---

University Health Service (UHS)

Purchasing Medications at UHS

With so many medications to choose from when you have a cold or flu, choosing the best product can be tough. Most cold symptoms can be relieved with over-the-counter (OTC) medications. Many medications you may need can be purchased from UHS. There are also several other locations on and off campus where OTC medications can be purchased. They are listed in this brochure. At UHS, you can pay by check or charge the cost to your tuition bill.

Most cold and flu preparations contain a combination of ingredients, so it is important to read the labels of each product. Sometimes, if you take more than one product, you are actually getting a double dose of an active ingredient and/or not getting enough of another.

Purchasing Medications at UHS for Your Cold

Available at the UHS River Campus Office and the UHS Medical Center Office - No appointment is needed to purchase cold care medications or other OTC medications.

For nasal congestion, thick mucus, and/or sinus headache:
• Tylenol® (Acetaminophen)
• Sudafed® (Pseudoephedrine)
• Robitussin® (Guifenesin to thin mucus)
• Salt packets

For congestion with cough:
• Tylenol® (Acetaminophen)
• Sudafed® (Pseudoephedrine)
• Robitussin DM® (Guifenesin/Dextromethorphan to thin mucus and suppress cough. Avoid taking if on antidepressants.)
• Thermometer
• Salt packets

For a fever:
• Advil® (Ibuprofen)
• Tylenol® (Acetaminophen)
• Thermometer

For runny nose/ sore throat/fever:
• Tylenol®
• Sudafed®
• Thermometer
• Salt packets

For a sore throat:
• Advil® (Ibuprofen) (Acetaminophen)
• Extra Strength Tylenol®
• Cepastat Lozenges®

Tips for Taking Over-The-Counter (OTC) Medications

• Check the package for tampering and expiration dates. Do not purchase products with a broken safety seal or with past expiration dates.
• Use OTC medications for temporary use only, unless instructed by a health care provider.
• Read the entire label on the package. It is important to know the contents, warnings, and directions of each medication.
• AVOID TAKING ASPIRIN - Young adults should avoid taking aspirin for cold symptoms. Aspirin, which contains salicylates, has been implicated in the development of Reye Syndrome, an uncommon, but serious complication of viral illnesses, such as colds in children and young adults. Tylenol® is a better choice.

UHS Care of Colds and Flu Information

For information about caring for your cold symptoms, check the UHS Cold Self-Care Center on the UHS Web site. Included is information about care for a cough, nasal congestion, fever, and sore throat.

---