Claritin

[gailandartie]

I cannot seem to find the regular 12 hour version of Claritin in the stores, just the extended release 24 hour pill.
I only need the Claritin at night, since that is when I get stuffy.

Does anyone use a 12 hour version of this pill?

Thanks,
Gail

[Muse-Inc]

Never heard of a 12-hr version, always been once a day...at least in my part of the world.

[Falcon1]

Never heard of a 12-hr version, always been once a day...at least in my part of the world.

Yes, that's correct. Claritin is a once per day medication, and comes in a single 10mg form.

[There exists something known as "Claritin-D 12 Hour Extended Release," which contains 5 mg of loratadine (aka Claritine), along with 120 mg of pseudoephedrine (aka Sudafed).]

Back when I was using Claritin at bedtime regularly, I found that taking a half a tablet was adequate to provide relief. Everyone's different, so experimentation is helpful for determining whether a half a tablet of Claritin is sufficient for you.

(Now, regularly using herbals and probiotics I get at the health food store, I have found that I no longer need to use a medication to relieve my night-time nasal congestion.)

[sleepypp]

(Now, regularly using herbals and probiotics I get at the health food store, I have found that I no longer need to use a medication to relieve my night-time nasal congestion.)

I am quite interested in the details of that! What do you use?

[jdm2857]

You want to avoid the verision with Pseudoephedrine. It's an antihistamine with a side effect of sleepiness. But it interferes with the natural stages of sleep.

Ambien is a better choice for a sleep aid.

[Falcon1]

You want to avoid the verision with Pseudoephedrine. It's an antihistamine with a side effect of sleepiness. But it interferes with the natural stages of sleep.

Ambien is a better choice for a sleep aid.

jdm2857,

Hi. Might you be thinking of "Benadryl" (which is diphenhydramine)? This is a sedating (sleep-causing) anti-histamine, which has the side effect of disrupting the normal sleep architecture of the brain.

Pseudoephedrine (Sudafed) is classified as a decongestant. When combined with chlorpheniramine (an antihistamine), it is known as Deconamine. In some people, this combination medication may cause insomnia (trouble sleeping), whereas in others it can cause drowsiness.

As far as sleep medications go, you're right. Ambien (zolpidem) is a generally well-tolerated medication, which is prescribed by doctors as a sleep aid.

[sleepypp]

You want to avoid the verision with Pseudoephedrine. It's an antihistamine with a side effect of sleepiness. But it interferes with the natural stages of sleep.

Ambien is a better choice for a sleep aid.

jdm2857,

Hi. Might you be thinking of "Benadryl" (which is diphenhydramine)? This is a sedating (sleep-causing) anti-histamine, which has the side effect of disrupting the normal sleep architecture of the brain.

Pseudoephedrine (Sudafed) is classified as a decongestant. When combined with chlorpheniramine (an antihistamine), it is known as Deconamine. In some people, this combination medication may cause insomnia (trouble sleeping), whereas in others it can cause drowsiness.

As far as sleep medications go, you're right. Ambien (zolpidem) is a generally well-tolerated medication, which is prescribed by doctors as a sleep aid.

Yes but what about the herbals and probiotics?

[Falcon1]

(Now, regularly using herbals and probiotics I get at the health food store, I have found that I no longer need to use a medication to relieve my night-time nasal congestion.)

I am quite interested in the details of that! What do you use?

Sure – I’d be happy to provide some details. First I’ll discuss my experience and suggestions regarding probiotics; then I’ll list some herbals which I’ve had good experiences with; and finally I’ll touch on dietary factors and how they can contribute to nasal congestion in some people.

*Note: Although the below remedies are beneficial for some who suffer from night-time nasal congestion, I suspect that one or more of these remedies would also be helpful for some who suffer from day-time nasal inflammation and congestion, as well. (Of course, this is not meant to serve as professional medical advice. Please consult your medical provider.)

Probiotics:

In my opinion, Probiotics should be a part of everyone's daily supplement regime (along with a daily multi-vitamin, at a bare minimum). Probiotics are dietary supplements made up of live microorganisms containing bacteria or yeasts, such as lactobacillus acidophilus, which are considered potentially beneficial to the intestinal flora.

Your body systems are interconnected, and sometimes problems in the gastrointestinal system (which 'probiotics' can help to correct, in some cases) can be related to your energy levels and the amount of inflammation that can occur in different parts of the body, such as the nasal mucosa.

In my experience, it took a good two or three months of taking a daily probiotic supplement, along with intermittently using some of the herbals which I’ll mention below, before I saw a noticeable decrease in my nasal inflammation and symptoms of night-time nasal congestion.

(I’ve never been afflicted with daytime chronic allergies or congestion, fortunately. My symptoms only occurred while reclining or sleeping, despite bedding types, and despite eliminating sources of dust mites/other potential allergens.)

I’m glad that I didn’t give up on probiotics (or herbals) prior to seeing any benefits. It would have been easy to discontinue usage during the time period that I wasn’t seeing any results. However, by persevering, I eventually came to the point where I found that I did not need to use any medications, in order to relieve my night-time nasal congestion and my related sleep-disordered breathing symptoms, because now I have this problem no longer.

Previously, I had discovered that taking a whole or a half a tablet of Claritin at bed-time provided superb relief of my night-time nasal congestion/blockage, as well as the disruptive sleep problems which it caused. (I was diagnosed with Upper Airway Resistance Syndrome on formal sleep studies, and I suffered from this condition for many years, despite treatment attempts with surgery and cpap.) While I liked the effect of the Claritin at bedtime, in general, I dislike taking medications when I can avoid them. Fortunately, I discovered that probiotics, along with intermittent usage of herbal supplements, worked well for my condition.

I realize that there are many differences among people, and that there may be varying degrees of responses to usage of probiotics or herbals, among those suffering from night-time nasal congestion. (Even with conventional medications, there are varying degrees of responses among individuals. In general, however, probiotics and herbal supplements are safer and healthier for the body than conventional medications, when used as directed; and they usually don’t have a long laundry list of potential side-effects, which conventional medications often do.)

I am often asked if there are any particular brands or types of probiotics that I recommend; yet I have no strong recommendations for a particular brand or type of probiotic supplement. I suggest checking with the shop keeper at your local health food store, for a good recommendation. My personal preference is to use a combination probiotic supplement, that needs to be kept refrigerated, which contains the most common live probiotic bacteria (such as Lactobacillus acidophilus and bifidus).

------------------------------------------------

Herbal supplements:

I’ve also experimented with, and researched, a variety of different herbal supplements, which are known for their beneficial effects on nasal inflammation and congestion.

Below is a list of herbs and other natural supplements which have been known to reduce nasal/sinus inflammation, congestion, and swelling in many people. I’ve had good experiences with each of these. Like the probiotics, it may take a couple of days, weeks, or months’ worth of usage before results may be evident.

If you’re going to try any of these, you may want to purchase a few different ones, in order to give yourself a home trial over the course of a couple of weeks (one at a time, of course), to see if you benefit from any of them. Each of these may be obtained at your local health food store or on the internet.

Remember, of course, people have various responses to natural and herbal supplements, just as people have various responses to conventional medications. There is no one single supplement, or even conventional medication for that matter, which works identically the same for everybody who uses it.

The only way to find out if a particular natural or herbal supplement will work well for you, is to simply try it out. But again, keep in mind that many of the natural and herbal supplements I describe below usually provide relief only after taking them for a period of at least two to three weeks. So, patience pays.

Stinging Nettle (or Nettle Extract) - This is extract of the freeze-dried root of an herb, Urtica dioica, which has a long tradition of use for decreasing sinus and nasal congestion, as well as inflammation.

Butterbur - Extract of the Butterbur plant (Petasites hybridus) has been proven in a clinical trial to reduce nasal congestion and inflammation. (This is according to the British Medical Journal, 2002; 324: pages 144-146.)

Quercetin - This is a naturally-occurring, plant-derived bioflavonoid (found in capers, citrus fruits, apples, red onions, and certain other plants) that supports healthy histamine levels, thereby helping to sustain a balanced immune response. It has been used effectively to reduce symptoms of nasal congestion and inflammation. 'Quercetin' is often combined in dietary supplements with 'Bromelain.'

Bromelain - This is an enzyme derived from pineapple stems, which also supports healthy immune system functioning. It acts as an anti-inflammatory agent, and many people have found that it provides relief from nasal and sinus congestion and inflammation.

Vitamin C - It is well known that an adequate daily intake of vitamin C is essential for the healthy functioning of our immune systems.

Combination Supplements:

"Respir-All" - You can find several combination supplements which contain Quercetin, Bromelain, and Vitamin C together in a single formulation. One such formulation is available from the well-respected "NOW" brand, which makes a product called "Respir-All." This product also contains Nettle Extract as well as other additional natural ingredients which may reduce nasal inflammation and congestion. There are several places where you can purchase this product on-line, as well as read the complete list of ingredients. Here's one of the many websites where this supplement is available: http://www.veganstore.com/now-respir_da ... 1/802.html

"Congest Support" - This combination supplement contains a proprietary blend of the following herbs and other natural ingredients, which may reduce nasal mucous and swelling when taken on a regular basis: Fresh Osha Root, Fresh Yerba Santa Leaf, Lomatium Root, Garlic Bulb, Mullein Leaf, Thyme Herb, Licorice Root, Oregon Grape Root, Echinacea purpurea Flowering Tops, Wild Cherry Bark, Ginger Root, Oregano Oil. One of the places where it's available on-line is at: http://www.nutrasanus.com/congest-support.html

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Dietary Allergies:

People suffering from chronic night-time (or day-time) nasal congestion should also give some consideration to their diet, since the things that you eat can potentially affect the amount of mucous and inflammation which your body produces. Sometimes food allergies (for example, allergies to dairy products like milk, cheese, yogurt, and ice cream) can incite nasal swelling and inflammation.

If you've never done so, it's worthwhile to do a 2-week no-dairy challenge. See if there is any difference in your nasal congestion or sleep-disordered breathing related symptoms, at the end of a two-week period of excluding all dairy products (milk, cheese, ice cream, etc) from your diet.

If you find that excluding dairy products from your diet reduces your symptoms, you may want to consider "almond milk" as a viable alternative to cow's milk. This is available in most health food stores and is also becoming increasingly available in major super market chain stores. It's what I use as an alternative to cow's milk. (I prefer the unsweetened version of almond milk, in order to minimize my intake of refined sugar.) Soy milk is another alternative, which some persons who avoid dairy products use. Believe it or not, there are even dairy product equivalents made from soy or rice, such as ice cream, cheese, and cream cheese, which are available!

[sleepypp]

Wow! Thanks Doc!

I am on my way to the supplement store!

Man I love dairy though. I just had some of my favorite deep dish pizza washed down with a tall cold glass of milk. You are not the only health professional who has recommended laying off the stuff lately though. The doc who did my colonoscopy loaths dairy. Perhaps I have it in me for the two week challenge? I quit smoking 5 years ago, I could probably get by without dairy for a week or two.

We substitute rice milk for dairy when we can. I heard soy can give you man-boobs?

Thanks so much for all the info.

Stacy

[BiPappy]

I never had clear nasal passages and always suffered from nasal allergies until I had a turbinate resection, which helped tremendously. Because I now have clear nasal passage, I can tell what food or medication causes nasal congestion and inflammation. I found out last night that I am, nasally, allergic to Cheetos. I ate an entire bag and my nasal congestion came back in full force, and I had to renew my Nasonex prescription this morning. I always take Zyrtec for year long allergy symptoms.

Admittedly, I am a vitamin and dietary supplement "addict."

CoQ10
Astaxanthin
Omega-3
Resveratrol
Milk Thistle
Multi-Vitamin

I take these supplements through out the day after each meal.

[Muse-Inc]

Doc Falcon, is eating a live-culture yogurt (specifically Dannon's 3 grams of carb yogurt in snack size containers) as effective as a probiotic? I am under the impression that these heathy cultures need dairy to be at peak of effectiveness...no? I took antibiotics last Dec-Jan and IV antibiotics in Feb, so I eat yogurt or take a probiotic at least daily -- I plan to continue for at least the rest of 2009 and after reading what you had to share, maybe for life . Like so many others here, I've had chronic sinusitis for yrs along with respiratory allergies and vasomotor rhinitis and gustatory rhinitis (wheat)...it's wonder my nose works and I am able to tolerate CPAP therapy . I spray Astepro at dinner, then take a generic Claritin and spray Nasonex before masking up. If I am esp congested, I use Grossan's nasal irrigator with his solution no later than 3 hrs before sleep to ensure my sinuses have fully drained. I have used saline sprays without much benefit. Despite these routines, I still must sleep propped up to keep congestion to a minimum. I appreciate your sharing the herbals, other than Quercetin I've not tried the others -- there might be some relief for me in one or more. Thanks!

I too am a supplement taker (I eat very low carb):
Ubiquinol (most effective form of CoQ10)
Quercetin+C combo
Bioascorbate Complex
Magnesium cirate
Tocotrinols (all 8 forms of vitamin E)
Benfotiamine (a vitamin B1[thiamin] derivative)
Multi (horse-sized, 3/day, ugh)
Prolein+Lysine+Grape Seed Extract+Hawthorne combo
Grape Seed extract (100 mgm works great in reducing my appetite)
Coromega fish oil packette
DHA
Vitamin D3
Low-sodium V8 and parsley which I consider supplements

[jdm2857]

You want to avoid the verision with Pseudoephedrine. It's an antihistamine with a side effect of sleepiness. But it interferes with the natural stages of sleep.

Ambien is a better choice for a sleep aid.

jdm2857,

Hi. Might you be thinking of "Benadryl" (which is diphenhydramine)? This is a sedating (sleep-causing) anti-histamine, which has the side effect of disrupting the normal sleep architecture of the brain.

Pseudoephedrine (Sudafed) is classified as a decongestant. When combined with chlorpheniramine (an antihistamine), it is known as Deconamine. In some people, this combination medication may cause insomnia (trouble sleeping), whereas in others it can cause drowsiness.

As far as sleep medications go, you're right. Ambien (zolpidem) is a generally well-tolerated medication, which is prescribed by doctors as a sleep aid.

[Falcon1]

Answer to Cpaptalk question on Probiotics:

Doc Falcon, is eating a live-culture yogurt (specifically Dannon's 3 grams of carb yogurt in snack size containers) as effective as a probiotic? I am under the impression that these healthy cultures need dairy to be at peak of effectiveness...no?

There are a couple of articles which I came across, that I feel are balanced and well written, which I believe provide helpful answers to this question.

The first article is "The dairy/probiotics relationship", written by Sharon Gerdes, of Dairy Management, Inc:

http://findarticles.com/p/articles/mi_m ... ntent;col1

Although Gerdes is with the dairy-related industry, she is honest in admitting that "the science related to the heath benefits of probiotics is still emerging," and "research continues into dairy's synergies with probiotics."

Gerdes' article points out that "research [is still asking the question] 'Do milk components and the conditions encountered in dairy products positively impact the expression of these important probiotic gene sets?' If so, delivery of probiotics via dairy may be the preferred route to promote the viability and beneficial activities of these probiotic cultures."

The second article is "Dairy-free Probiotics", by Aimee Gallo, who is a certified holistic nutrition coach and personal trainer:

http://www.vibrancenutrition.com/blog/2 ... otics.html

Gallo clarifies that there are several other specialty foods which contain probiotics, and which are viable means of ingesting these healthy bacteria, besides cultured dairy products (yogurt and kefir). These include kombucha (a kind of specially fermented tea, which may either be home-made or store-bought), as well as kimchee and unpasteurized sauerkraut, along with unpasteurized miso, amazake and umeboshi plums.

As far as probiotic supplements are concerned, I found the following extended passage from Gallo's article especially helpful and insightful:

[Beginning of Quote] “If you live in an area where consuming these foods is difficult or you suffer from digestive problems which are not easily remedied through cultured foods, a probiotic supplement may be useful to you. Finding a probiotic which is active and contains what is stated on the bottle is extremely difficult. A study out of Bastyr University found only one supplement in 12 actually contained what was listed on the bottle, and 50% of non-refrigerated probiotic supplements contained dead cultures (which are of no use to the digestive tract). Despite this, supplementation overall still appears to be safe and effective; if one brand does not work, try another.

To assure quality, it is important to purchase from a company which refrigerates product from manufacturer to supplier. Metagenics is one such manufacturer; many others are available from health care providers and quality supplement stores. USProbiotics.org recommends the following criteria for choosing a probiotic:

1. Buy from a company you trust. If the company has a solid reputation for the manufacture of safe, properly labeled food or supplement products, then they will likely have a responsible approach to their probiotic products as well.

2. Buy from well-established companies.

3. Buy products that are labeled with genus, species and strain of all components in the probiotic product, and with the count of viable microbes that will be present through the end of shelf life. A survey of probiotic products conducted by consumerlabs.com found that products that list this information are more likely to be accurately labeled.

4. Store your product according to manufacturer recommendations.” [End of Quote]

As far as the brand of probiotics which I personally use, it is Udo’s Choice Adult’s Blend Probiotics (which must stay refrigerated) : http://www.udoerasmus.com/products/prob ... lts_en.htm.

(As far as brands of vitamins, herbs, and other supplements in general, there are many reputable and reliable brands available out there, but of course there are some which are not! Some of the vitamin and herbal brands which I respect and which I can give high recommendations for include: "NOW," "Nature's Plus," "KAL," "Solgar," "TwinLabs," "Nature's Way," "Country Life," and "Rainbow Life." Many of these brands use outside, independent laboratories to test their products, and provide reports to the public. As a result, you can generally be assured that what is claimed on the list of contents and ingredients on the outside label is truthful and accurate.)

In summary, I don’t think that right now there is a consensus opinion among health authorities on whether eating a live-culture yogurt is any more or less effective than taking a probiotic supplement. For individuals who tolerate dairy well, they may want to stick with yogurt or kefir as their sole means of ingesting probiotics. Some people choose to alternate between eating yogurt on certain days and taking a probiotic supplement on other days (and some people even eat a yogurt as well as take a probiotic supplement every day). I haven’t heard of anyone experiencing ill effects of ingesting too many probiotics, although of course it’s best to avoid going to excess in anything. For individuals who don’t tolerate dairy very well, taking a daily probiotics supplement appears to be a viable and effective option, provided that a reputable and reliable brand is chosen.

[Muse-Inc]

Answer to Cpaptalk question on Probiotics...

Doc, thanks for the reply, will read the articles with relish ! Nice to know that taking probiotics and eating yogurt is probably a good thing. I usually buy only those brands for the reasons you listed.

[jdm2857]

You want to avoid the verision with Pseudoephedrine. It's an antihistamine with a side effect of sleepiness. But it interferes with the natural stages of sleep.

Ambien is a better choice for a sleep aid.

jdm2857,

Hi. Might you be thinking of "Benadryl" (which is diphenhydramine)? This is a sedating (sleep-causing) anti-histamine, which has the side effect of disrupting the normal sleep architecture of the brain.

Pseudoephedrine (Sudafed) is classified as a decongestant. When combined with chlorpheniramine (an antihistamine), it is known as Deconamine. In some people, this combination medication may cause insomnia (trouble sleeping), whereas in others it can cause drowsiness.

As far as sleep medications go, you're right. Ambien (zolpidem) is a generally well-tolerated medication, which is prescribed by doctors as a sleep aid.

Somehow the comments I added to my last post didn't appear, leaving only the quote.


Falcon is absolutely right, and I thank him for catching my error.

Years ago I took a derivative of Sudafed called Fedrazil. It was a combination of pseudoephedrine and perazil, an antihistamine. I mixed up the functions of the ingredients.