1. Laws Have Changed
Laws governing the sale of over the counter cold medications have become much stricter. These new guidelines were put in place to help stop the production and sale of crystal meth, a dangerous but highly addictive illegal drug. Pharmacies now keep products like Sudafed that contain pseudoephedrine, one of the main ingredients in crystal meth, locked up or behind the pharmacy counter. Customers must sign a logbook to document their purchase. There are also legal limits on how much pseudoephedrine an individual can purchase at one time to prevent large quantities from being sold for illegal use.
2. New Formula, Same Effectiveness
Many manufacturers of cold medications have changed the formulation of their products to keep their sale from being restricted. Manufacturers reformulated products containing pseudoephedrine with similar medications that work just as well as a decongestant without being addictive or dangerous. These medications are available over the counter with no restrictions. They should be just as effective as the old formulation but there is a chance that you will have a different reaction to the new formulation.
3. Stick To a Schedule
Follow the dosage timetable on cold medication packaging to get the most benefit from the medication. You should take most cold medications every four to six hours. Do not increase your dose or take doses earlier than four hours apart. Taking your medication too soon could increase any possible side effects like hyperactivity, dizziness or drowsiness and could be harmful. If you want to take your cold medication differently, consult a doctor or pharmacist first.
4. Kids Get Sick, Too
The dosage of cold medication for children is different than that of adults. Figure out dosage for children based on their age and their weight. Older children can handle more medication, and a younger child who is heavier than average might need a larger dose in order for it to be effective. Most cold medications have dosage instructions for children on the packaging, so follow these instructions carefully. If you can't find dosage instructions that fit your child's age and weight, contact your local pharmacy for help, where this information will be readily available.
5. Keep Track Of Your Medication
If you have teenage children in your family, keep track of all cold medications and cough syrups. Teenagers are now using a lot of medications from the family medicine cabinet to get high instead of turning to illegal substances. These medications can contain stimulants that will produce a rush if taken in large quantities; they can also cause brain damage or loss of motor skills if an overdose occurs. Make sure you know how much cold medicine you keep in the house and keep track of how much has been used.
