My husband often suffers from congestion problems during changes in cabin pressure while flying. He takes Sudafed out of habit. Does anyone know whether Claritan would be a better choice in terms of strength and speed of effect?
Programs: DL-Dirt Medallion;US-Cast Iron Preferred; HH-Gold; Avis First
Posts: 1,746
Claritin is an antihistimine, not a decongestant, so they are not exactly comparable. I personally find antihistimines to do a better job by drying me up, rather than using decongestants, which work more by loosening things up. I usually use Claritin or Allegra, since older antihistimines such as Benadryl and Actifed can make you woozy, and cause problems sleeping.
__________________
"The greatest calamity which could befall us would be submission to a government of unlimited powers."
I don't like things that dry me up when I'll be flying in an already over-dry environment. Sudafed/Benadryl for really bad congestion, advil cold & sinus for less severe ones.
Honestly, though, the best one I've found is a home cure. Pour a shot of Jack Daniels, add 1 tbsp of Tabasco, stir and shoot (try not to get too much on your tongue). In a minute my sinuses start to drain themselves empty, the nose runs then clears, and I relax and forget about the flu.
Programs: AA EXP/2.7MM, UA 3P, Hyatt DIA, SPG PLT, HH Gold, and happily just a FT general member.
Posts: 9,461
Since this isn't really a "women" specific issue (especially since its a man who is congested here!), I'm going to move this to travel buzz (since its related to travel congestion).
My husband often suffers from congestion problems during changes in cabin pressure while flying. He takes Sudafed out of habit. Does anyone know whether Claritan would be a better choice in terms of strength and speed of effect?
Programs: UA 1K, HH Diamond, National ExElite, Anti-Apostheid Platinum, PWP CentCom
Posts: 2,240
The PE stuff is less effective (according to a pharmacist who has been friends with my wife since school). They're pushing it so that they can keep retail shelf space and keep sales up since you have to go to the pharmacy counter now to get pseudoephedrine.
__________________ Join the FT Flickr group and share your travel photos!
PWP!
Sudafed/Benadryl for really bad congestion, advil cold & sinus for less severe ones.
Advil Cold and Sinus and the same medicine as Sudafed; it's just the Advil has Ibuprofen in it. Read the box of the medicine and it can tell you how much of the Pseuphedrine (sudafed) is in each dose.
)
Join the 
It is high. It is far. It is GONE !!!!! 
