News

Cold sores are a quite common complaint year-round, but seems to become more frequent this time of the year.  Cold sores occur in 20% – 40% of the US population.  It is estimated that 67% of the population are affected by the virus. For most healthy people the sore...

Topical nasal corticoids have emerged as the MOST effective treatment of stuffy nose due to allergies. These nasal sprays are more effective than oral antihistamines for relief of total nasal symptoms, including blockage, sneezing, discharge, itch and postnasal drip, and. Currently two are available without prescription, with more to...

Let’s assume that you bought your hygrometer (humidity monitor) and your child is congested and you want to run a humidifier in your kid’s bedroom.  Your Thompson Pharmacist can help make the best and safest selection and provide tips to care for your humidifier. TYPES of HUMIDIFIERS “Cool Mist”...

We pharmacists frequently get questions about choosing a humidifier.  Your Thompson Pharmacist can help you make that decision but here is some pertinent information. Every homeowner should own a hygrometer that measures temperature and relative humidity. The ideal relative humidity for health and comfort is about 40-50%. A local...

Since March 9, 2006, retail over-the-counter sales of ephedrine and pseudoephedrine have been regulated because of their use in the manufacture of methamphetamine. Pseudoephedrine and ephedrine were moved behind pharmacy counter (BTC); positive identification was needed to purchase these products. Patients must produce some official ID such as a...

We dispense a lot of cough suppressants this time of year, when the OTC preps are ineffective.  We have two entirely different cough suppressants available by prescription only.  Both are swallowed, but one works centrally and the other locally in the lungs.  Remember that cough is only a symptom...

Dextromethorphan is the d-isomer of the codeine analog of levorphanol. Older “seasoned” pharmacists remember dispensing levorphanol under the brand name of Levo-Dromoran a Schedule-2 narcotic made by Roche and FDA approved in 1953.  It is still available as a generic for almost $40.00 per PILL! Dextromethorphan is a codeine...

As we continue to exchange germs, lets expand on last week’s discussion of treatment of cough.  There are two sites of action for the treatment of cough.  Remember that a cough is our body’s way of removing that which doesn’t belong in our lungs.  The first decision to be...