Many remedies await sneezes brought on by spring breezes

Karen C. Tully Arizona Daily Wildcat Various medicines are available for students suffering from spring and summer pollen allergies. Pharmacists recommend that students use caution when buying over-the-counter medicine.

"I become very sensitive to everything in the air and my nose and eyelids itch like crazy," said Bob Zuur, a senior majoring in East Asian Studies. "It's horrible."

The number of over-the-counter choices for allergy sufferers is growing, but the choice is not as simple as picking the best-looking one, said Mike Rukasin, a pharmacist at University Drug, 943 E. University Blvd.

"There are several factors I have to find out about before I can recommend one medicine over another," he said.

Rukasin said he asks students whether they are taking any other medications that would cause possible interactions. He also wants students to determine whether they can tolerate the feeling of drowsiness that accompanies over-the-counter medications.

"It really depends on an individual's metabolism and what the drug does in the system," Rukasin said. "The antihistamines often make people sleepy, and people should stay away from that."

Zuur said he takes both a prescription and over-the-counter medicines, but said the over-the-counter medicine works better. He said it does not make him drowsy and he only has to take it every 12 hours.

Rukasin said more prescriptions are filled and more people need advice on allergy medications at this time of year.

Dr. Michael Schumacher, chief of allergy and immunology at University Medical Center, said he recommends over-the-counter medicines for mild symptoms, but that people have to be careful because of the sedative effects, especially while driving. He said spring is definitely a busy time of year for him.

"Generally, I tell people to use the antihistamine at night only if they can get away with it. They also shouldn't drink (alcohol)," he said.

Non-sedating antihistamines, Schumacher said, are available by prescription. He said over-the-counter decongestants and eyedrops for itchy eyes are fine for people to use. Over-the-counter nasal sprays, however, can actually make the symptoms worse if overused.