Comment
Author: Admin | 2025-04-28
There is no cure for the common cold, but medications can help ease symptoms so you can relax and recover. To find the best over-the-counter (OTC) cold medicine for you, you need to consider your symptoms and know which cold relievers target them. Decongestants, for example, can help improve stuffiness; analgesics can reduce pain and fever; and other types of medications can help with problems like coughing and sneezing. SDI Produtions / Getty Images Cold/Flu SymptomIngredient to Look ForDrug TypeBody achesAcetaminophen, aspirin, ibuprofen, naproxenAnalgesicCoughDextromethorphanAntitussiveCough (wet or productive)GuaifenesinExpectorantFeverAcetaminophen, aspirin, ibuprofen, naproxenAnalgesicHeadacheAcetaminophen, aspirin, ibuprofen, naproxenAnalgesicRunny nose, sneezing, congestionCetirizine, chlorpheniramine, desloratadine, diphenhydramine, fexofenadine, hydroxyzine, levocetirizine, loratadineAntihistamineCongestionOxymetazoline, pseudoephedrineDecongestantSore throatAcetaminophen, aspirin, ibuprofenAnalgesicAntibiotics are not good for coldsAntibiotics are not good for colds because colds are caused by viruses. Antibiotics treat infections caused by bacteria, not viruses. Stuffy Nose Congestion, or a stuffy nose, is a hallmark symptom of colds and flu. It's caused by swelling in the tissues that line your nasal passages. Over-the-counter decongestants narrow the blood vessels in these tissues and decrease inflammation. This helps air flow and mucus drain. Decongestants come as pills, tablets, liquids, and nasal sprays. Oral decongestants include: Sudafed (pseudoephedrine): This medication is available in regular and extended-release tablets and liquid. It's also found in combination products. Pseudoephedrine is OTC but kept behind the pharmacy counter. Quantities are limited and you may need to show ID to buy it. Sudafed PE (phenylephrine): This medication is available as a tablet, liquid, and quick-dissolve strip. It's also available in combination cold medicines. In 2023, a Food and Drug Administration (FDA) panel determined that phenylephrine isn't effective when taken by mouth. In November 2024 the FDA proposed ending its use as an active ingredient in OTC drug products. Nasal sprays contain oxymetazoline. They deliver relief directly to the nasal passages. OTC brands include: AfrinAnefrinDristanMucinexVicks SinexZicamUse cold medicines safe for high blood pressureDecongestants can raise your blood pressure. If you have high blood pressure, make sure to choose cold medications that do not contain decongestants. Fever Common OTC fever reducers include:Advil (ibuprofen) Aleve (naproxen) Asprin (acetylsalicylic acid)Tylenol (acetaminophen) These medications also are pain relievers. Aspirin and acetaminophen may work better for fevers and headaches. Ibuprofen and naproxen may be better for body aches. Always check labels to see what the active ingredients are, especially if you are planning to take more than one medication at a time. Combining cold medications can cause you to take too much of one or more active ingredients, which can lead to dangerous side effects.Warning About AcetaminophenTaking too much acetaminophen can cause potentially fatal liver damage. Don't take more than 4,000 milligrams (mg) of acetaminophen per day. This drug is in dozens of OTC products. Read labels closely
Add Comment