Latest news with #Sudafed
The Independent
2 days ago
- The Independent
Common over-the-counter medications that may be restricted abroad
Many common over-the-counter medications, such as Sudafed and Benadryl, are illegal or strictly regulated in various countries due to differing international drug laws. Ingredients like pseudoephedrine (Sudafed), codeine, and diphenhydramine (Benadryl) are restricted or prohibited in destinations including Japan, Mexico, the UAE, Greece, Indonesia, and Zambia. ADHD medications like Adderall and Ritalin are often classified as controlled substances and may require prior approval for entry into countries such as the UAE, Japan, Singapore, and South Korea. Failure to comply with these regulations can lead to severe consequences, including confiscation of medication, fines, detention, or even arrest. Travelers are advised to research their destination's specific drug laws, keep medications in original packaging, carry original prescriptions and doctor's notes, and consult official resources like embassy websites before traveling.
The Independent
2 days ago
- The Independent
The common U.S. medications that are banned overseas and what to know ahead of your next trip
Travelers often assume that over-the-counter medications are harmless to pack, but international drug laws may tell a different story. U.S. staples like Sudafed and Benadryl are banned or strictly regulated in a number of countries, making preparation essential for hassle-free travel. Some countries even require special permits or advance approval for common medications. Here are some OTC drugs you may not think twice about packing for your next trip abroad, but could require a doctor's note or previous preparation for smooth entry. Sudafed and Pseudoephedrine restrictions Pseudoephedrine, the active ingredient in cold decongestant Sudafed, is prohibited in destinations such as Japan and Mexico. Bringing it in without awareness may result in a seizure at customs. Codeine: A controlled substance abroad OTC medications containing codeine, commonly used in cough suppressants or pain relievers, face strict restrictions in multiple countries. For instance, the UAE, Japan, Greece, and Indonesia all consider codeine a controlled substance and may require prior approval or a doctor's note to allow entry. Benadryl (Diphenhydramine) May Be Flagged Internationally The antihistamine diphenhydramine, present in Benadryl, is restricted in places including Japan and Zambia. It can be confiscated at customs and may only be allowed with proper documentation. ADHD medications Travelers bringing along ADHD medications like Adderall and Ritalin may require prior approval before entry into the UAE, Japan, Singapore, and South Korea. Often classified as controlled substances, these substances may require documentation or approval for special permits for entry. What to know before you go Travelers should always do their research on the country they are visiting and their respective drug laws. Even though it's sometimes handy to put your medications into a fun little travel organizer or loose in your luggae, experts encourage travelers to keep their OTC drugs in their original bottles. 'Optics matter. This can create more of a headache when navigating questions than the medications are meant to help,' Quinn English of FreeQuinnt Flyer, told Travel and Leisure. 'Always travel with the original prescription bottle on your person so they can be easily examined and can help answer immediate questions related to the condition,' she added. Traveling with a written copy of your prescriptions and/or a doctor's note is also suggested. The potential consequences of entering a country with illegal OTC drugs can range from paying a fine to being detained or arrested. The CDC and travel expert Katy Nastro recommend checking the U.S. Embassy website for your destination, and consulting groups like the International Narcotics Control Board or the International Pharmaceutical Federation for medication -specific rules.
Arab Times
19-07-2025
- Health
- Arab Times
Common medications you shouldn't take with coffee
NEW YORK, July 19: For many people, a day isn't complete without coffee. It's energizing and widely enjoyed worldwide. However, caffeine in coffee can interfere with some medicines, affecting how well they work or causing unwanted side effects. Tea also contains caffeine but usually in smaller amounts, so its impact differs. Here's what you need to know about coffee's effects on common medications—and how to use them safely. 1. Cold and flu medications Caffeine is a stimulant, as is pseudoephedrine, a common decongestant in cold remedies like Sudafed. When taken together, they can amplify side effects such as jitters, headaches, rapid heartbeat, insomnia, and restlessness. Some cold medicines already contain caffeine, increasing these risks. Studies also show that combining caffeine and pseudoephedrine can raise blood sugar and body temperature, which is especially important for people with diabetes. Similar concerns exist for ADHD medications like amphetamines and asthma drugs such as theophylline, which share chemical similarities with caffeine. 2. Thyroid medication Levothyroxine, used for underactive thyroid, is sensitive to timing. Drinking coffee too soon after taking it can reduce absorption by up to 50%. Caffeine speeds up digestion, giving the drug less time to be absorbed, and may bind to it in the stomach. This means less medication reaches the bloodstream, potentially causing hypothyroid symptoms like fatigue and weight gain to return. The same caution applies to osteoporosis drugs like alendronate and risedronate, which need to be taken on an empty stomach, with a 30-60 minute wait before eating or drinking. 3. Antidepressants and antipsychotics Caffeine's interaction with mental health medications can be complex. SSRIs (like sertraline and citalopram) may have reduced absorption due to caffeine binding in the stomach. Older antidepressants, tricyclic antidepressants (TCAs) such as amitriptyline, are broken down by the same liver enzyme that processes caffeine (CYP1A2). This can slow drug metabolism, increasing side effects or prolonging caffeine's effects, leading to jitteriness. Clozapine, an antipsychotic metabolized by CYP1A2, can have its blood levels nearly doubled by drinking 2-3 cups of coffee, raising risks of drowsiness, confusion, or serious complications. 4. Painkillers Some over-the-counter painkillers contain caffeine to speed absorption and enhance effectiveness. Coffee can make the stomach more acidic and empty faster, helping drugs like aspirin absorb quicker. While this might help relieve pain sooner, it can also increase side effects like stomach irritation or bleeding, especially combined with other caffeine sources. Although serious cases are rare, caution is advised. 5. Heart medications Caffeine can temporarily raise blood pressure and heart rate for a few hours after consumption. For people on blood pressure medications or drugs for irregular heart rhythms, caffeine might reduce their effectiveness. This doesn't mean heart patients must avoid coffee entirely, but they should monitor their symptoms and consider limiting caffeine or switching to decaf if needed. How to stay safe Coffee is more than just a comforting ritual; it's a powerful chemical that can affect how your medicines work. To avoid problems: Take levothyroxine or bisphosphonates with water on an empty stomach, and wait 30-60 minutes before drinking coffee or eating.n Be careful when using cold remedies, asthma drugs, or ADHD medications with caffeine, as side effects can increase.n Talk to your doctor if you take antidepressants, antipsychotics, or heart medications about your caffeine intake.n Consider cutting back or switching to decaf if you experience jitters, insomnia, or palpitations.n Everyone metabolizes caffeine differently, so pay attention to how you feel and consult your healthcare provider if you notice issues.n When in doubt, ask your pharmacist or doctor whether your medicine and coffee make a safe pair. A quick chat can help you avoid side effects and enjoy your coffee worry-free.
CNBC
10-07-2025
- Business
- CNBC
Josh Brown says you don't want this bull market to need rate cuts, Amazon could be undervalued
Investors are hoping that the Federal Reserve will cut interest rates in 2025, but Josh Brown of Ritholtz Wealth Management says that a cut shouldn't be on Wall Street's radar. "A rate cut doesn't matter," the firm's CEO said on CNBC's " Halftime Report " on Thursday. "Nobody should be baking in any specific number of rate cuts as a means to say stocks, therefore, are 8% to 10% undervalued. That should not be the bull case – that we're going to get accommodative policy because the employment situation is going to start to suck. The logic is completely backwards." Minutes from the Fed's June meeting released Wednesday revealed that most central bank officials believe "some reduction" in its target range of 4.25%-4.5% this year "would likely be appropriate." However, they differed on the exact number of cuts. Fed funds futures trading is currently forecasting two quarter-percentage-point cuts this year, with a more than 70% chance of the first cut coming at the end of the Fed's September meeting, according to CME Group's FedWatch tool . "Rates are probably too high," Brown added. "Are they 200 basis points over where they should be? No, I don't think anybody would say that. And you didn't need rate cuts this entire rally, so what are you begging for a Sudafed for. I don't understand it." The Street should instead be paying attention to capital expenditures, which Brown noted is what's driving earnings growth and the recent momentum in the "Magnificent Seven" names like Nvidia . The chipmaker recently became the first company to hit $4 trillion in market cap . Its shares have soared more than 52% in the last three months, propelled by the artificial intelligence boom. AMZN 3M mountain AMZN, 3-month Among the megacap tech stocks, Amazon – which has risen almost 23% over the past three months – might actually be undervalued when thinking about its performance in five- to 10-year increments, Brown said. It's "not getting enough credit for how important AWS is going to be for the remainder of the AI decade," he said. DISCLOSURES: All opinions expressed by the CNBC Pro contributors are solely their opinions and do not reflect the opinions of CNBC, NBC UNIVERSAL, their parent company or affiliates, and may have been previously disseminated by them on television, radio, internet or another medium. THE ABOVE CONTENT IS SUBJECT TO OUR TERMS AND CONDITIONS AND PRIVACY POLICY . THIS CONTENT IS PROVIDED FOR INFORMATIONAL PURPOSES ONLY AND DOES NOT CONSITUTE FINANCIAL, INVESTMENT, TAX OR LEGAL ADVICE OR A RECOMMENDATION TO BUY ANY SECURITY OR OTHER FINANCIAL ASSET. THE CONTENT IS GENERAL IN NATURE AND DOES NOT REFLECT ANY INDIVIDUAL'S UNIQUE PERSONAL CIRCUMSTANCES. THE ABOVE CONTENT MIGHT NOT BE SUITABLE FOR YOUR PARTICULAR CIRCUMSTANCES. BEFORE MAKING ANY FINANCIAL DECISIONS, YOU SHOULD STRONGLY CONSIDER SEEKING ADVICE FROM YOUR OWN FINANCIAL OR INVESTMENT ADVISOR. INVESTING INVOLVES RISK. EXAMPLES OF ANALYSIS CONTAINED IN THIS ARTICLE ARE ONLY EXAMPLES. THE VIEWS AND OPINIONS EXPRESSED ARE THOSE OF THE CONTRIBUTORS AND DO NOT NECESSARILY REFLECT THE OFFICIAL POLICY OR POSITION OF RITHOLTZ WEALTH MANAGEMENT, LLC. JOSH BROWN IS THE CEO OF RITHOLTZ WEALTH MANAGEMENT AND MAY MAINTAIN A SECURITY POSITION IN THE SECURITIES DISCUSSED. ASSUMPTIONS MADE WITHIN THE ANALYSIS ARE NOT REFLECTIVE OF THE POSITION OF RITHOLTZ WEALTH MANAGEMENT, LLC" TO THE END OF OR OUR DISCLOSURE. Click here for the full disclaimer.
Scottish Sun
07-07-2025
- Health
- Scottish Sun
The 5 medications that could see you JAILED if you take them on holiday this summer – including hay fever pills
Popular allergy treatments like Vicks inhalers are banned and could get you arrested at the airport BITTER PILL The 5 medications that could see you JAILED if you take them on holiday this summer – including hay fever pills Click to share on X/Twitter (Opens in new window) Click to share on Facebook (Opens in new window) IF you're heading abroad this summer, packing some preventative medicines might seem like the sensible thing to do. But be warned, some common drugs, including antihistamines and painkillers, could land you with hefty fines or even jail time in certain countries. Sign up for Scottish Sun newsletter Sign up 2 Many countries have strict restrictions on common UK medications - despite millions of us using them. Credit: Getty While these meds are legal to buy over the counter in the UK, they're banned or tightly restricted in several countries. And being caught with them, even by accident, can mean your dream holiday turns into a nightmare. Here's what to watch out for: 1. Antihistamines Hay fever sufferers, take note. Japan has some of the strictest anti-stimulant drug laws in the world - and that includes antihistamines, the Foreign Office has previously warned. Popular allergy treatments like Vicks inhalers and Sudafed are banned and could get you arrested at the airport. Anyone caught bringing them in risks detention or deportation. 2. Codeine The opioid painkiller, codeine, is banned in over 25 countries, including several in Europe. Yet in the UK, you don't even need a prescription - codeine is available over the counter in pharmacies as co-codamol, which combines codeine with paracetamol. Even bringing small amounts of the stuff abroad to certain places can get you into serious trouble. In Hungary, it carries up to five years in jail. In Slovakia, it's three. Other risky destinations include: Austria - Up to six months in jail Belgium - Up to five years in jail Croatia - £550 to £2,250 in fines (€650 to €2,600), plus up to 90 days in jail Czechia - £510 fine (15,000 Kč) Finland - Up to six months in jail Luxembourg - £210 to £4,200 fine (€250–€5,000), plus up to six months in jail Romania - Up to two years in jail Sweden - Up to three years in jail Even in countries like Greece or Cyprus, you'll need a valid prescription to carry codeine. Always check the rules for your destination online before you travel, and speak to your GP in advance to get any necessary paperwork. 3. Sleeping pills The United Arab Emirates (UAE) have a zero tolerance on an array of over-the-counter medications that are sold daily in the UK. Sleeping pills like temazepam, which are legal here, are strictly banned in the Emirates, and getting caught with them could land you behind bars. Even if you have a prescription from your GP, you'll need to apply for approval from the UAE Ministry of Health before travelling. 4. Cannabis-related products 2 It's generally recommended to avoid travelling abroad with any CBD based products Credit: Alamy Even CBD oil with zero THC is illegal in countries like Singapore, the UAE, and Japan, among others. It doesn't matter if it's for anxiety or pain, all cannabis products are banned in these regions. Getting caught with CBD at the airport could lead to arrest, detention, or even deportation. For example, in China, it is illegal to bring CBD into the country, with possession carrying a potential jail time of seven years. This is because in some places, possession is treated the same way as carrying hard drugs. It's generally not recommended to travel abroad with any CBD based products. 5. ADHD medicines Stimulants used to treat ADHD are a major red flag in some countries. In Japan, they are completely banned, even with a prescription. To bring them in legally, you'll need special clearance from the Japanese government, including medical proof - a process that takes weeks. How to check what is allowed? You can check which medications you can take in and out of the UK here. The UK government also recommends checking with the relevant embassies before travelling to make sure that you don't break any rules. You can find the full list for embassy contacts here. British prescriptions are not accepted at international pharmacies, so you'll need to take enough medicine with you for your entire trip. Ensure that you take your prescription and doctor's letter wherever you are travelling. Consider having the doctor's letter translated into your destination's language to make the journey easier. The strict rules are designed to keep travellers safe and to prevent drug tourism.
