Drug Topics - March 10, 2008 - (Page 66) 66 DRUG TOPICS MARCH 10, 2008 www.drugtopics.com Self-Care New OTCs just in time for allergy season Sandra Levy pring is almost here. That means that consumers will be combing the aisles in search of products that provide relief from the symptoms of allergies. Manufacturers are nipping at each other’s heels to unleash new treatments. Here’s a look at some of the innovative products: S Remedies galore McNeil Consumer Healthcare is premiering Children’s Benadryl Allergy Perfect Measure, a pre-measured amount of cherry-flavored Children’s Benadryl liquid allergy medicine in portable, individually wrapped spoons. Each pre-filled spoon contains the histamine blocker diphenhydramine, the active ingredient that is intended to help relieve symptoms such as sneezing; runny nose; itchy, watery eyes; and itchy throat, caused by hay fever or other upper respiratory allergies and/or runny nose and sneezing due to the common cold. The product is available in a package of 10 pre-filled single-use spoons. McNeil is also trotting out Tylenol Allergy MultiSymptom Rapid Release Gels, with specially designed holes to release medicine fast. The item combines allergy medicine with the pain relief of Tylenol. The product is intended to relieve symptoms of hay fever or other upper respiratory allergies including headache, sinus congestion and pressure, nasal congestion as well as itching of the nose or throat. McNeil is unveiling its new line of Zyrtec OTC items for adults and children. The adult line-up includes Zyrtec 10 mg for indoor and outdoor allergies and Zyrtec-D tablets. In August Zyrtec Hives Relief will be available. For children, the company is offering Zyrtec Chewable 5 mg and 10 mg (for ages six and up), Zyrtec Allergy Syrup (for ages two and up), and Zyrtec Hives Relief Syrup (for ages six and up). Schering-Plough is getting in on the act by touting its Claritin nondrowsy allergy medication in a new promotion featuring NASCAR star Carl Edwards. Edwards will serve as spokesperson for the Claritin “Clear to Drive” campaign. A sweepstakes planned for later this year will give five fans the opportunity to win a trip around the track with EdNew Claritin ad camwards, or a Ford Mustang. paign features NASCAR Iovate Health Sciences is star Carl Edwards. unveiling AllergyMD Rapid-Tabs All-Season Allergy Relief Formula. The homeopathic tablet, which contains echinacea, is supposed to provide relief from allergy symptoms including sneezing; runny nose; itchy, watery eyes; hay fever; and nasal congestion. The firm claims it is non-drowsy. Botanical Laboratories is launching NastraBio Allergy Relief Non-Drowsy Tablets for the relief of runny nose; sneezing; itchy, watery eyes; hay fever; allergies; and upset stomach. The product contains echinacea angustifolia. Airborne Seasonal Relief is a new effervescent tablet that is supposed to be dissolved in water. The product is supposed to promote normal histamine levels. The firm claims the formula is non-drowsy. Ingredients include Vitamin C and Vitamin B6. The item is available in citrus blend. Allergy tests ImmuneTech is launching MyAllergyTest, a home test that requires a finger stick of blood, which is mailed to the Immune Tech lab for analysis. The kit tests for pollens such as Timothy grass, Bermuda grass, Mountain cedar (juniper), ragweed, mold, cat hair, foods (milk, egg white, and wheat), and dust mites. HollisterStier Laboratories is unveiling ComforTen Multiple Skin Test System, a 10test, self-loading surgical steel allergy testing device. The device features 10 surgical steel 1.2mm lancet tips, which the firm claims create minimal skin trauma for comfortable testing of allergies, including foods and tree pollens. DT http://www.drugtopics.com
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