Week of July 26, 2010: Over-The-Counter (OTC) Medicines and Diabetes
What Does Science Say About Diabetes And OTC Medicines?
Everyday illnesses like coughs, colds, and heartburn affect people with diabetes just like everyone else, but people with diabetes must be very careful when choosing their OTC medicines. The reason? Many OTC medications for everyday illnesses can create major health issues for people with diabetes --- such as raising blood sugar and/or blood pressure. Moreover, many of these products can also interact with your prescription diabetes medications, making them much stronger or weaker than intended by your physician. That’s why it’s always best to check with your doctor or pharmacist before taking any OTC medications for conditions like coughs, colds, flu, heartburn, etc. The simple fact is that certain OTC medications --- while essentially harmless to the non-diabetic general population --- can damage kidneys, increase or decrease blood sugar, and potentially cause death.
Why Should I Be Concerned About OTC Medications?
In general, FDA packaging regulations require all manufacturers to label their OTC drug products with any contraindications (side effects) and drug interactions. This simply means that you need to read all OTC drug labels carefully, even if they are in small type. There are many OTC drugs that contain added sugar, alcohol, and/or pseudoephedrine, which can raise blood sugar and blood pressure and should be avoided. Note: Non-Steroidal Anti-Inflammatory Drugs or NSAIDS like Motrin IB, Ibuprofen, Advil, and Aleve can cause a decrease of blood flow to the kidneys, which can cause a worsening of kidney function in those who have kidney problems or are on dialysis.
How Can I Better Select OTC Medicines if I Have Diabetes?
Your best defense against side effects and drug interactions is knowledge. You can check out most OTC product safety/side effects/interactions at www.intelihealth.com or www.safemedication.com by directly consulting with your doctor or pharmacist. Just like with prescription drugs, you need to read the label closely before taking anything. Some of the more popular diabetes-friendly (sugar-free, pseudoephedrine-free) medications include:
- Cough Drops: N’ice; Diabetic Tussin; Ricola; Fisherman’s Friend
- Cough Medicine: Diabetic Tussin DM; Robitussin Sugar-Free
- Allergies: Diabetic Tussin AL Allergy Relief
- Colds: Cold-Eeze Sugar-Free Cold Medication; Coricidin HBP
- Headaches: Bayer or generic aspirin; acetaminophen (Tylenol)
- Sore Throat: Chloroseptic Throat Spray
- Antacids: Be careful as most are loaded with sodium; Tums Sugar-Free is OK
- Diarrhea: Generic loperimide is OK
OTC Medications and Diabetes Information Resources
· “What Ails You? If you have diabetes, some over-the-counter cold and cough medicines can do more harm than good”, Diabetes Forecast, February, 2003
· The National Kidney Foundation (800-622-9010) or www.kidney.org
· www.intelihealth.com or www.safemedication.com
