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Pharmacists' Over-The-Counter Top Picks

PITTSBURGH (KDKA) ― When people get a headache, stuffy nose, or sinus congestion, they usually try to treat themselves with over the counter medications.

There are so many to choose from. But which ones are the best?

Reviewing a survey of 5,000 practicing pharmacists, I found out their favorites.

For seasonal allergies, pharmacists say Claritin D is best.

It is recommended that you take it before you come across whatever triggers your allergies.

But keep in mind, unlike other anti-histamines, it is less likely to make you drowsy.

To treat a stuffy nose, the pharmacists recommended Sudafed because the active ingredient shrinks swollen blood vessels around the nose and sinuses.

But some people should avoid it.

"Those who have blood pressure problems, those who have glaucoma, or if there's a problem with prostate enlargement," said Dave Hairhoger, pharmacist at Community Drug in Greenfield.

And for a tension headache, the 5,000 surveyed pharmacists recommend Tylenol.

They say it is not as hard on the stomach as Ibuprofen or aspirin.

You should be careful about what else you take with Tylenol, because it's processed through the liver.

"You want to make sure you limit your alcohol intake while on Tylenol," says Gino Cordisco, pharmacist at Med Fast Pharmacy.

For heartburn help, the pharmacists give a thumbs up to Prilosec.

They say it reduces stomach acid, but not immediately.

For red, itchy eyes, relief comes from Naphcon, but medical experts say don't overdo it.

To alleviate motion sickness, don't forget the Dramamine.

Motion sickness comes from mixed signals sent to the brain that you are moving, when you're really sitting still.

Dramamine reduces motion sickness, but can also make you a bit drowsy.

To abbreviate a cold sore, the pharmacists recommend Abreva.

But, you should use it early so it can keep the cold sore virus from spreading.

For constipation, you may want to try Metamucil.

Pharamacists say it could take 12 to 24 hours before you start feeling better and that it is a safe product to use daily.

For the opposite problem, diarrhea, surveyed pharmacists like Immodium.

They say it keeps your intestines from contracting as often.

But if suffering from food poisoning, it may be better just to let your body run its course to get rid of the offending substance.

With poison ivy and poison oak, you should wash all of the plant off of your skin and then use Cortaid, as recommended by the 5,000 pharmacists.

Hemorrhoids can be a hassle and to treat that, experts like Preparation H.

They say it contains lubricants and a medicine to shrink swollen blood vessels, which can pop out when you're pregnant or constipated.

And to stop a yeast infection, pharmacists pick Monistat.

Finally, pharmacists say just because the medicines are available over the counter, that doesn't mean you should use them without any limits.

And if you need to visit the doctor, have a list of your prescriptions, vitamin supplements and everything you take over the counter.

(© MMVIII, CBS Broadcasting Inc. All Rights Reserved.)

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