Over The Counter Medications: Making Good Choices
Reviewed by Staff of Diabetes Digest

Having a cold can drain your energy. But taking good care of yourself when you are sick is important if you have diabetes. Planning ahead and stocking your medicine cabinet now, before you are ill, will make it easier. Over-the-counter medications can interact with your prescription medications. Always check with your Walgreens pharmacist or health care provider before using a new product. The tips below will help you choose products that people with diabetes can use safely:

• Read labels carefully. Many over-the-counter medicines contain ingredients that can raise or lower blood glucose levels. Some ingredients add calories or carbohydrates. This can make caring for your diabetes more difficult.
• Follow product warnings and guidelines. Most over-the-counter medications are meant for short-term use. Follow product guidelines for how long they can be used safely. If your symptoms continue, see your health care provider.
• Avoid taking products that contain sugar for extended periods of time. Look for sugar in the form of glucose, sucrose, fructose or lactose on the label. Select products labeled sugar-free. If you cannot find sugar-free products, ask your Walgreens pharmacist to assist you. Also, avoid taking products labeled as “sweetened with sorbitol or mannitol,” for long periods of time. These sweeteners, in high quantities, can cause diarrhea.
• Choose products containing little or no alcohol. The higher the percentage of alcohol, the greater the amount of calories in each dose of the product.
• If you have a choice, select tablets or pills rather than liquid medicines. Pills have little or no sugar and no alcohol.
• If possible, avoid products that contain decongestants. If the label lists ephedrine, pseudoephedrine, phenylpropanolamine, phenylephedrine or epinephrine, avoid the product. These drugs can raise blood glucose levels. Products containing oral decongestants carry this warning on the label: “CAUTION: Individuals with high blood pressure, heart disease...diabetes should use only as directed by a physician. ” Nasal sprays and creams, such as Vicks VapoRub®, have less effect on your blood glucose level and may be a better choice. Ask your health care provider or Walgreens pharmacist to suggest a product.
• Occasional use of pain relievers is okay when taken according to package guidelines. Ibuprofen (Advil®, Motrin®, Nuprin®) and acetaminophen (Tylenol®, Datril®) may be used to treat mild pain and fever. Avoid large doses of aspirin (5 to 6 grams per day) because too much can lower your blood glucose. Ibuprofen may cause an upset stomach.

Remember that being sick can cause your blood glucose levels to go up. Test your blood glucose levels regularly and keep in touch with your health care team if you are ill for an extended period of time, run a high fever, have trouble eating or if your blood glucose level is over 250 mg/dL for 24 hours.

Adapted with permission from University of Connecticut, Farmington Campus, Diabetes Self-Management Education Program