Cough and Cold Antihistamines: Benadryl, Claritin, Zyrtec  Benadryl can cause drowsiness, best taken before bed  Claritin and Zyrtec are non-drowsy and are recommended when symptom relief is needed during the day Cough and mucus: Mucinex (guaifenesin) and Delsym (dextromethorphan)  Mucinex thins the mucus and is best taken with a full glass of water  Delsym: some patients experience drowsiness, dizziness, headache Decongestants: Sudafed (pseudoephedrine), Sudafed PE (phenylephrine)  Sudafed is found behind the pharmacy counter with purchase limits  Sudafed can increase heart rate and blood pressure  Sudafed PE is safer for patients with high blood pressure not well-controlled by medications, healthy diet, and exercise **Caution: over-use of multi-symptom formulations can be dangerous, discuss with your pharmacist or physician
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