Over the Counter Products for Diabetic Patients

OVER-THE-COUNTER PRODUCTS FOR DIABETIC PATIENTSCommunity Health Clinic of Butler County

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OTC Product Selection• Many nonprescription products are marketed specifically for the

diabetic population and are used to manage and treat:• Allergies• Cough/cold and flu symptoms• Dermatologic conditions

• Multivitamin supplements can also be formulated to best suit the needs of people with diabetes

• Most cough and cold products marketed for people with diabetes are formulated to be free of sugar, alcohol, dextrose, sucrose, sorbitol, sodium, fructose, glycerin, dyes, and decongestants.

Allergy Products• Most allergy medications (e.g. antihistamines) do not affect blood

sugar• Examples: Zyrtec® (cetirizine), Claritin® (loratadine), Allegra®

(fexofenadine), and Benadryl® (diphenhydramine)

• Decongestants, however, may cause an increase in blood sugar when taken along with diabetes medications• Examples: pseudoephedrine, phenylephrine• These should be avoided when possible

• Antihistamines and decongestants may be in combination products together and caution should be taken if you are using one of these products—always read the medication label• Examples: Zyrtec®-D, Claritin®-D

Cough and Cold Products

Product Manufacturer

Diabetic Tussin DM Cough Suppressant and ExpectorantDiabetic Tussin DM Maximum Strength Cough

Suppressant and ExpectorantDiabetic Tussin Nighttime Cold & Flu

Health Care Products

Fisherman’s Friend Sugar Free Cough Suppressant Lozenges Lofthouse’s

Hall’s Sugar Free Cough Suppressant Drops & LozengesHall’s Breezers Sugar Free Cough Suppressant Drops &

LozengesCadbury Adams

• Many over-the-counter cough products contain sugar, which can raise blood sugar levels

• Examples of sugar-free cough and cold products for diabetic patients are listed in the table below:

Cough and Cold Products (continued)


N’ICE Sugar Free Cough Suppressant LozengesInsight Pharmaceuticals Inc.

Robitussin Sugar Free Cough + Congestion DM Wyeth Consumer

Ricola Sugar Free Cough Suppressant Throat DropsRicola Sugar Free Cough Drops Ricola USA

Safetussin PM Night Time Cough ReliefSafetussin DM Kramer Labs

Scot-Tussin DM Cough Suppressant & Cold ReliefScot-Tussin Expectorant CoughScot-Tussin Diabetes CF Cough SuppressantScot-Tussin Senior Cough Suppressant & ExpectorantScot-Tussin Original Multi-Symptom Cold and Allergy Relief

Scot-Tussin Pharmacal

Dermatologic Products


Anastasia Diapedic Foot and Leg Treatment Cream Ames Walker

DiabetAid Pain and Tingling Relief Lotion Insight Pharmaceuticals Inc.

DiabetiDerm Foot Rejuvenating CreamDiabetiDerm Heel and Toe CreamDiabetiDerm Antifungal CreamDiabetiDerm Hand and Body Lotion

Healthcare Products

• It is important to take care of your skin, with special focus on the feet• Diabetics often experience decreased sensation in their feet due to

restricted blood flow and damaged nerves• Adding creams and lotions to a daily foot care routine can help promote

and improve foot health• Examples of dermatologic products for diabetic patients are listed in the

table below:

Dermatologic Products (continued)Product ManufacturerDiabetic Basics Healthy Foot & Body Lotion Woodward Labs

Diabet-X Callus TreatmentDiabet-X Moisturizing Body WashDiabet-X Skin Therapeutic Body LotionDiabet-X Hair and Scalp Therapy ShampooDiabet-X Hair and Scalp Therapy ConditionerDiabet-X Daily Prevention Skin Therapy

FNC Medical Corps

Flexitol Diabetic Foot Balm LaCorium HealthNeoteric Oxygenated Advanced Healing CreamNeoteric Diabetic Shampoo and Scalp Care Neoteric Cosmetics Inc.

ReliOn Callus TreatmentReliOn Antifungal Cream Walmart Pharmacies

Zim's Crack Cream, Diabetic Formula Perfecta Products Inc.Zostrix Diabetic Foot Pain Relief Cream Healthcare Products

Multivitamins• People with diabetes often come up short on key nutrients• The most important vitamin for diabetics is Vitamin D

• Common dose: 800-1000 Units/day• Supplementation with B-complex vitamins, vitamin E,

magnesium, and chromium may also improve glycemic control and heart health

• Don’t take a multivitamin with more than 100%-150% of the daily value of each nutrient• May cause more harm than good

Drug Interactions• Some over-the-counter medications may interact with

prescription diabetes medications and cause an increase or decrease in blood sugar

• Sulfonylureas: Diabenese® (chlorpropamide), Glucotrol® (glipizide), DiaBeta®, Micronase® (glyburide), Orinase® (tolbutamide)• Aspirin, magnesium salts, and H2-antagonists such as

cimetidine (Tagamet®), ranitidine (Zantac®), and famotidine (Pepcid®)• These drugs may increase the effectiveness of sulfonylureas, leading to

hypoglycemia• If taking one of these OTC products with a sulfonylurea, it is important to

monitor your blood sugar levels

Drug Interactions (continued)• Insulin

• Large doses of aspirin and other salicylates may increase insulin secretion, resulting in hypoglycemia• Monitor blood sugar levels if taking insulin and aspirin

• Metformin (Glucophage®)• Cimetidine (Tagamet®) can increase metformin concentrations in

the body, resulting in a decrease in blood sugar• Monitor blood sugar levels if taking metformin and cimetidine

Choosing an OTC Product• Patients should always read the medication label before

taking any OTC medication to check for inactive ingredients like sugar or alcohol that may affect blood sugar levels.

• It is important to adhere to the manufacturer’s instructions and warnings on the product’s label.

• Consult your primary care provider or pharmacist before using any nonprescription products, especially if you are unsure about the appropriate use of these products.

References1. Terrie Y. OTC Diabetes Products: Helping Patients with

Selection. Pharmacy Times website. http://www.pharmacytimes.com/publications/issue/2014/october2014/otc-diabetes-products-helping-patients-with-selection/. Updated October 2014. Accessed February 24, 2016.

2. Diabetes Health. U.S. News: Health website. http://health.usnews.com/health-products/diabetes-health-2. Updated June 2014. Accessed February 24, 2016.

3. Rhoades K. Prescribed Medications and OTCs: Interactions and Timing Issues. American Diabetes Association: Diabetes Spectrum. October 2002, vol. 15 no. 4; 256-261.