Cold remedies

Cough Suppressants

Medications that fall into this designation are also referred to as antitussives. Their purpose is to suppress the natural cough reflex that causes us to cough. A cough suppressant commonly found in OTC cold medications is dextromethorphan. This medication should be taken with prudence and only after carefully reading the instructions on bottle. Side effects can include nausea, vertigo and anxiety, while an overdose may result in breathing difficulty and hallucinations.

Antihistamines

These drugswork by counteracting histamine, the chemical that produces common cold symptoms like sneezing and a runny or stuffy nose.

Histamine is a chemical that causes cold symptoms like a runny nose, sneezing and congestion. Antihistamines, then, block this chemical from being released, which prevents or alleviates these symptoms. Antihistamines are grouped into first-generation and second-generation classifications. First-generation antihistamines such as diphenhydramine and chlorpheniramine,have a sedating effect on consumers, but are generally considered effective in terms of easing coughing, sneezing, congestion and nasal discharge. The drowsiness caused by these drugs is powerful and so they are often taken as nighttime medications. Second-generation antihistamines like loratadine and cetirizine, do not produce the same sedating effect as first-generation drugs and are generally similarly effective.

Expectorants

The purpose of these drugs is to help you clear out all the “gunk” in your chest. These drugs thin out the discharge and help you to cough it up. A common expectorant found in cold syrups and other cold medications is guaifenesin. There are few side effects associated with this type of medication, but care should always be taken to read all instructions and to avoid overuse.

Pain Relievers

This class of drugs is useful for alleviating the aches and pains associated with a common cold, and – depending on the type of pain reliever – for reducing a fever. Acetaminophen is a common pain reliever/fever reducer to be used by adults and teens according to manufacturer’s instructions. Ibuprofen is another widely used pain reliever and anti-inflammatory. Some doctors approve the use of both acetaminophen and ibuprofen simultaneously if your pain is extreme, because they affect the body in different ways, but you should always consult a doctor before mixing medications. It is important to take special care with pain relievers to not overdose or take the medication regularly for a prolonged period of time.

Nasal sprays

These products are used to relieve cold symptoms like congestion and a stuffy nose. Saline solutions are recommended for adults, children and infants alike. Nasal decongestant sprays (not saline solutions) are unfortunately known to cause a rebound effect sometimes, making the congestion even worse once you stop using the spray.

Zinc

Cold medicines often contain the essential mineral, zinc, because of its reported (though not definitively proven) efficacy in relieving cold symptoms and potentially even decreasing the severity or duration of a cold. Zinc is a mineral we consume every day, which occurs naturally in many foods we eat, like eggs, meat and seafood. Upping your zinc intake by taking zinc lozenges when you have a cold may not necessarily help, but, in moderation, it won’t hurt either.

What not to do

Antibiotics – These drugs are useful in killing bacteria, not viruses. Do not take antibiotics unless your doctor has diagnosed an infection such as strep throat, which requires treatment with these drugs. Taking antibiotics when all you have is a cold, is not only ineffective, but is also a leading cause of the growing problem of antibiotic-resistant bacteria.

Over the counter cold medications for children under 2 – These medications can have serious side effects for children under two years of age. Some drug manufacturers suggest that their products shouldn’t be used by children until they reach the age of four. These side effects can be dangerous and potentially life threatening, so don’t take the risk.