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What Cold Medicine Is Safe for a Diabetic?
Guidelines by the American College of Chest Physicians (ACCP) indicate most over-the-counter cough and cold remedies may be ineffective, and doctors suggest that children under 12 do not take these remedies. Still over-the-counter cold medicines abound in the pharmacy. While most people can take any of the cold medication at the prescribed dose without side effects, diabetics have to be careful since cold medication does contain some sugar. However, to cater to a large market, pharmaceutical companies have come up with cold medicine formulas safe for diabetics.
If you are experiencing serious medical symptoms, seek emergency treatment immediately.
Benylin Adult
Benylin Adult is a sugar-free and alcohol-free version of the cold medicine popular with patients who have associated cough symptoms as well. The most common ingredient for the formula is dextromethorphan.
Robitussin-CF
Most Common Products With Dextromethorphan
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Robitussin-CF with dextromethorphan helps control cold and coughs. It is sugar-free and can safely be used by diabetic patients.
Diabetic Products by Scot-Tussin
Scot-Tussin products were the first in a line of sugar-free and alcohol-free cold and cough medicines. These are safe for diabetics 1.
Echinacea Combinations
Cough Medicines for People With High Blood Pressure
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A company called Insure makes a natural cold medicine from Echinacea combinations. This is a sugar-free product and helps colds and coughs. However, diabetics should always inform a doctor when they take a medication to ensure there are no interactions with any medication they may be on.
Sugar-Free Cough and Cold Drops
There are lots of sugar-free cough and cold drops that help soothe the throat when you have a cold. These are available at most stores 1.
Flu Shot
The best cold and flu treatment prescribed by doctors is the flu shot at the beginning of winter or end of fall. It helps reduce the intensity of any cold and flu you may get, and it is safe for diabetic patients.
Regular Mucinex
Regular Mucinex is acceptable for diabetics but the decongestant version may cause a spike in sugar level and blood pressure as well.
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References
- Harvard Health Letter
- American Lung Association. (2019). Facts About The Common Cold.
- Eccles R. Acute cooling of the body surface and the common cold. Rhinology. 2002 Sep;40(3):109-14.
- Johnson C, Eccles R. Acute cooling of the feet and the onset of common cold symptoms. Fam Pract. 2005 Dec;22(6):608-13.
- Fashner J, Ericson K, Werner S. Treatment of the Common Cold in Children and Adults. Am Fam Physician. 2012 Jul 15;86(2):153-59.
- AlBalawi ZH, Othman SS, Alfaleh J. Intranasal ipratropium bromide for the common cold. Cochrane Database Syst Rev. 2013 Jun 19;(6):CD008231. doi: 10.1002/14651858.CD008231.pub3
- FDA. (2018). Use Caution When Giving Cough and Cold Products to Kids.
- Poolsup N, Suthisisang C, Prathanturarug S, Asawamekin A, Chanchaereon U. Andrographis paniculata in the symptomatic treatment of uncomplicated upper respiratory tract infection: systematic review of randomized controlled trials. J Clin Pharm Ther. 2004 Feb;29(1):37-45.
- Lizogub VG, Riley DS, Heger M. Efficacy of a pelargonium sidoides preparation in patients with the common cold: a randomized, double blind, placebo-controlled clinical trial. Explore (NY). 2007 Nov-Dec;3(6):573-84.
- Paul IM, Beiler J, McMonagle A, Shaffer ML, Duda L, Berlin CM Jr. Effect of honey, dextromethorphan, and no treatment on nocturnal cough and sleep quality for coughing children and their parents. Arch Pediatr Adolesc Med. 2007 Dec;161(12):1140-6.
- Hemila H, Chalker E. Vitamin C for preventing and treating the common cold. Cochrane Database Syst Rev. 2013 Jan 31;(1):CD000980. doi:10.1002/14651858.CD000980.pub4
- Karsch-Volk M, Barrett B, Kiefer D, Bauer R, Ardjomand-Woelkart K, Linde K. Echinacea for preventing and treating the common cold. Cochrane Database Syst Rev. 2014 Feb 20;(2):CD000530. doi:10.1002/14651858.CD000530.pub3
- Sexton DJ, McClain MT. (2019). The common cold in adults: Treatment and prevention. Hirsch MS, Aronson MD, eds. UpToDate. Waltham, MA: UpToDate Inc.
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