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Sleep and stress: know when to refer clock2 Min

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Sleep and stress: know when to refer clock2 Min

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In Sponsored education

Learn from key healthcare brands with a range of sponsored education to help your understanding of how to use and advise on products in the pharmacy.

In modules 1 and 2 of this series, we learned about why it is crucial to manage sleep and stress problems before they escalate, and what advice and products you can recommend to help. Complete all 3 modules in the series to become a sleep and stress champion.

Missed Module 1? You can access it here
Missed Module 2? You can access it here

Pharmacy-only medicated sleep aids can be useful for the short-term treatment of insomnia and may be useful to help break the sleep-stress cycle. However, they may not be suitable for everyone. This module aims to explore which customers may require reassurance and referral to either the pharmacist or GP.

LEARNING OBJECTIVES

  • Understand how different OTC medicated sleep aids work to help relieve insomnia

  • Recognise the differences between dependence, addiction and tolerance

  • Reassure customers who have concerns and misconceptions about sleep aids

  • Know when to advise, manage and recommend independently, and when to refer to the pharmacist

PHARMACY-ONLY MEDICATED SLEEP AIDS

Promethazine1 and diphenhydramine2 are clinically proven OTC sleep aids for those who require temporary relief of insomnia.

Although they work in similar ways as sedating antihistamines, promethazine is longer-lasting (dose lasts 12 hours) compared to diphenhydramine (dose lasts 8 hours).1,2 This longer-lasting effect can cause customers to feel drowsy into the next day, which is why diphenhydramine may be favourable.

The Nytol range contains diphenhydramine hydrochloride, which can help customers fall asleep faster and increases the depth and quality of sleep.3-5 Diphenhydramine is not recommend for more than 2 weeks of use without consulting a doctor2

NYTOLORIGINAL 25mg TABLETS3(Diphenhydramine hydrochloride)

  • Two tablets to be taken 20 minutes before going to bed
  • Only suitable for those over 16 years old as a sleep aid
  • Should not be used continuously for more than 2 weeks without medical advice
  • Onset of action: 1-3 hours

NYTOLONE-A-NIGHT 50mg TABLETS4(Diphenhydramine hydrochloride)

  • One tablet to be taken 20 minutes before going to bed.
    Max dose one tablet in 24 hours
  • Only suitable for those over 16 years old as a sleep aid
  • This product should not be taken for more than 2 weeks without medical advice
  • Onset of action: 1-3 hours

NYTOLLIQUID CARAMEL FLAVOUR 10mg/5ml ORAL SOLUTION5(Diphenhydramine hydrochloride)

  • 10-25ml to be taken at bedtime or when sleep is not readily achieved
  • Only suitable for those over 16 years old as a sleep aid
  • Should not be used continuously for more than 2 weeks without medical advice
  • Onset of action: 1-3 hours

RED FLAGS

Some customers may not be suitable for this treatment and you may need to involve or refer to the pharmacist. This includes customers who:3-6

  • HAVE PERSISTENT SLEEP ISSUES AFTER 2 WEEKS OF TREATMENT AND ADVICE

  • HAVE SYMPTOMS THAT SEVERELY IMPACT THEIR DAY-TO-DAY ACTIVITIES

  • PURCHASE SLEEP AIDS OFTEN AND APPEAR TO USE IT REGULARLY/ SHOW SIGNS OF ABUSE

  • ARE TAKING OTHER MEDICINES/HAVE MEDICAL CONDITIONS, E.G. ASTHMA

  • HAVE SERIOUS MENTAL HEALTH CONCERNS – INSOMNIA COULD BE A SIGN OF A SERIOUS UNDERLYING MEDICAL ILLNESS

  • ARE PREGNANT OR BREASTFEEDING

  • ARE OVER 75 YEARS OF AGE OR UNDER 16 YEARS OF AGE

ADDITIONAL ADVICE

Customers taking sedating antihistamines should be advised:6

  • Don’t drink alcohol or take any other sedating medication at the same time
  • Don’t drive or do anything that requires careful focus and attention
  • Allow time for at least 8 hours of sleep
  • Don’t plan to take sleep aids for prolonged periods as this could also prevent the underlying causes of sleep issues from being identified and treated

Product information and information on adverse event reporting is available at the end of the module.

Content developed by Perrigo in association with CIG Healthcare Partnership.
© 2024 CIG Healthcare Partnership

UK/2023-369 March 2024