Colds are caused by viruses; in fact, there are over 100 different viruses that cause colds. There are no medicines to cure colds. Antibiotics are only effective against bacteria, not viruses. However, there are a variety or products that may somewhat reduce cold symptoms. Many of these can be bought without a prescription. The main types of over-the-counter (OTC) cold medicines are reviewed here:
These medicines may help reduce your symptoms. However, see your doctor if you have any of the following:
People with moderate to severe pulmonary or cardiac disease, such as asthma , chronic bronchitis , emphysema , angina , and hypertension , should consult with their doctor early in the course of their symptoms and before taking any medication. Children should also be seen earlier in the course of their illness, especially if they are very young.
Analgesics relieve aches and pains and reduce fever.
Generic Name | Brand Names |
---|---|
acetaminophen | Aceta, Actamin, Aminofen, Apacet, Aspirin Free Anacin, Aspirin-Free Excedrin, Banesin, Bayer Select, Dapa, Datril, Feverall, Genapap, Genebs, Liquiprin, Neopap, Oraphen-PD, Panadol, Phenaphen, Redutemp, Snaplets-FR, St. Joseph Aspirin-Free Fever Reducer, Suppap, Tapanol, Tempra, Tylenol, Valorin |
aspirin | Acuprin, Anacin, Ascriptin, Aspergum, Aspirin Regimen Bayer, Aspir-Low, Aspirtab, Bayer, Bufferin, Buffex, Buffinol, Cope, Easprin, Ecotrin, Empirin, Gensan, Halfprin, Healthprin, Magnaprin, Sloprin, St. Joseph Adult chewable Aspirin, ZORprin |
ibuprofen | Advil, Dolgesic, Excedrin IB, Genpril, Haltran, Ibifon, Ibren, Ibu, Ibuprin, Ibuprohm, Medipren, Midol IB, Motrin, Nuprin, Pamprin-IB, Q-Profen, Rufen, Trendar |
ketoprofen | Actron, Orudis, Oruvail |
naproxen | Aleve, Anaprox, Naprelan, Naprosyn |
Aspirin and non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drugs or NSAIDS (ibuprofen, ketoprofen, naproxen) inhibit the formation of certain prostaglandins. These are substances in the body that are involved in various processes including pain and body temperature. Acetaminophen probably works in a similar way, but it lacks the anti-inflammatory effects of NSAIDS.
Take analgesics with food and a glass of water to decrease the chance of stomach upset. Delayed-release and extended-release tablets have a special coating that makes them easier on the stomach.
Accidental Overdosage—Many OTC medications as well as prescription painkillers contain acetaminophen (Tylenol). Although acetaminophen is quite safe when used as directed, when taken in excess it can cause liver damage. Make sure to read the labels and do not “double up” on acetaminophen.
Children and Teens—Aspirin is not recommended for children and teens with a current or recent viral infection. Check with your doctor before giving aspirin to a child or teen. Children can be given acetaminophen or ibuprofen.
Pregnancy—Acetaminophen is usually considered the safest pain and fever reducer to use during pregnancy. Do not take aspirin during pregnancy unless your doctor has ordered it.
Alcohol—If you will be taking more than an occasional one or two doses of acetaminophen, do not drink alcohol. Doing so may increase the chance of liver damage, especially if you drink large amounts of alcoholic beverages regularly, if you take more acetaminophen than is recommended on the package label, or if you take it regularly for a long time.
Certain Conditions—If you have any of the following conditions, check with your doctor before taking an analgesic:
Antitussive medications are used to control coughing, however, it is not clear whether they are really effective.
The main nonprescription antitussive is dextromethorphan . Products made from this drug include:
Dextromethorphan is thought to relieve cough by acting directly on the cough center in the brain to depress the cough reflex.
Antitussives should not be used for persistent or chronic cough that occurs with smoking, asthma, chronic bronchitis, or emphysema, or for cough accompanied by excessive mucus or phlegm.
Follow the dosage instructions on the product label or given by your doctor closely. In some cases, dextromethorphan can be habit forming.
If you have any of the following conditions, check with your doctor before taking an antitussive:
Expectorants are used to clear phlegm from the lungs. Phlegm is an abnormal production of mucus. However, it is not clear whether they actually work.
The main non-prescription expectorant is guaifenesin . Products made from this drug include:
Guaifenesin is though to increase respiratory tract fluid, which in turn should reduce the thickness of phlegm in the lungs and enable it to be cleared more easily.
Drink plenty of water while taking guaifenesin to help loosen phlegm in the lungs.
If you have any of the following conditions, check with your doctor before taking an oral decongestant:
These drugs help to reduce congestion.
A common decongestant that is available over the counter is pseudoephedrine . Products that contain this ingredient include:
Oral decongestants constrict blood vessels in the nasal passages leading to a decrease in both swelling and mucus production.
Follow the dosage instructions on the product label or given by your doctor closely. In some cases, people can become physically and/or psychologically dependent on products containing pseudoephedrine.
If you have any of the following conditions, check with your doctor before taking an oral decongestant:
To avoid sleeping difficulties, take the last dose of decongestant several hours before bedtime.
With every medication, there are important precautions to consider. These include allergies, interactions with other drugs and medical conditions, and safety during pregnancy, lactation, and other stages of life.
RESOURCES:
American Academy of Family Physicians
http://www.aafp.org
National Institute of Allergy and Infectious Diseases
http://www3.niaid.nih.gov/
CANADIAN RESOURCES:
Canadian Family Physician
http://www.cfpc.ca/cfp/
Canadian Institute for Health Information (CIHI)
http://www.cihi.ca/cihiweb/dispPage.jsp?cw_page=home_e
Last reviewed December 2009 by Brian Randall, MD
Please be aware that this information is provided to supplement the care provided by your physician. It is neither intended nor implied to be a substitute for professional medical advice. CALL YOUR HEALTHCARE PROVIDER IMMEDIATELY IF YOU THINK YOU MAY HAVE A MEDICAL EMERGENCY. Always seek the advice of your physician or other qualified health provider prior to starting any new treatment or with any questions you may have regarding a medical condition.
Copyright © 2007 EBSCO Publishing All rights reserved.