Spring into summer with these new items

Spring has sprung and that means for the next few months consumers will be perusing the aisles in search of remedies for an assortment of annoying warm weather maladies, including poison ivy, allergies, insect bites, and overexertion.

Pharmacists may want to tell patients about the following hot products that have sprouted up to treat some of these nuisances.

Tec Laboratories, Albany, Ore., is breaking out Tecnu Extreme, a one-step cleansing scrub and treatment for poison oak, ivy, and sumac. According to Tec, Tecnu Extreme is effective in preventing and/or treating the rash. Tecnu Extreme combines Grindelia robusta, an itch-relieving, rash-healing active ingredient, with an exfoliating scrub to remove the rash-causing substance called urushiol. The product comes in a stand-alone 4-oz. tube and has a suggested retail price of $14.99.

Zanfel is offering Zanfel Poison Ivy Wash for poison ivy, oak, and sumac. The firm claims the topical solution removes urushiol from the skin, enabling the affected area to immediately begin healing. In addition, the company claims the product relieves itching and pain within three seconds after use. The suggested retail price is $39.99.

Hyland's is making available the IvyBlock line of products for poison ivy, poison oak, and poison sumac prevention and treatment. The line contains bentoquatam, which serves as an absorbent barrier that blocks the allergenic oil in poisonous plants from reaching the skin. The line features IvyBlock Lotion, Ivy Cleanse Towelettes, Ivy Soothe 1% Hydrocortisone Cream, and Ivy Complete, which is a combination package that includes all three products. The suggested retail price for a 4-oz. bottle of IvyBlock lotion is $11.99. For more information, visit http://www.ivyblock.com/.

SC Johnson is arming consumers with OFF! Deep Woods Insect Repellent Towelettes. The individually wrapped towelettes contain 25% DEET and are intended to provide protection from mosquitoes that may carry the West Nile Virus as well as bothersome biting flies, gnats, and fleas. The company said the towelettes can be applied to the face and neck. The suggested retail price is $4.69 for a 12-count package.

Boiron, Newton Square, Pa., is getting into the act with Sportenine, a new homeopathic product for consumers who may have taken their spring fever to the extreme. The product, which contains Arnica Montana, is intended to improve stamina, promote recovery, and reduce the risk of muscle cramps, aches, pains, exhaustion, and muscular fatigue due to prolonged physical effort. The suggested retail price is $10.60 for 22 lemon-flavored chewable tablets.

Matrixx Initiatives, Phoenix, is offering Zicam Allergy Relief, a no-drip liquid nasal gel for the relief of sneezing; runny nose; itchy, watery eyes; nasal congestion; and sinus pressure. The homeopathic gel's active ingredients include Luffa operculata, Galphimia glauca, Histaminum hydrochloricum, and sulfur. The suggested retail price is $10.99.

McNeil Consumer & Specialty Pharmaceuticals is helping consumers battle allergies with the introduction of Tylenol Allergy Complete Caplets with Cool Burst to relieve the symptoms of sinus pain, sinus pressure, nasal congestion, runny nose/sneezing, and itchy, watery eyes. The firm recently ran a full-page freestanding ad in Sunday newspapers. The ad featured a $1 coupon and read, "Our allergies include a variety of symptoms. Shouldn't your allergy medicine relieve them all?"

Ingredients in Tylenol Allergy Complete include acetaminophen, chlorpheniramine maleate, and pseudoephedrine HCl. The product is intended for adults and children 12 years and older.