Pharmacist Reveals Cold and Flu Medications to Avoid

by time news

With cold and flu⁤ season in full swing, a pharmacist is sharing his expert advice on which over-the-counter medications to avoid. Dr. Grant Harting, founder of CrushCost, takes viewers on a guided tour through ​a Walgreens pharmacy, pointing out ‍popular ⁣brands he deems ineffective and perhaps overpriced.

Topping Dr. Harting’s list is Theraflu Severe Cold and chest Congestion syrup. Despite its name,he⁣ argues⁣ it offers little real relief,containing a simple mix of ​acetaminophen,guaifenesin (which⁣ he suggests does nothing‍ for congestion),and ⁣dextromethorphan. Dr.Harting than moves on to Vicks NyQuil Severe ‌Cold and Flu,poking fun ​at⁢ its vibrant‍ packaging while criticizing⁢ its ingredients. He argues the addition of doxylamine‌ and phenylephrine, marketed as a decongestant, simply doesn’t deliver on its promises.

Dr. Harting ‌continues⁢ his critique, deeming Mucinex “junk” and Delsym, another cough suppressant, “not much better.” He highlights a recent study showing Delsym’s ‌ineffectiveness compared to‍ a ​placebo in treating respiratory infections like bronchitis.

Saving his strongest disapproval for⁣ last, Dr. Harting labels Boiron Oscillococcinum, a homeopathic flu remedy made ‌from duck liver‌ and heart, “the worst” cold remedy available.

His dismissal of Sudafed ‌”PE” highlights a key point about decongestant⁢ ingredients. While⁢ Sudafed containing pseudoephedrine gets ‍his approval, he cautions against Sudafed PE, which contains the often ineffective ​phenylephrine. this‌ aligns with the FDA’s recent proposal to ⁣remove phenylephrine from nonprescription medications, citing⁣ its lessened effectiveness when taken orally.

Dr. Harting⁤ concludes his video by ‍recommending “pure, uncut zinc oxide” as a more effective alternative to many commercial cold remedies.He⁤ acknowledges some studies support its ‍potential benefits ‍in reducing cold severity and duration, though more research⁢ is needed to determine ⁣optimal dosage‌ and effectiveness.

Which home remedies‍ dose Dr. Grant Harting recommend for cold relief?

Interview with Dr. Grant Harting: Insights on Over-the-Counter ​Cold Medications

In this‌ exclusive interview,⁤ the editor‍ of Time.news sits down with Dr. Grant Harting, founder of CrushCost, to discuss his recent findings on​ over-the-counter ⁢medications for the cold and flu season. Dr. Harting shares his expert advice on which products to avoid and offers practical ​alternatives for⁣ consumers.

Editor: Dr. Harting, thank you for joining us today. With cold​ and flu season in full swing, can you‍ highlight some‌ over-the-counter medications that you believe consumers should avoid?

Dr. Harting: Thank you for having me! One of⁣ the biggest culprits on my list⁤ is Theraflu severe Cold and Chest Congestion Syrup. Despite its marketing, I find⁤ that its⁤ active ingredients—acetaminophen, guaifenesin, and dextromethorphan—provide minimal relief, especially from congestion.

Editor: That’s a notable criticism. You also mentioned ⁢Vicks NyQuil Severe Cold and Flu. Can you elaborate on ⁣why you consider it‍ ineffective?

Dr.Harting: certainly! While⁤ it’s marketed as ‌a complete remedy, the ingredients doxylamine⁤ and phenylephrine don’t deliver the desired results. Many consumers are‌ misled by the⁤ vibrant packaging, but the efficacy simply ‍isn’t there.⁤

Editor: ‍ Mucinex and Delsym also received your disapproval. What’s your take on these two products?

Dr. Harting: I refer to⁢ Mucinex as⁤ “junk” based on its lack of ample benefits.Delsym isn’t far behind—it​ was shown in recent ‌studies to be no more effective than a placebo for respiratory infections like bronchitis. That’s concerning,⁣ especially for those who are desperately looking for ​relief.

Editor: You have some strong opinions on homeopathic‌ remedies too. Can you ⁣tell us about​ your thoughts on Boiron Oscillococcinum?

Dr. Harting: Oh, absolutely. I label boiron Oscillococcinum, made from duck liver and ‌heart, as “the worst” cold remedy available. ⁣There’s simply⁢ no scientific support for its effectiveness. People should be cautious about ‌such products without credible evidence backing​ them up.

Editor: What are⁤ your ​recommendations when it comes to decongestants ‍like Sudafed?

Dr.⁤ Harting: This is a critical area for many consumers. I advise people to opt for Sudafed that contains pseudoephedrine,which is⁢ effective. However, I caution against Sudafed PE,‍ which contains phenylephrine—a decongestant⁤ that the FDA has proposed to remove from ​nonprescription medications due to its lack of efficacy when⁣ taken ‌orally.

Editor: ‌ It ⁤sounds like many well-known⁢ products are not delivering as promised. Are ⁢there alternatives you recommend for people looking for effective relief‌ during this season?

Dr. ​Harting: yes,I suggest turning to “pure,uncut⁣ zinc oxide.” Some studies indicate its ‍potential benefits in reducing both the severity and duration of a cold.‍ However,it’s important to remember that we ​need more research to determine the optimal dosage and overall effectiveness.

Editor: Thank you, Dr. Harting, for these insights.What’s your final takeaway for readers ‍as they navigate ​the cold and flu season?

Dr. Harting: ‌ Be cautious about what you’re ‌purchasing. Not ⁣all products are created equal, and there are alternatives that⁤ might​ potentially be more effective and cost-efficient. ‍always look​ for⁣ options with credible scientific backing,‌ and don’t ⁣hesitate to ask your healthcare provider for advice.

For​ our readers, we encourage you to consider Dr. Harting’s recommendations this cold and flu season and to stay informed about the effectiveness of over-the-counter medications. Your health matters, and making informed choices can lead ⁢to ⁣better ⁢outcomes.

You may also like

Leave a Comment