With cold and flu season in full swing, pharmacists have revealed which medicines to avoid.
Dr. Grant Harting, licensed pharmacist and founder of CrushCost, said: Seraful is at the top of his list.
Dr. Harting explains that even though the Severe Cold Relief and Congestion Syrup costs $11.99 and has “flu” in the name, “unfortunately, it doesn’t actually work.”
Looking at the list of active ingredients on the back of the bottle, he says the preparation contains acetaminophen, a mild painkiller, guaifenesin, which is used to treat chest congestion and is “completely ineffective,” and guaifenesin, a pain reliever. Some pointed out that it contains a simple mixture of dextromethorphan. Cough suppressant.
“Okay, how is that supposed to cure a cold?” he quipped in a TikTok video while putting the bottle of Theraflu back on the shelf.
Dr. Harting then picks up a packet of Vicks Niquil Severe Cold and Flu Liquid Capsules, priced at $16.99 for 24 pieces.
He said the cold medicine is also “everyone’s favorite” and the packaging is “fantastic,” but the ingredients don’t do much to treat the disease.
Dr. Grant Harting, licensed pharmacist and founder of CrushCost, joins Walgreens to show which popular over-the-counter medications are a “waste of money”
Like Theraflu, NyQuil capsules contain a combination of acetaminophen and dextromethorphan, with additional ingredients the antihistamines doxylamine and phenylephrine, which Dr. Harting says are As a nasal decongestant, it has “literally no effect.”
exclaimed Dr. Harting as he panned the camera across the shelves to show the various NyQuil options available. “And look how many different variations there are. Oh my goodness!”
As he scanned the rows of products, he continued: “I mean, this is almost comical. It’s like having a dystopian pharmacist’s nightmare… Just kidding, this is real life.”
Citing several other products, Dr. Harting believes that Mucinex is “junk as well” while Delsim is “not as good.”
He pointed to recent studies that tested it in teenagers and adults with respiratory infections such as bronchitis.
This study found no difference in cough relief compared to placebo.
The doctor, who has more than 600,000 followers on TikTok, says all of the cold and flu medications mentioned above are “a weird combination of several similar things.”
Delsim, on the other hand, is a $15 to $28 liquid medication that contains dextromethorphan, which relieves coughs.
Before finishing his tirade, Dr. Harting touted Boiron Oscillococcinum (priced at $17.99 for six doses) as the “worst” cold medicine.
First on his “chopping board” is Theraflu Severe Cold Relief and Chest Congestion Syrup, priced at $11.99.
Before finishing his blistering attack, Dr. Harting named Boiron Oscillococcinum (priced at $17.99 for six doses) the “worst” cold medicine.
Homeopathic flu medicine was invented by French doctor Joseph Roy in the early 1900s and is made from the heart and liver of wild ducks.
Sales in the United States now exceed $20 million annually.
But Harting remained unconvinced by the natural remedy, telling viewers: “This is literally nothing. I bought it and I’m going to try it this flu season and prove to everyone that nothing works.”
Finally, Sudafed’s “PE” is also thrown into the “junk” pile.
In the video, Hartings picks up a $21.99 pack designed to combat head chills and runny noses.
Medical experts emphasize that “Sudafed PE is different from Sudafed.”
He calls Sudafed, which contains the decongestant pseudoephedrine, “good,” but Sudafed PE, which is made with the antihistamine phenylephrine, is ineffective.
In support of Harting’s opinion on phenylephrine, the FDA recently removed cold medicine from drugstore shelves after a study found that the main ingredient, phenylephrine, was not helpful in relieving symptoms when taken orally. announced that they would like to withdraw medicines for the flu.
The agency proposed removing phenylephrine, which is found in common medications such as Vicks Synex, certain types of Sudafed, and Benadryl, from non-prescription products because it is “ineffective.”
The FDA began reviewing the use of phenylephrine in March 2023, concluding that it is no more effective than a placebo when taken orally in pill form.
Once metabolized in the intestines, phenylephrine cannot reach the bloodstream at sufficient levels and is no longer useful in relieving symptoms.
This is just a “suggested order” and has no immediate effect on the drug.
Supporting Harting’s opinion on phenylephrine, the FDA recently removed cold and flu medications from drugstore shelves after a study found that the main ingredient, phenylephrine, did not help relieve symptoms. announced that he wanted to.
Only the “final order” affects which products are sold, which could have a significant impact on the $1.8 billion in sales these drugs generate.
The FDA added that “the proposed order is based on efficacy concerns, not safety concerns.”
Dr. Harting recommends “pure, uncut zinc oxide” at the end of the video instead of common cold and flu remedies.
Some studies suggest that zinc supplements can reduce the severity and duration of cold symptoms.
However, the Mayo Clinic points out that zinc has not been shown to be effective in all studies.
It concluded: “Researchers cannot explain why zinc has an effect in some studies and not in others.” Questions still remain about which type of zinc is most effective. Research also does not indicate an optimal amount of zinc.
“Unless your health care provider tells you otherwise, the limit for zinc intake for adults is less than 40 mg per day.
“The safest option is to consult your health care provider before using zinc for a cold.”
