SELF-CARE

Make way for flotilla of new products to relieve winter woes

Autumn is here, with Old Man Winter not far behind. Many people will soon be seeking relief from coughs, colds, and sore throats as well as seasonal allergies. What new products will pharmacists have on hand to recommend to patients?

Consider the following new offerings:

McNeil Consumer & Specialty Pharmaceuticals, Ft. Washington, Pa., is trotting out Tylenol Sinus Severe Congestion for the relief of sinus pain, pressure, and congestion. The caplets, which contain guaifenesin, pseudoephedrine HCl, and acetaminophen, are available in the following sizes: 12 count, at a suggested retail price of $3.49; 24 count, for $5.49; and 48 count, priced at $8.99.

Also debuting from McNeil are Tylenol Allergy Sinus Day/Night and Tylenol Flu Day/Night convenience packs. Both products are available in a 24-count pack at a suggested retail price of $5.99.

Bayer Consumer Care, Morristown, N.J., is launching Alka-Seltzer Plus Ready Relief fast-dissolving tablets for nasal congestion, runny nose, sneezing, and sinus pressure. The medication contains pseudoephedrine HCl and chlorpheniramine maleate. Twelve-count packages are available in orange zest or cool mint flavor.

CNS Inc., Eden Prairie, Minn., is rolling out a portable vaporizer, Breathe Right Vapor Shot! The product, intended for aged six and older, is formulated to soothe congestion. Users are directed to drop an effervescent tablet into a cup, cover the cup with a vapor-concentrating lid, and inhale the vapors. The suggested retail price of Breathe Right Vapor Shot! is $5.99 to $7.99.

Tom's of Maine, Kennebunk, Maine, is offering Tom's of Maine Natural Immune Boost, a liquid herbal extract blend that contains organically grown echinacea, ginger, elderberry, and hibiscus. Child and adult formulations have a suggested retail price of $13.99.

Not to be outdone, The Quigley Corp., Doylestown, Pa., is unpacking Cold-Eeze Nasal Spray Cold Remedy, a zinc gluconate nasal spray that contains aloe vera. The suggested retail price is $9.99 to $11.99. Also new from Quigley is Kidz-Eeze, a pectin lollypop for soothing and healing inflamed throats. A bag of 10 lollypops has a suggested retail price of $2.99 to $3.49 and contains an assortment of four flavors: cherry, grape, orange, and bubble gum. The pops, recommended for children aged three and older, contain zinc gluconate and vitamin C.

Combe Inc., White Plains, N.Y., is taking the wraps off Cepacol Extra Strength Citrus Lozenges for soothing sore throat pain. There are 18 lozenges in a box, at a suggested retail price of $4.25.

Ricola USA, Morris Plains, N.J., is introducing Nature's Protection Vitamin C Supplement Drops. They are available in elderberry and cranberry. A second new entry is Refreshers Throat Drops, in lemon-mint and elderflower flavors.

SaltAire, New York City, is offering SaltAire Sunus Relief, a drug-free, pH-balanced hypertonic saline solution designed for those who suffer from sinus-, allergy-, and environmental pollutant-related nasal discomfort. The suggested retail price for a 14-oz. dispenser bottle with solution is $12.50.

Wyeth Consumer Healthcare, Madison, N.J., is getting into the act with Robitussin CoughGels, a single-ingredient cough suppressant in a liquid-filled capsule formulation. The product contains dextromethorphan. A 20-count bottle retails for $5.69.

Wyeth Consumer Healthcare is also bringing out Alavert (loratadine orally disintegrating tablets) for 24-hour allergy relief of the symptoms of allergic rhinitis and other respiratory allergies. The tablets dissolve instantly on the tongue with or without water. Available in a six-count trial size and in 12-, 24- and 48-count quantities, the product is intended for patients who are six and older.

Prestige Brands International, Bonita Springs, Fla., is unleashing Chloraseptic Relief Strips. The wafer-thin strips contain benzocaine and menthol for the relief of sore throat pain. Two 20-count strips come in a pack. The suggested retail price is $5.29.

Finally, Little Remedies, Melville, N.Y., is unveiling Little Colds Sore Throat Saf-T-Pops. The pops, which contain 19 mg of pectin as well as vitamin C, come in a natural grape flavor. The product is targeted for ages three and up. A 12-count bag retails for $3.79. Also just out are Little Colds Sore Throat Strips. Each strip contains 19 mg of pectin along with vitamin C. Available in a natural grape flavor, the strips contain no benzocaine or artificial dyes. A 24-count package retails for $3.79.

Sandra Levy

 

Sandra Levy. Make way for flotilla of new products to relieve winter woes. Drug Topics Sep. 15, 2003;147:49.