The Results
Overall, it was observed that individuals who took garlic had much fewer episodes of the common cold compared to individuals who took the sugar pill. Further, the number of days of illness was lower in the garlic group. However, the number of days to recovery was similar in both groups.
Overall, garlic ingestion was deemed safe but few individuals did develop a rash. On the other hand, many individuals had complaints of bad breath.
So what about the consumer?
This was only one trial and only limited conclusions can be drawn. All the data are self-reported and there are always inherent errors in such a study. Statements of effectiveness to date are based on weak quality evidence. Garlic pills are relatively cheap and one does not require a prescription. Therefore, if you have a cold, the choice is simple. Either drink fluids, rest, and perhaps take an over the counter medication or take garlic, have fewer episodes of the common cold and have bad breath. At the moment, there are no data from randomized controlled trials about whether taking garlic at the time of a cold diminishes either symptom intensity or number of days of illness. http://www.cochrane.org/reviews/en/ab006206.html
For more on personal care and medical products, please visit www.medexsupply.com
Friday, July 31, 2009
Can Garlic prevent the Common Cold? Part 1
One of the most popular health supplements that has often been hyped up to treat almost every medical disorder under the sun is garlic. For decades, garlic has been sold by health food stores in every type of formulation. There are pills, tablets, lotions, liquids, potions, pastes, and even creams containing garlic. Garlic mania has hit North America and is getting stronger every day. For decades, one medical disorder which garlic has been most frequently used to treat is the common cold.
The common cold is associated with a high rate of morbidity and is one of the most common reasons why people take off from work during winter months. On average, children have at least 4-6 cold a year and some adults have at least 2-4 colds a year. Many individuals take garlic based on the belief that it has good anti bacterial and anti viral properties.
Consumers spend an enormous amount of money on health supplements, many of which have no relevant clinical data to back up the claims made by the vendors. Therefore, the question is, “Can garlic supplements prevent or treat the common cold?”
Recently, Cochrane Reviews conducted analysis of the literature to determine whether garlic (allium sativum) was effective for either prevention or treatment of the common cold, when compared to placebo or no treatment. From the literature, only one randomized trial study comprising 146 participants was evaluated since it met the criteria. Individual took 180 mg of allicin garlic for 12 weeks and self reported their symptoms.
The common cold is associated with a high rate of morbidity and is one of the most common reasons why people take off from work during winter months. On average, children have at least 4-6 cold a year and some adults have at least 2-4 colds a year. Many individuals take garlic based on the belief that it has good anti bacterial and anti viral properties.
Consumers spend an enormous amount of money on health supplements, many of which have no relevant clinical data to back up the claims made by the vendors. Therefore, the question is, “Can garlic supplements prevent or treat the common cold?”
Recently, Cochrane Reviews conducted analysis of the literature to determine whether garlic (allium sativum) was effective for either prevention or treatment of the common cold, when compared to placebo or no treatment. From the literature, only one randomized trial study comprising 146 participants was evaluated since it met the criteria. Individual took 180 mg of allicin garlic for 12 weeks and self reported their symptoms.
Neosynephrine: Part 2
What is concentration of nasal Neosynephrine Available?
As a nasal spray, phenylephrine is available in 1 percent and 0.5 percent concentrations. In a few cases, rebound of congestion occurs when Neosynephrine is abruptly discontinued.
What other products contain Neosynephrine?
- Alka-Seltzer Cold Effervescent formulation
- Sudafed PE Non-Drowsy Nasal Decongestant
- Robitussin CF, Tylenol Sinus
- DayQuil Capsules.
- Tylenol Sinus Congestion & Pain
- Dristan
- Theraflu
- Benadryl Allergy & Sinus Headache
- Excedrin Sinus Headache
What should I avoid while taking Neo-Synephrine?
Even though nasal Neosynephrine is safe, one should use caution while driving or operating any heavy machinery. Neosynephrine can sometimes cause dizziness, drowsiness or impair concentration. One should not take more than the recommended dose on the package.
What happens if I miss a dose of Neosynephrine?
If you miss a dose of Neosynephrine, never double dose at the next timed scheduled. If you miss the dose within one hour of the scheduled time, you can continue using the medication.
Who should not use Neosynephrine?
Neosynephrine has not been well studied in pregnant females and those who are breast-feeding. To avoid harm to the baby, it is highly recommended that Neosynephrine not be used if one is pregnant or breast feeding
What is cost of Nasal Neosynephrine?
Bayer Neo-synephrine nasal strength (1/4%), 15 ml averages $10.
For more on Neosynephrine, please visit www.medexsupply.com
As a nasal spray, phenylephrine is available in 1 percent and 0.5 percent concentrations. In a few cases, rebound of congestion occurs when Neosynephrine is abruptly discontinued.
What other products contain Neosynephrine?
- Alka-Seltzer Cold Effervescent formulation
- Sudafed PE Non-Drowsy Nasal Decongestant
- Robitussin CF, Tylenol Sinus
- DayQuil Capsules.
- Tylenol Sinus Congestion & Pain
- Dristan
- Theraflu
- Benadryl Allergy & Sinus Headache
- Excedrin Sinus Headache
What should I avoid while taking Neo-Synephrine?
Even though nasal Neosynephrine is safe, one should use caution while driving or operating any heavy machinery. Neosynephrine can sometimes cause dizziness, drowsiness or impair concentration. One should not take more than the recommended dose on the package.
What happens if I miss a dose of Neosynephrine?
If you miss a dose of Neosynephrine, never double dose at the next timed scheduled. If you miss the dose within one hour of the scheduled time, you can continue using the medication.
Who should not use Neosynephrine?
Neosynephrine has not been well studied in pregnant females and those who are breast-feeding. To avoid harm to the baby, it is highly recommended that Neosynephrine not be used if one is pregnant or breast feeding
What is cost of Nasal Neosynephrine?
Bayer Neo-synephrine nasal strength (1/4%), 15 ml averages $10.
For more on Neosynephrine, please visit www.medexsupply.com
Neosynephrine: Part 1
What is Neosynephrine?
Neosynephrine (phenylephrine) is a decongestant readily available over the counter without a prescription. The drug acts by shrinking blood vessels in the chest, nose, and sinuses. This helps decrease secretions from the nose and sinuses and reduces congestion.
What can Neosynephrine be used to treat?
Neosynephrine is available in various formulations including a pill, injection and a nasal spray. Consumers usually take Neosynephrine to treat allergies, hay fever, sinus irritation, and symptoms of a common cold.
In the hospital setting, Neosynephrine is sometimes used to treat low blood pressure and increase heart rate.
What are side effects of Neosynephrine?
Side effects with nasal Neosynephrine are quite rare. A Few side effects reported include the following:
- Allergic reaction that may result in difficult
breathing, swelling of the lips or tongue
- Appearance of hives or itching
- Fast heart rate
- Anxiety or hallucinations
- Lightheadedness
- Lack of sleep
- Headache
- Nausea
- Sweating
- Seizures
Most of these side effects are transient and usually resolve when the drug is discontinued
What are precautions one should take when using Neosynephrine?
Neosynephrine is best avoided in individuals who take anti depressants of the monoamine oxidase inhibitor class. Always inform your physician if you have high blood pressure, are diabetic or using another decongestant prior to starting Neosynephrine
Neosynephrine (phenylephrine) is a decongestant readily available over the counter without a prescription. The drug acts by shrinking blood vessels in the chest, nose, and sinuses. This helps decrease secretions from the nose and sinuses and reduces congestion.
What can Neosynephrine be used to treat?
Neosynephrine is available in various formulations including a pill, injection and a nasal spray. Consumers usually take Neosynephrine to treat allergies, hay fever, sinus irritation, and symptoms of a common cold.
In the hospital setting, Neosynephrine is sometimes used to treat low blood pressure and increase heart rate.
What are side effects of Neosynephrine?
Side effects with nasal Neosynephrine are quite rare. A Few side effects reported include the following:
- Allergic reaction that may result in difficult
breathing, swelling of the lips or tongue
- Appearance of hives or itching
- Fast heart rate
- Anxiety or hallucinations
- Lightheadedness
- Lack of sleep
- Headache
- Nausea
- Sweating
- Seizures
Most of these side effects are transient and usually resolve when the drug is discontinued
What are precautions one should take when using Neosynephrine?
Neosynephrine is best avoided in individuals who take anti depressants of the monoamine oxidase inhibitor class. Always inform your physician if you have high blood pressure, are diabetic or using another decongestant prior to starting Neosynephrine
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