Derek Webb and Dennis Williams outline practical, patient-centered strategies pharmacists can use to personalize OTC allergy recommendations, explain nondrowsy antihistamines clearly, and deliver efficient counseling in busy community settings.
In this episode of Pharmacy Focus, Derek Webb, PharmD, director of government affairs at Empower Pharmacy and member of the Virginia Board of Pharmacy; and Dennis Williams, PharmD, BCPS, AE-C, an associate professor at the University of North Carolina Eshelman School of Pharmacy, continue their discussion from part 1 of this series, shifting focus from global insights to real-world execution and outlining practical strategies pharmacists can use to elevate OTC allergy care in everyday community practice.
Webb and Williams emphasize that effective allergy counseling begins with purposeful questioning that uncovers symptom patterns, prior medication experiences, and lifestyle factors that influence therapeutic choice. Rather than focusing solely on symptoms, pharmacists should explore work demands, school performance needs, driving responsibilities, and previous experiences with drowsiness.
The discussion highlights how pharmacists can confidently differentiate among OTC antihistamines without sounding promotional. Clinical nuances—such as sedation potential, onset of action, and patient tolerability—help guide individualized recommendations. Particular attention is given to the concept of “nondrowsy” antihistamines. Williams explains how pharmacists can translate pharmacologic differences into plain language, helping patients understand why certain products are less likely to cross the blood-brain barrier and cause sedation. Clear, credible explanations strengthen patient trust and reinforce the pharmacist’s clinical expertise.
The episode also addresses common pitfalls, particularly among newer pharmacists, such as overrelying on brand familiarity or failing to probe beyond basic symptom questions. Webb shares practical approaches for initiating efficient yet meaningful allergy conversations, even during high-volume workflows.
Ultimately, individualized OTC counseling remains central to the pharmacist’s identity in self-care. By combining efficient questioning, lifestyle assessment, and clear education around nondrowsy options, pharmacists can transform routine allergy aisle encounters into clinically valuable patient interactions.
