HealthCareMagic is now Ask A Doctor - 24x7 | https://www.askadoctor24x7.com

question-icon

Suggest An Alternative Medication For Respa Taken For Nasal Drainage

default
Posted on Fri, 27 May 2016
Question: Hello. My nasal drainage and my throat are really bothering me this season. I used to take Respa 1st for this time of year. I know that you can no longer get it. Is there anything similar to Respa 1st that I can take?
doctor
Answered by Dr. Bonnie Berger-Durnbaugh (58 minutes later)
Brief Answer:
Suggestions:

Detailed Answer:
Hello and welcome,

I'm sorry you are having trouble. I have allergies too and know it can be miserable.

Respa 1st contains Guaifenesin (thins mucus) and Pseudoephedrine (a decongestant). There are other preparations that contain this combination. You can go to a drug store and ask the pharmacist for a combination of these two medications (with no other meds added) or, you can buy the two medications individually and take them. Either way, they will not be on the shelf - only behind the counter. Pseudo ephedrine is now only sold behind the counter and most places request that you show your driver's license because this medication can be used to cook amphetamines illegally if purchased in large quantities. So it is controlled legally, but is still a safe medication.

Another thing to consider is a steroid nasal spray such as Flonase (or others) that are now sold without a prescription. It can take several days of daily use until it starts helping, but it can decrease reactivity of the nasal mucus membranes.

Saline sprays such as NeilMed or Simply Saline can help wash out the pollen after you have been outside. But don't use within an hour or so of the Flonase or the Flonase will just drip down to your stomach.

I hope this helps. Please let me know if I can provide further information or clarification.
Note: Consult an experienced Otolaryngologist / ENT Specialist online for further follow up on ear, nose, and throat issues - Book a Call now.

Above answer was peer-reviewed by : Dr. Chakravarthy Mazumdar
doctor
Answered by
Dr.
Dr. Bonnie Berger-Durnbaugh

General & Family Physician

Practicing since :1991

Answered : 3134 Questions

premium_optimized

The User accepted the expert's answer

Share on

Get personalised answers from verified doctor in minutes across 80+ specialties

159 Doctors Online

By proceeding, I accept the Terms and Conditions

HCM Blog Instant Access to Doctors
HCM Blog Questions Answered
HCM Blog Satisfaction
Suggest An Alternative Medication For Respa Taken For Nasal Drainage

Brief Answer: Suggestions: Detailed Answer: Hello and welcome, I'm sorry you are having trouble. I have allergies too and know it can be miserable. Respa 1st contains Guaifenesin (thins mucus) and Pseudoephedrine (a decongestant). There are other preparations that contain this combination. You can go to a drug store and ask the pharmacist for a combination of these two medications (with no other meds added) or, you can buy the two medications individually and take them. Either way, they will not be on the shelf - only behind the counter. Pseudo ephedrine is now only sold behind the counter and most places request that you show your driver's license because this medication can be used to cook amphetamines illegally if purchased in large quantities. So it is controlled legally, but is still a safe medication. Another thing to consider is a steroid nasal spray such as Flonase (or others) that are now sold without a prescription. It can take several days of daily use until it starts helping, but it can decrease reactivity of the nasal mucus membranes. Saline sprays such as NeilMed or Simply Saline can help wash out the pollen after you have been outside. But don't use within an hour or so of the Flonase or the Flonase will just drip down to your stomach. I hope this helps. Please let me know if I can provide further information or clarification.