Here are some things that you should look for when choosing a over the counter cold and flu drugs:

Inactive ingredients that may affect diabetes:

Most over the counter drugs in the cold and flu section with have some sort of Alcohol or sugar based product in it.  Both alcohol and sugar will definitely affect your blood glucose level.  But these two things are non-pharmacological ingredients that you may be overlooking.  Look for the term “inactive ingredients” if you cannot find what you are looking for .

Active ingredients that may affect diabetes:

Pain and fever reducers: acetaminophen is used in cold and flu medications for minor aches and fevers.

• Acetaminophen can be toxic to liver and kidneys. People with diabetes who also have kidney complications should check with their doctor before using acetaminophen.

NSAIDS: (Non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drugs) are used to treat aches, pains and fevers associated with colds and flu.

• Ibuprofen should be used with caution by people with kidney and liver problems. It also has been proven to increase the hypoglycemic effect of insulin and oral diabetes medications.
• Naproxen should not be used for people with severe cardiovascular disease, or kidney or liver problems. It may also increase the risk of hypoglycemia with insulin and oral diabetes medications

Cough medications:

• Dextromethorphan is an ingredient in many cough preparations and at recommended doses is safe for people with diabetes.
• Guaifenesin is an ingredient that loosens mucus and makes it easier to cough it up. There are no warnings about guaifenesin and diabetes.
• There are also diabetic sugar free cough medicines that are available.

Decongestants:

• Epinephrine, phenylephrine, and pseudoephedrine are usually found in nasal sprays, but also some oral cold medicines. They work by drying up secretions in the nasal passages. It is possible that they could decrease the effects of insulin or oral diabetes medications. They can also increase blood pressure and should be used cautiously in people with high blood pressure.
• Phenylpropanolamine (PPA) is a decongestant that has been recalled by the FDA as of 2005, due to an increased risk of strokes.

Antihistimines:

• Brompheniramine, chlorpheniramine, and doxylamine are used in combination with other active ingredients. These antihistimines do not affect diabetes directly, but elderly people may be more susceptible to side effects. Diphenhydramine is used alone (marketed as Benedryl) or in combination with other drugs. It can cause low blood pressure in some people.
• Loratadine is a second generation antihistamine that has recently gone OTC. It does not cause the sedation associated with the older antihistimines. It does not appear to cause problems in people with diabetes.

Finding the right drug in your local pharmacy is a sometimes hard task.  But just remember that these OTC drugs will only temporarily fix your issues. If you symptoms persist for too long, you should see you physician.

It’s best to ask your doctor or your pharmacist which of these medications is right for you.

OTC cold and flu medications are not recommended for children under the age of two.

_Sources:

_{“Types of OTC Medicines and How They Work.” FamilyDoctor.org. 03/2005. American Academy of Family Physicians. 29 Oct 2007.}