Quick question- medication question

SEWF

I know, ask a doctor, but this isn't really an emergency, but I thought someone here might know.

I know I'm probably freaking myself out, but is it ok to take Claritin (pill form) and nasal spray? I need to pick up a drug book so I can keep track of this stuff, but does anyone here know for sure?

J&K10910

What kind of nasal spray?  I'm not aware of any loratadine nasal spray in existence, so it's more than likely a totally different medication.

But if you have a 24 hour pharmacy you should call and ask them.  They'll answer your question even if you don't get your meds there.

Blueyed228

My H does it.  You should be fine.  But im not a Dr.

SEWF

It's fluticasone propionate. I actually had it left over from the end of January when I had the same kind of nasal problems. This teaches me not to take old medication! The box said I can get another refill, but this is the first bottle. I tried to get in to the doctor tomorrow, but there isn't any openings and I leave for Florida on Thursday. I just wanted to be about to breathe through both sides of my nose!

J&K10910

Well, Flonase isn't going to help you breathe right now.  It's a steroid.  It takes 1-2 weeks for full effect to start.

I think you should call the pharmacy, or wait until you can talk to your doctor tomorrow.  Not because you shouldn't take them together, but because it doesn't seem like it's what you need, and it would be silly to take something that isn't going to help.

SEWF

I told my H about it, and he said, "Do you feel weird? No? Then don't worry about it!" I love my husband.

Thanks for all the advise everyone. J, you're right, I should go to the doctor. I'm going to call again for the doctor in the morning and hope someone cancels. This is what I get for waiting until the last minute to try to get an appointment.

allisong23

It vwon't help, but it won't hurt. You will probably have a very dry nasal passage, which will  probably be uncomfortable. If you have a saline nasal spray, you might want to use it. Or a netti pot/bottle.

SEWF

In Response to <a href="http://forums.theknot.com/Sites/theknot/Pages/Main.aspx/wedding-boards_snarky-brides_quick-question-medication-question?plckFindPostKey=Cat:Wedding%20BoardsForum:17Discussion:22c52457-b518-4392-bd1d-c0d5b152a931Post:4d3e0c91-0b48-4249-a906-4603d2e9320b">Re: Quick question- medication question</a>:
[QUOTE]I don't know about the spray but I know that hot and sour soup is awesome for breaking up congestion. It works for me every time. I hope you feel better.
Posted by Dot Dash[/QUOTE]

<div>HAHA! We just had Chinese food tonight and I got some hot and sour soup for that exact reason, and it did nothing for me. I also had General Tso's chicken, so it was spicy, and still nothing. Thanks for the suggestion, though!</div>

SEWF

In Response to <a href="http://forums.theknot.com/Sites/theknot/Pages/Main.aspx/wedding-boards_snarky-brides_quick-question-medication-question?plckFindPostKey=Cat:Wedding%20BoardsForum:17Discussion:22c52457-b518-4392-bd1d-c0d5b152a931Post:d24d78ba-82eb-4572-9e85-c7e6b8281861">Re: Quick question- medication question</a>:
[QUOTE]Wow nothing at all? That sucks. How about a hot shower?
Posted by Dot Dash[/QUOTE]

<div>That helps a bit. At this point I feel like I've tried everything: warm compresses, hot showers, steam from tea, medication. I haven't tried a netti pot, but I don't have one.</div><div>
</div><div>Allergies are really bad here for everyone right now since we didn't have any real freeze this year. This is my fourth day dealing with them. It seems like only one side of my sinuses closes up at a time, and I can switch sides to give either one a break, but I just miss breathing normally! </div>

SEWF

In Response to <a href="http://forums.theknot.com/Sites/theknot/Pages/Main.aspx/wedding-boards_snarky-brides_quick-question-medication-question?plckFindPostKey=Cat:Wedding%20BoardsForum:17Discussion:22c52457-b518-4392-bd1d-c0d5b152a931Post:34ef60b3-793d-42f4-9892-46cdc62403bf">Re: Quick question- medication question</a>:
[QUOTE]Allergies are the worst! I'm sorry you sick while on vacation. But hopefully Florida will give you a break.
Posted by Dot Dash[/QUOTE]

<div>That's what I'm hoping for. It doesn't help that I work in a bookstore where we buy from the public, so I'm exposed to dust, mildew, mold, and pet dander on a daily basis. So Florida will be a nice break either way.</div>

FutureMrsPaulG

I use that same nasal spray.  I think it would be ok to take a Claritin with it but I'm not a doctor.  Can you leave a message for the doctor asking your question if you can't get in to see him/her?  Most doctors are able to return your call even if it's after business hours or have a nurse do so.  Maybe if you mention you are going out of town...it may add a little sense of urgency to your situation.  As a last resort, you could ask your pharmacist.  They know that kind of information too.  Enjoy your vacation and feel better!

J&K10910

In Response to <a href="http://forums.theknot.com/Sites/theknot/Pages/Main.aspx/wedding-boards_snarky-brides_quick-question-medication-question?plckFindPostKey=Cat:Wedding%20BoardsForum:17Discussion:22c52457-b518-4392-bd1d-c0d5b152a931Post:d8b61ee2-59ad-4584-a09e-0467dd770294">Re: Quick question- medication question</a>:
[QUOTE]I use that same nasal spray.  I think it would be ok to take a Claritin with it but I'm not a doctor.  Can you leave a message for the doctor asking your question if you can't get in to see him/her?  Most doctors are able to return your call even if it's after business hours or have a nurse do so.  Maybe if you mention you are going out of town...it may add a little sense of urgency to your situation. <strong> As a last resort, you could ask your pharmacist.  They know that kind of information too</strong>.  Enjoy your vacation and feel better!
Posted by FutureMrsPaulG[/QUOTE]

False.  This should be your FIRST resort.  That's a pharmacist's JOB.  You're much more likely to get a faster answer (like, right away when you call, not hours later when a nurse calls you back) from a pharmacist.

pinkaurora

I'm an allergy nurse.  We prescribe antihistamines (Claritin) and nasal sprays to be used together all the time.  The nasal spray acts primarily in the nose while the claritin acts systemically.  You'll be fine.

pinkaurora

And as an aside, if OTC meds aren't helping, visit an allergist and have testing done, which can help identify your specific triggers.  They can also advise you on avoidance meaures.  Also, shower/change clothes after being outside to minimize pollen exposure and try to keep windows closed on high pollen days. 

Hope you feel better soon!