This article looks at the cold and flu medications that are safe and those you should avoid.
Ingredients on the labels fall under two categories: inactive and active.
Both alcohol and sugar can raise yourblood glucose levels.
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They may be listed under “inactive ingredients” on the label.
Recap
It’s harder to manage blood sugars when you’re sick.
Cold and flu medications can affect your blood glucose levels.
Be sure to check for inactive ingredients like sugar or alcohol.
Active Ingredients and Diabetes
The active ingredients are the medications.
Some cold and flu remedies have one ingredient, but many of them are combinations of several drugs.
Be sure you’re only taking the medications that fit your symptoms.
Cold and flu products have a few common ingredients to be aware of.
These same drugs can lower a fever.
Suppressants and Expectorants
Decongestants
Common decongestants include:
They’re available in bothnasal spraysand some oral cold medicines.
They work by narrowing swollen blood vessels that cause congestion.
However, oral decongestants containing, phenylephrine are not considered effective decongestants.
They may decrease the effects of insulin ororal diabetes medicationsand lead to high blood sugars.
They can also increaseblood pressure.Use these with caution if you have diabetes.
Antihistamines
Antihistaminesare allergy medications, but they sometimes help with cold and flu symptoms, as well.
Older antihistamines may causelow blood pressurein some people.
They don’t affect diabetes directly.However, people over 65 may be more susceptible toside effects.
These drugs also have a sedative effect, so they may not be safe to use during the day.
They include:
They’re common in combination products as well as single-drug formulations.
Second-generation antihistamines are considered safer than older ones.
Not all cold and flu medications are considered safe for you.
Inactive ingredients may include sugar or alcohol.
They may raise blood sugar levels.
Among active ingredients, pain relievers come with the most warnings.
Decongestants may make diabetes drugs less effective.
Cough suppressants, expectorants, and antihistamines are generally thought to be safe.
A Word From Verywell
Managing a chronic condition can be a lot of work.
Being sick on top of that complicates things even more.
Before you take any cold or flu medications, check with your healthcare provider.
They can guide you toward the ones that are safest for you.
That way, you know you’re doing what’s best for your overall health.
Centers for Disease Control and Prevention.Flu and people with diabetes.
Centers for Disease Control and Prevention.Managing sick days.
2017;178:148-156. doi:10.1016/j.pharmthera.2017.04.004
American Academy of Family Physicians.OTC medicines: know your risks and reduce them.
