When you or someone in your family is sick with a cold it can be very confusing trying to decide which over the counter medicine to purchase or use. The options are endless with so many different products on the shelves that combine different medications.
This guide can help you determine what medication will be most effective to treat your symptoms. Please remember that these medications do not kill the virus causing the illness, however they can give relief to your cold symptoms.
Antihistamines
Antihistamines help allergy-related symptoms like runny nose, sneezing, watery eyes, and itching. There are many different kinds, including diphenhydramine (Benadryl), brompheniramine (Dimetapp), and loratadine (Claritin). Many cold medicines use antihistamines as a sedative to help you sleep at night.
Caution:
Drowsiness and sedation caused by some antihistamines (Benadryl, Dimetapp) can interfere with work, driving, and other daily activities so if taking during the day be sure to use non-drowsy antihistamines (Zyrtec or Claritin).
Decongestants
Oral decongestants
Decongestants help if you have a stuffy nose or sinus congestion. There are many types, including pseudoephedrine (Sudafed) and phenylephrine (Sudafed PE).
Caution:
Some people experience fast heartbeats or shakes from these drugs, caused by the way the body metabolizes the medication. Decongestants also can raise blood pressure, so they should be avoided in people with hypertension or they should consult physician before using. Specific decongestants have been recalled in the past due to increased risk of stroke. Various emails have been circulating regarding this risk for several years and can cause irrational fears. Keep in mind that these medications are closely monitored by the FDA. For normal, healthy adults with cold symptoms it is safe to use decongestants. If you have specific concerns if they are safe for you or a family member please consult your physician or Remnant Medical Services.
Nasal Spray decongestants
Nasal sprays deliver decongestants such as oxymetazolin (Afrin, Nasin) directly to the nose. This helps clear sinus congestion quickly. Saline nasal sprays also very effective in clearing nasal congestion without the side effects associated with nasal spray decongestants.
Caution:
Only use the decongestant spray as directed. If you use longer than 3 days it can cause increase nasal congestion instead of providing relief. It is a decongestant and therefore those with high blood pressure should avoid or consult their physician.
Analgesics and Fever Reducer
NSAIDS
Nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drugs (NSAIDs) fight inflammation and reduce fevers, so they are a good choice if you have a sore throat, headache, muscle aches, or fever. Common NSAIDs are ibuprofen (Advil), aspirin, and naproxen (Aleve). Many combination cold medications include an NSAID.
Caution:
It is important to not take more than recommended dose, if you’re already taking some form of NSAID for blood clots, arthritis, or another condition, consult your physician. NSAIDs can upset your stomach, so should be avoided if you have acid reflux or gastric ulcers.
Acetaminophen
Acetaminophen, the active ingredient in Tylenol, is also found in many cold medications. It helps relieve fever, aches and pains. It is often used in combination with cough medicine or decongestant.
Caution:
High doses of acetaminophen can damage your liver. They should be avoided in people who have liver disease and only be taken in recommended doses.
Cough Medicine
There are three types of common over the counter cough medications; oral expectorants, cough suppressants, and topical (externally applied) drugs.
Expectorants
Expectorants are also called mucolytics. They help relieve congestion by loosening mucus. The most common active ingredient is called guaifenesin (Mucinex, Robitussin Chest Congestion). These drugs thin mucus to make it easier to cough it up.
Caution:
Some may have side effects of headache or nausea.
Cough suppressants
Cough suppressants, also called antitussives, block the cough reflex. Dextromethorphan is the cough suppressant you can purchase over the counter in products labeled ‘DM.’ Codeine is a prescription cough suppressant, it is a narcotic and is only recommended for those with severe cough.
Caution:
Dextromethorphan and codeine have similar side effects including drowsiness and constipation, but dextromethorphan is much less severe because it is less potent.
Topical Cough Medicine
Camphor and menthol (Vicks, etc) are commonly used topical cough medicines and are also available for steam inhalation. These cough medicines are rubbed on the throat and the chest. The anesthetic action helps ease coughing and soothe stuffiness from a cold. Menthol is available in lozenges (cough drops) and in compressed tablets.
If you have multiple cold symptoms a combination cold medicine may give you optimal relief. The combination cold and cough medicine may contain an antihistamine, a decongestant, and a pain reliever in addition to the cough suppressant and/or expectorant.
In addition to using medication for symptom relief, it is also important to get plenty of rest, drink fluids and use clean humidifier or cool mist vaporizer. These are general guidelines for adults (not the same for children) to help you pick the best medication to relieve your symptoms and improve your rest and activity as your body’s immune system fights the infection. We are continually praying for everyone’s health during this season. Please contact Remnant Medical Services with any questions or further guidelines to help treat children.
Reference:
CDC
