I knock myself out with Nyquil. Most FA's tell me they use Sudafed.

Please note, if you don't already know it, that Sudafed is a stimulant - so it's not likely to help you get to sleep! http://www.flyertalk.com/forum/wink.gif

More importantly note that the FDA is currently trying to ban PPA, due to its' harmful side effects which include a possible propensity toward hemmoraghic stroke, even particularly in young women!

PPA is widely found in oral decongestants, yet many cold remedies use the far more safe alternative pseudoephedrine(Sudafed). Look instead for that name on the ingredient list. Nasal sprays are also another alternative. Please note that PPA also is now the only non-prescription appetite suppressant available. So any dieters should probably call their physician about this if using drugs to slim down. http://www.flyertalk.com/forum/frown.gif

So, in short, AVOID PPA! http://www.flyertalk.com/forum/eek.gif


Here's some links now out!:
http://www.nytimes.com/aponline/scie...g-Warning.html
http://www.nytimes.com/aponline/nati...g-Warning.html
http://www.nytimes.com/2000/11/06/sc...6CND-DRUG.html
http://www.nytimes.com/2000/11/06/bu...6WIRE-PPA.html


UPDATE: But that is when a clerk waylaid Ms. Moona's relief plans, confiscating her cough syrup. "I can't sell this," the clerk said, "because it's on the list.""The list" referred to popular over-the-counter medicines like Robitussin, Triaminic, Dimetapp and close to 400 others that were named in a Food and Drug Administration warning and are being taken off the shelves of many pharmacies.

In the wake of the F.D.A.'s advisory against phenylpropanolamine, an ingredient used as a decongestant in many cold remedies and in appetite suppressants, the exasperating scenario that confronted Ms. Moona was commonplace across the city and the country as consumers and druggists sought to make sense of the new advisory.
http://www.nytimes.com/2000/11/08/nyregion/08PHAR.html




[This message has been edited by doc (edited 11-08-2000).]

Yes, best advice is *Don't.*

But if you must, do this: Go to your physician. Tell her (or him) what the situation is. At this point, you will have 2 options:

1. Do what she says. (i.e., stay out of the plane)
2. Get some drug regimen that might, just might, save your ears. And, I don't know just how to say this...um...but it all depends on how familiar she is with your personal situation. The more so, the better the alternatives that may be offered. I guess what I'm trying to say, is, is she going to be afraid of being sued for malpractice if you suffer a ruptured eardrum, or if this happens, is she going to rag your butt unmercifully in hopes of returning you to sanity and then treat you so you anyway so as to try to prevent any permanent hearing loss if worse comes to worst? (and, yeah, I know, worst isn't correct here, but it is what we use in the South).

I guess what I'm trying to say here, is that in regards to this question, as well as many other related ones, is that if you go outside the typical man-in-the-street envelope, you really, really, need to develop a close and trusting relationship with your physician.

So, what was the final answer?

Yes the study was flawed, they believe in TINY doses. Linus Pauling recommended 10,000 mg Vit C. per day! I take 1000-2000 mg per hour, if something is starting. YES, it does work for many people for over 30 years.

Wear a mask to prevent giving others disease. In Japan, they are considerate enough to do it.

Here we go - love the search function! :) Sudafed is better than Tylenol Sinus?

Of course, avoiding flying is best.

If not, then I find over-the-counter remedies ineffective, and prescription ones overkill.

A small bottle of menthol eucalyptus oil, and a big pack of tissues work best for me...