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.