Decongestant question for Canadians

[cmph]

What OTC product is effective, since I know regular Sudafed (pseudoephedrine) is banned in Canada? We've had a head cold running through our household, and it's the only thing we use at home that actually works! But there must be some non-prescription alternative in Canada that we can buy once we get there. Googling is getting odd results, so I told DH I would ask the friendly Canadians on the disboards.

 

[g_ppetto]

Is it banned or 'show us your ID to get the meds we keep behind the counter'?

 

[FigmentSpark]

My bottle of Advil Cold and Sinus (bought in Canada off the shelf) contains 30mg of Pseudoephedrine Hydrochloride. I know the Tylenol Complete also contains that (in addition to other things, like expectorant) Would that be what you're looking for? I find it best to ask a pharmacist what products will do the job for the symptoms I have, particularly if I'm taking other things, like antihistamines to make sure they don't react with each other.

 

[southerngirl528]

Sudafed/Pseudoephedrine is a decongestant, not an antihistamine.

I find it best to ask a pharmacist what products will do the job for the symptoms I have,

Always excellent advice!

One will find "Sudafed" on the shelves here in the U.S., but it is not pseudoephedrine. One must show their drivers license to the pharmacist and purchase at the pharmacist's counter to get the real thing. If you are having issues with congestion as opposed to runny nose/itchy, etc., it's hard to beat the real thing Sudafed. If one's symptoms are less congestion and more a runny nose, etc., then an antihistamine is in order. It is okay to take both together, as many allergy and cold meds use both, but one should always be aware of any medical history that would contraindicate using them. So asking that pharmacist or your Dr., is always wise.

 

[Maggie'sMom]

I thought Canada was similar to the US in the regulation of pseudoephedrine in that you have to buy it at the pharmacy counter and produce ID, but it isn't outright banned. I did a quick Google search that didn't turn up any references to a total ban on it.

Mexico is a very different situation. They have a total ban on it and you should not travel with it if you are going to Mexico.

 

[mevelandry]

What OTC product is effective, since I know regular Sudafed (pseudoephedrine) is banned in Canada? We've had a head cold running through our household, and it's the only thing we use at home that actually works! But there must be some non-prescription alternative in Canada that we can buy once we get there. Googling is getting odd results, so I told DH I would ask the friendly Canadians on the disboards.

Pseusoephedrine is not banned in Canada. I buy decongestants that contains it every winter (Tylenol Cold). No need for a prescription.

 

[hcox31]

Advil cold and sinus is our go to for a head cold. For the adults anyway. I'll give my kids benadryl to dry up their nose.

 

[cruiser21]

What OTC product is effective, since I know regular Sudafed (pseudoephedrine) is banned in Canada? We've had a head cold running through our household, and it's the only thing we use at home that actually works! But there must be some non-prescription alternative in Canada that we can buy once we get there. Googling is getting odd results, so I told DH I would ask the friendly Canadians on the disboards.

Why don't you just bring it from home?

 

[cmph]

Why don't you just bring it from home?

I read from a link on here last year (which I can't find now, of course) that it's banned from bringing into Canada from abroad... which I assumed was to prevent people from bringing massive quantities in for nefarious reasons. I mistakenly leaped to the assumption that it was banned overall. Thanks, @mevelandry and others for clarifying that it is available! Hopefully not an issue without a Canadian ID.

It's really the only thing that works well for decongestant purposes, the PE stuff is terrible and pointless. And yes, just looking for the straight-up decongestant, not an antihistamine or combination med!

 

[cruiser21]

I read from a link on here last year (which I can't find now, of course) that it's banned from bringing into Canada from abroad... which I assumed was to prevent people from bringing massive quantities in for nefarious reasons. I mistakenly leaped to the assumption that it was banned overall. Thanks, @mevelandry and others for clarifying that it is available! Hopefully not an issue without a Canadian ID.

It's really the only thing that works well for decongestant purposes, the PE stuff is terrible and pointless. And yes, just looking for the straight-up decongestant, not an antihistamine or combination med!

I've flown into Canada several times they've never asked me about any OTC meds. I haven't had a head cold in about 15 years, but I do agree it's the best thing for it. It also can improve athletic performance. I can confirm this as someone that used to run marathons. I think it's banned by IOC now. Of course it also can be used to produce Meth.

 

[we"reofftoneverland]

I love sudafed and agree it is the only thing that works. I have found for about the last 15 years, over the counter stuff no longer works. Like they have taken the effective ingredients out. I end up needing sudafed maybe once a year. However, a few months ago I ended up trying Zyrtec for a cold (All we had in the house. DH uses it for allergies. ) It was amazing and completely dried out my nasal cavity.

 

[marcyleecorgan]

Yes the OTC versions in the USA are not the same chemical anymore. We still have it in Canada though, and it's OTC. Most likely it's in a locked cabinet at the pharmacy desk and you have to buy it at that register till.

Our country is having more of a crisis with opioids than with methamphetamines though. homebrew distillation of sudafed is not high on the list of things to crack down on...LOL

Now... if you are in Canada and you need Dramamine or motion sickness meds, you're going to struggle to find that OTC. what they sell mostly OTC are basically ginger candies. And we don't have bonine.

 

[FigmentSpark]

Canada sells Gravol, which does have a Ginger version, but also an original version which is essentially the same as dramamine.

 

[Maggie'sMom]

Yes the OTC versions in the USA are not the same chemical anymore. We still have it in Canada though, and it's OTC. Most likely it's in a locked cabinet at the pharmacy desk and you have to buy it at that register till.

The US still has the same old real pseudoephedrine for sale "OTC". It is kept behind the pharmacy counter, you have to provide ID to purchase it, and there are limits as to how much you can purchase, but you don't need a prescription for it. The alternative for it is available on out on the regular shelves, but it is crap and doesn't do anything.

 

[southerngirl528]

Now... if you are in Canada and you need Dramamine or motion sickness meds, you're going to struggle to find that OTC. what they sell mostly OTC are basically ginger candies. And we don't have bonine.

Bonine (trade name) is Meclizine, and is readily available in the U.S. off the counter. Be certain to read the ingredients though if you want real Bonine. Real Bonine is Meclizine, and works way better than Dramamine IMO, and with less drowsiness and longer acting. I have a DD that has suffered w/motion sickness since she was small. Her pediatric neurologist recommended Bonine, and it still is her "go-to" before a trip.

 

[Starwind]

Canada sells Gravol, which does have a Ginger version, but also an original version which is essentially the same as dramamine.

This is correct. However, Canada does NOT sell the "Dramamine Less Drowsy" version [meclizine]. Actually, you can't get meclizine at all OTC in Canada and I am not even sure if it is available by Rx.

SW

 

[bumbershoot]

I have found for about the last 15 years, over the counter stuff no longer works. Like they have taken the effective ingredients out.

You can still get the pseudoephedrine in the US. Just don’t get the “PE” version. Because that seems to be phenylephrine.

They must have had Disney namers working in that, since PE is an abbreviation that covers both drug names, like Disney enjoys creating things that have the same abbreviations (splash and space mountain for instance).

Yes the OTC versions in the USA are not the same chemical anymore. We still have it in Canada though, and it's OTC.

You can still get it in the US. I have Sudafed .com and .ca pulled up and am looking at ingredients.

They just both have many products, and you have to look at drug names, not formulation names.

This is correct. However, Canada does NOT sell the "Dramamine Less Drowsy" version [meclizine]. Actually, you can't get meclizine at all OTC in Canada and I am not even sure if it is available by Rx.

SW

Makes sense since bonine isn’t allowed.

 

[mevelandry]

Canada sells Gravol, which does have a Ginger version, but also an original version which is essentially the same as dramamine.

This. I usually take Gravol Ginger... but I always keep regular Gravol with me (you'll need to ask a pharmacist and they'll give it to you) in case we encounter rough seas.

 

[Starwind]

This. I usually take Gravol Ginger... but I always keep regular Gravol with me (you'll need to ask a pharmacist and they'll give it to you) in case we encounter rough seas.

Regular gravel is sold over the counter in Canada. You should not need to ask a pharmacist for it. But note it is he stuff that makes most people drowsy.

 

[Starwind]

I read from a link on here last year (which I can't find now, of course) that it's banned from bringing into Canada from abroad... which I assumed was to prevent people from bringing massive quantities in for nefarious reasons. I mistakenly leaped to the assumption that it was banned overall. Thanks, @mevelandry and others for clarifying that it is available! Hopefully not an issue without a Canadian ID.

It's really the only thing that works well for decongestant purposes, the PE stuff is terrible and pointless. And yes, just looking for the straight-up decongestant, not an antihistamine or combination med!

Visitors to Canada can import a smallness amount of pseudoephedrine for personal use during their trip.
However there are quantity limitations (including specific mass limits) and rules to follow.
If you plan to bring in any medication (Rx or otc) it is worthwhile doing some research to understand the rules. The Canada Border Services website is a good place to start.

As for the Bonnie/meclizine issue. It is not banned here you just can’t buy it because no company sell it in Canada. If you search the health Canada approved drug products website you will learn the meclizine is approved but not currently on the market.

Again becoming familiar with Canada’s rules for the importation of medications (includes Rx and otc) is wise for anyone planning to visit Canada and bring medication with them. Same goes for visiting other countries - some countries hve some unexpected rules (eg Benadryl is banned in at least one country).