Drugs can cause insomnia

Q: I would like to point out a side effect of allergy medications that contain pseudoephedrine for nasal decongestion. Taking Claritin D left me completely unable to fall asleep. I have had insomnia problems before, so I did not immediately associate this with the medication and continued to take it for five days. I was so sleep-deprived that I couldn't work.

I finally read the warning about nervousness, dizziness or sleeplessness. I called my doctor, who said I should switch to plain Claritin (without a decongestant). On this drug I sleep like a baby.

A: Thanks for sharing your story. Millions of people struggle with insomnia, and many don't realize that the medicines they take may be contributing to their problem.

Decongestants aren't the only culprits. Antihistamines, antidepressants, asthma medicines, blood-pressure pills and pain relievers are just some of the drugs that can cause insomnia.

Safe sunblocks for babies

Q: I have three "outdoorsy" great-grandbabies ranging in age from 2 years to 6 weeks. What sunscreen would be safe?

A: There is concern that the ingredients in many sunscreens act like estrogen. Although these compounds are absorbed through the skin, they don't seem to pose a danger to adults. But some experts worry that babies and young children might be vulnerable to subtle adverse effects.

One way to avoid this problem is to use a sunscreen containing physical sunblockers like zinc or titanium. Read sunscreen labels or look for a product like Clinique Super City Block, Blue Lizard Australian Suncream-Baby or Neutrogena Sensitive Skin Sunblock.

Yogurt can help the medicine go down

Q: You occasionally offer tips on swallowing pills. I have found a much better solution: yogurt. Just plop the pills into your mouth, follow with a well-rounded teaspoon of yogurt and swallow. Everything slides right down.

A: Thanks for the tip. Just ask your pharmacist first whether the pills you are taking interact with yogurt. Many antibiotics are not absorbed well if taken with high-calcium foods such as yogurt, milk or even calcium-fortified orange juice. It would also be a mistake to take Fosamax with yogurt. This osteoporosis drug would not be absorbed well if taken with any food, including yogurt.

Joe and Teresa Graedon answer letters from readers. Write to them c/o King Features Syndicate, 888 Seventh Ave., New York, NY 10019, or e-mail them at pharmacy@mindspring.com or via their Web site: www.peoplespharmacy.org