Question posted by Med-chg1 on 7 Aug 2014
Last updated on 14 February 2020 by Gatorz86
WE ALL have REALLY BAD ALLERGIES.
It's the only thing that works for my boys, & I don't think I can buy it. Well I can't buy enough for the whole family.
So what's a person to do about this ? Once more how many MG's can a family buy a month. Every pharmacy I go to gives me a different amount and or MG's, & 2+2 according to them doesn't equal 4.
Sincerely,
Stuffy
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If it’s allergies, you need a decongestant AND an anti-histimine. I’m told, for a quantity you need, that would be over the legal limit to buy more than 2, 24 hour, Claritin D, 15 pills. You might have to decide who needs more help with congestion, and who needs more help with hay fever symptoms. You may have to settle with Afrin for the ones with the congestion, and Benadryl to stop the release of histamines. Benadryl should only be taken at night. If you still need a pill for the family member with both, then get the Claritin D. As you probably already know, Claritin D is crazy expensive. Zyrtec equivalent is about the same price. Maybe the store has the product branded with their name. That’s usually a cheaper option but, in my experience, they aren’t as good. Good Luck.
I and my son suffer from severe post nasal drip causing severe nausea. The only thing that works is the 4 hour pseudoephedrine. The 12 hour does not work as well for either of us. I have had many people argue with me about this subject. Truth is, neither my PCP or allergy physician argue. I was fearful of getting arrested by the amount that I have to purchase. We truly need to take this sometimes 3 times a day during certain times per year. Other times we don't need it at all. Our pharmacist suggested that I ask for a prescription from my provider. So of coarse I did, no questions asked. Now, my son 13 can take pseudoephedrine at school (from the prescription) and I am no longer in fear of getting arrested for the amount that I need to purchase for 2 people. I hope this helps.
These limits can vary from state to state, it appears. These limits are usually generous enough that if you are using the drug as directed, you wont go over the limits. 3.6 grams per calendar day or more than 9 grams (some states have 7.5 grams, I found, as the limit) per 30 days (can be bought by each person over 18 in a household although some states limit the amount of pills per household rather than per person) is a pretty consistent limit although there are some variations from state to state. Considering that most Sudafed pills contain 30-60mg per pill, 7.5 grams is 125 pills a month of the 60mg (or 150 pills at the 9 gram limit) which is about 4-5 doses per day and that is about consistent with the daily maximum dosage. Pseudoephedrine is a decongestant not an anithistamine so you all may need an antihistamine to combat allergies.
My son and husband have severe allergies and we use Zyrtec with good results and Zyrtec is available in combination with pseudoephedrine as Zyrtec D and it is just 2 doses a day so you should have no problem with purchasing it. It is a time release pill so it lasts longer than regular Sudafed which has to be taken every 4 hours. You may want to consult your Dr about a prescription containing an antihistamine and pseudoephedrine rather than going with the OTC formulations if your children are under 18 and arent able to buy their own OTCs. Pseudoephedrine should never be used in dose above the amount directed because it can affect the heart and blood pressure, cause restlessness and insomnia. The state of Oregon is the only state that requires a prescription for pseuoephedrine and limits to 300 pills in ones possession. Most states require you to show ID and they keep a log of purchases and purchasers. If you are using the medication as directed, you shouldnt have a problem buying it but you do have to buy only a 30 day supply. If you have a spouse or friend over 18, they can purchase too. For more info on your particular state, just google (your state) pseudoephedrine quantity limits and you should be able to find it. It is rather confusing but your PHARMACIST should know the state limits. Ask for the PHARMACIST, not a tech or assistant and they should know what is and what is mot legal for your state. It is a truly ridiculous law that hasnt done a stinking thing to reduce meth production, it just hassles sick people once again. Those of us in the chronic pain community are well aware f the stupidity of our government and their "prohibition" tactics, let me tell you! Good Luck, Stuffy! Hope this helps!
But the FDA and DEA claim its made a huge dent in meth. I found that when I was looking for the limit. Did you know that this act is in the patriot act. What the heck does it have to do with that? A guy was arrested for buying some extra for his son to take to summer camp? Once again the many suffer because of the few.
I found an article that said, it did initially reduce some production but not for long as "loopholes" were found plus I believe I read or heard somewhere that they have started to use a different chemical in place of sudafed. Again, another example of addicts going on their merry way and sick people are left to suffer the consequences!!
The DEA lies through their teeth too. They claim they have made no new laws or is there any "war" against pain medications too! And EVERY pain doc or pharmacist blames the DEA. I get so mad I could spit nails! This Sudafed thing is beyond ridiculous! More an more people's rights are being leeched away in the name of "our protection" and most people have no idea what is going on!
It sounds reasonable and the TV tells me it is a good thing so it must be, right? Urgh!
Insurance stopped paying for my combination medication so I have to buy the pseudoephedrine separately. Going through that process makes me feel like a criminal every time.
Isn't that just a pain in the a@#. Once again we have problems getting meds we need because of idiots who abuse it. Have you tried getting it with an antihistamine? Like zyrtec D. I don't know if that makes a difference or not, just wondering. Here is what the federal law states 30 day purchase limit not to exceed 9 grams of pseudoephedrine base in regulated products (misdemeanor possession offense under 21 USC 844a for the individual who buys it)
Bear in mind that individual states may have more restrictive laws. If you have a prescription there is no limit.
The info I found also applies to prescription as well as OTC in some states. They word it "sold or dispensed" so that would include prescriptions too but there is a lot of variation from state to state but on the federal level the limit is 9 Gms. Some states have it classified as a schedule III (Oregon) and some a schedule V. Another idiotic oxymoron tactic by our stupid government to hassle sick people some more!
It doesn't make a difference if it's with or without an antihistamine - at least not where I live.
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