Choosing the right medicines for colds, coughs. (includes information on the flu and medicine labels)

Choosing The Right Medicines For Colds, Coughs

"Doc, what can I get to dry up my runny nose and stop my cough?"

That's a question that many people will be asking their pharmacists during the upcoming cough and cold season.

It's certainly a question you should be asking, and getting an expert answer to, because many popular cough and cold medications can cause you blood glucose levels to rise. You need to avoid these remedies and use those that won't upset your efforts to keep your blood glucose levels under good control.

Unfortunately, you just won't be able to look at a cold remedy's label and determine whether it affects your blood glucose levels. You need the pharmacist's expertise on drug actions and interactions to get this information.

Your pharmacist is an excellent source of information about cough and cold remedies that are available without a doctor's prescription. In fact, your pharmacist also can advise you about the actions of all medications you take--either on a prescription or over the counter.

To insure that you are taking the best possible …