Chapter 1: Clinical Overview
Pseudoephedrine tablets/capsules
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There are a number of brands.
This is a Pharmacist-Only Medicine.
Note: These are kept in the dispensary and require the pharmacist to recommend them. Pseudoephedrine is more effective than phenylephrine at reducing or stopping a runny nose.Note: These products often have other ingredients such as paracetamol/ibuprofen for pain and fever, an antihistamine which may make the patient drowsy, and a cough ingredient.
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Your pharmacist will advise the patient on the correct dosage and side effects.
Pseudoephedrine can affect sleep by making it more difficulty for some patients to fall and stay asleep.
Tip: Patients with high blood pressure and some other health conditions, should not be taking pseudoephedrine unless their doctor has given consent.
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Patients who are not on certain medicines or have certain health conditions.
Patients who are not pregnant or breastfeeding.
Patients who want the more effective medicine to stop their runny nose.
Phenylephrine tablets/capsules
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There are a number of brands.
Pharmacy-Only Medicine.
Note: These products often have other ingredients such as paracetamol/ibuprofen for pain and fever, an antihistamine which may make the patient drowsy, and a cough ingredient. -
The dosage will depend upon the ingredients in the product, ensure you advise the patient on the correct dosage and any side effects that may occur for the product you recommend.
Tip: With any product containing an antihistamine that can cause drowsiness, ensure you mention this to the patient and that they should avoid driving or operating machinery. With any product containing paracetamol, ensure that you warn them not to take other paracetamol in doses that may exceed the recommended daily maximum of 4g (4,000mg or 8 tablets) in 24 hours.
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Patients with mild runny nose and cold symptoms, and who do not take other medicines or have other health conditions.
Patients who are not pregnant or breastfeeding.
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https://www.ebs.tga.gov.au/ebs/picmi/picmirepository.nsf/PICMI?OpenForm&t=&q=pseudoephedrine
Oxymetazoline
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Chlorpheniramine is an antihistamine that may cause drowsiness.
It is contained in products which have other active ingredients.
It is part of the ‘night’ dose for day-night and night-only cold and flu (runny nose) medications.
Note: may cause drowsiness, ensure you mention this to the patient and that they should avoid driving or operating machinery.
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There are different strengths available so check the dosage recommendations on the product. Should not be used for children under 6 years, and children 6-11 should only use under pharmacist’s or doctor’s advice.
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Adult patients who want a day-night or night-only cold and flu (runny nose) product that may help them to sleep.
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Chlorpheniramine
Associated Pharmacy Medicines
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Paracetamol
Ibuprofen
Paracetamol + Ibuprofen in combinationNote: Ensure that the patient is not already taking any medicine with paracetamol or an anti-inflammatory, as this may lead to taking too much which may be harmful.
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Take only as directed following the dose recommendation on the pack.
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Patients suffering with pain and/or fever.
Medicines to relieve pain and/or fever
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Help maintain a healthy immune system function.
There are many brands available and these two ingredients may be in a combined formulation or available separately.
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May reduce the duration and severity of mild upper respiratory tract infections, such as runny nose.
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Patients who want immune support from complementary medicines.
Vitamin C and Zinc
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The active ingredient in decongestant nasal sprays and drops.
There are a number of brands.
Note: Decongestant nasal sprays, if used for more than 3 days in a row or frequently re-used, can actually make nasal congestion worse! This is called rebound congestion. -
There are different strengths available so check the dosage recommendations on the product. Should not be used for children under 6 years, and children 6-11 should only use under pharmacist’s or doctor’s advice.
If patient is pregnant or breastfeeding, check with the pharmacist.
The patient should blow their nose and use a saline spray before using to increase effectiveness.
Only one person should use the product to avoid spreading the virus.
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Patients who need quick, short-term relief from a runny nose.
For example: a patient who is attending an important event and wants to stop their runny nose for a few hours.
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Immune support with multiple ingredients, the main active ingredient is Andrographis.
Note: This product is part of the Bioceuticals range of complementary medicines.
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Andrographis decreases the severity of symptoms of mild upper respiratory tract infections, including sore throat, headache, runny nose, cough, fatigue and restless sleep.
Vegan formula combining clinically trialed andrographis and immune-supporting nutrients.
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Patients who want immune support from complementary medicines.
Patients who want a vegan option.
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Bioceuticals Armaforce
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There are a number of different brands.
Note: Saline nasal sprays and drops are isotonic with the nasal membranes so they should not cause pain or stinging.
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Saline is a combination of water and salt.
The saline lubricates and flushes out the nasal passages, which may give relief from nasal congestion and enable more easy breathing and improved access to the membranes for medicated nasal sprays or drops.
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Patients wanting to relieve nasal congestion.
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