Im a pharmacist and keep these 8 things in my medicine cabinet for coughs and colds

Pharmacies are brimming with products to fight cold and flu symptoms, but what do the pharmacists themselves actually buy?Licensed pharmacist Dr.Kati Forbes has taken to TikTok to share the essential meds she keeps in her own cabinet to combat symptoms during cold and flu season.Among her must-haves are combo she takes “when I’m down bad” and a “more potent nasal decongestant” than DayQuil.A cough is the body’s way of keeping the throat and airways clear.There are several causes for a cough, according to the Mayo Clinic, including the common cold or flu, pneumonia, asthma, exposure to an irritant like smoke or dust, or a serious condition like cystic fibrosis.“When I have a cough, I go for a cough suppressant,” said Forbes.

She recommends Delsym, Dextromethorphan, and/or Robitussin to help with the hacking.“It works really well.” Forbes noted that she only takes a half dose of these meds because she does not metabolize the enzyme CYP2D6 well and too much upsets her stomach.For a stuffy or runny nose, Forbes opts for nasal sprays like Afrin, explaining that it contains oxymetazoline.

This decongestant can relieve stuffiness and sinus pressure and lasts for up to twelve hours.Experts note that Afrin should be used with caution: Taking it for longer than the recommended time on the packing can lead to dependency, meaning you’ll have trouble breathing out of your nose without it.Forbes notes that pseudoephedrine is also effective at unblocking airways but should be used with caution as it can increase blood pressure and anxiety.Forbes relies on ibuprofen to alleviate a sore throat, headache, muscle aches, pains, and/or fever.While effective, studies show that many adults who use ibuprofen and other so-called nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory (NSAID) drugs take too much, increasing their risk of serious side effects like internal bleeding and heart attacks, a new study suggests.The pharmacist soothes her sore throat with a Chloraseptic-based spray ...