyl salicylate, camphor, needed. Don’t take more than 12 tablets in 2 days.
oleoresin capsicum) ● Absorbine Jr. Pain Relieving Side effects Possible headache, dizziness,
Liquid (menthol) stomach upset. Urine may turn red-orange or brown;
this is harmless.
Produce a mild tingling in the skin to soothe pain
and stiffness in muscles and joints temporarily. Precautions Phenazopyridine is for
Some products warm and increase blood flow to temporary relief of cystitis symptoms. It is not an
the area; others have a cooling effect. antibiotic and will not cure the infection.
Method of use Massage cream or apply Decongestants
spray to the affected area. Wash hands after use.
Common brands
Side effects Occasionally, irritated or
● Actifed Cold and Sinus (chlorpheniramine,
reddened skin; if affected, stop using.
pyrilamine, acetaminophen) ● Afrin Nasal Spray
Precautions Avoid eyes and sensitive or
(oxymetazoline) ● Neo-Synephrine (phenylephrine)
broken skin. See also GENERAL CAUTIONS, p.176.
● Sudafed (pseudoephedrine) ● Tylenol Allergy
Sinus Medication (chlorpheniramine, pyrilamine,
Cromolyn sodium
acetaminophen) ● Vicks Sinex (oxymetazoline)
Common brands
● Nasalcrom Nasal Spray Fast-acting medications to help relieve nasal and
sinus congestion due to of colds, sinusitis, and hay
Used to help prevent or relieve symptoms of hay fever for up to 12 hours.
fever and other allergic causes of runny nose.
Method of use Apply drops or spray
Cromolyn sodium works by preventing the release
directly into each nostril; with spray, sniff as vapor
of histamine from the nasal lining which is
is released. Take pills and liquid medicine orally.
responsible for causing symptoms of sneezing,
itching and runny nose. Side effects Occasionally, stinging, itching,
or sneezing may occur.
Method of use For best results, start
using a week or two before the start of the hay Precautions Don’t use sprays or drops
fever season and use continuously throughout continuously for more than 7 days. Consult a doctor
the season. if you are taking prescribed drugs or have diabetes,
heart disease, or high blood pressure.
Side effects May briefly irritate lining of
your nose and also cause sneezing, but this WARNING
generally settles after a day or two of use. Don’t take decongestants if you have taken MAOI
antidepressants in the last 14 days. See also GENERAL
Precautions Do not use to treat a cold or
CAUTIONS, p.176.
sinus symptoms.

Cystitis pain relief
preparations
Common brands
● Uristat (phenazopyridine)
● Azo (phenazopyridine)
Helps relieve the pain and burning sensation
associated with cystitis. Also helps relieve the
urgent need to urinate. Phenazopyridine will not