No medication can cure the common cold, as it is a viral infection that must run its course. However, an array of over-the-counter (OTC) medicines and home remedies can provide significant relief from bothersome symptoms. The key to successful treatment is to identify your primary symptoms and choose a product designed to target them. Rest and staying hydrated are also crucial components of recovery.
How to Treat Cold Symptoms with OTC Medications
Targeting specific symptoms is the most effective way to use cold medicine. Instead of reaching for a single multi-symptom product, consider treating each ailment individually to avoid taking unnecessary medication.
Pain and Fever Reducers
For headaches, body aches, and fever, pain relievers are your best option.
- Acetaminophen (Tylenol): An effective pain reliever and fever reducer that is gentle on the stomach.
- NSAIDs (Ibuprofen, Naproxen): Nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drugs like ibuprofen (Advil) and naproxen (Aleve) can reduce inflammation, fever, and body aches. However, those with kidney issues or stomach ulcers should avoid NSAIDs.
Nasal Decongestants
These medications help clear a stuffy nose by reducing swelling in the nasal passages.
- Oral Decongestants: Pseudoephedrine (Sudafed) is a very effective oral decongestant but is kept behind the pharmacy counter due to regulations. Phenylephrine, another common oral decongestant, has been found by an FDA panel to be ineffective for congestion when taken by mouth, though it may work in nasal sprays.
- Nasal Sprays: Topical decongestants like oxymetazoline (Afrin) can offer fast, temporary relief. Use for no more than three days to avoid rebound congestion.
Cough Medications
For coughs, the right medicine depends on whether your cough is productive (with mucus) or dry.
- Expectorants (Guaifenesin): An ingredient like guaifenesin (Mucinex) thins and loosens mucus, making it easier to clear from your airways. This is for productive, or "wet," coughs.
- Suppressants (Dextromethorphan): Medications containing dextromethorphan (Delsym, Robitussin DM) help suppress the cough reflex in the brain. These are best for dry, nonproductive coughs that interfere with sleep.
Antihistamines
Antihistamines are most effective for allergy symptoms, but older, first-generation versions can help with cold symptoms like sneezing and a runny nose due to their drying effect.
- Diphenhydramine (Benadryl): This first-generation antihistamine causes drowsiness and can help with sleep while drying up a runny nose.
- Second-generation antihistamines: Newer, non-drowsy antihistamines like cetirizine (Zyrtec) and loratadine (Claritin) are not effective for common cold symptoms.
Home Remedies and Self-Care
Sometimes, the best approach doesn't involve medication at all. These strategies can help your body recover and alleviate symptoms naturally.
- Get plenty of rest. Sleep is when your body repairs itself, and sufficient rest is vital for a speedy recovery.
- Drink plenty of fluids. Staying hydrated thins mucus and prevents dehydration. Water, juice, broth, and warm lemon water with honey are excellent choices. Avoid alcohol and caffeine.
- Use saline nasal spray or a neti pot. Saltwater rinses can moisten nasal passages and help flush out mucus, providing relief from stuffiness. Always use sterile or distilled water for nasal irrigation.
- Gargle with salt water. For a sore throat, gargling with warm salt water can temporarily reduce pain and swelling.
- Use a humidifier. Adding moisture to the air can soothe irritated nasal passages and ease congestion and coughing, especially at night.
- Try honey. A spoonful of honey can help soothe a cough in adults and children over one year old.
Comparison of Cold Medications by Symptom
| Symptom | Best Active Ingredient(s) | Common Brand Examples | Important Note |
|---|---|---|---|
| Aches/Fever | Acetaminophen, Ibuprofen | Tylenol, Advil | Avoid aspirin in children due to Reye's syndrome risk. |
| Stuffy Nose | Pseudoephedrine (Oral), Oxymetazoline (Nasal Spray) | Sudafed (Oral), Afrin (Spray) | Limit nasal sprays to 3 days to avoid rebound congestion. |
| Runny Nose/Sneezing | Diphenhydramine (First-Gen Antihistamine) | Benadryl, NyQuil | Can cause drowsiness; not for daytime use. |
| Dry Cough | Dextromethorphan (Suppressant) | Delsym, Robitussin DM | Suppresses the cough reflex. |
| Wet Cough (with Mucus) | Guaifenesin (Expectorant) | Mucinex | Helps thin mucus to make coughs more productive. |
What to Avoid When You Have a Cold
- Antibiotics: Antibiotics are ineffective against the common cold because it is caused by a virus, not bacteria. Using antibiotics unnecessarily contributes to antibiotic resistance.
- OTC Medications for Young Children: The CDC and FDA do not recommend OTC cough and cold medicines for children under 4 years old due to potential for serious side effects. For children, focus on natural remedies like rest, fluids, and saline drops.
- Mixing Medications: Be careful when using combination products to ensure you don't double up on active ingredients by also taking single-ingredient medicines. Read all labels carefully.
Conclusion
While there is no cure for the common cold, a well-informed approach to managing symptoms can help you feel better and recover faster. Identifying and treating specific symptoms with targeted over-the-counter medications, alongside consistent self-care measures like rest and hydration, is the most effective strategy. Always read product labels, follow dosing instructions, and consult a healthcare provider if symptoms worsen or persist beyond 7 to 10 days. For many, simple home remedies combined with a targeted OTC product offer the best relief.
