Popular Over-the-Counter Remedies for Cold and Flu
The cold virus remains one of the most common causes of illness. It has no cure but there are over the counter remedies for cold and flu that can help ease the symptoms. The symptoms of the flu or cold are body pain and fever accompanied by a running or stuffy nose. Some patients have a cough as well. All these symptoms can be treated to make the patient more comfortable.
Antibiotics
Since a cold and the flu are caused by viruses, antibiotics have no effect on them. The common practice of medicating with antibiotics for viral infections should be avoided.
Body pain and fever
Over the counter medication such as ibuprofen (Advil®), acetaminophen (Tylenol®) or naproxen (Naprosyn®) are the most common over the counter remedies for cold and flu fever and pain. Be careful that you do not take more than one OTC medication without reading the labels carefully. You might inadvertently be taking more of one medication that is recommended. Too much acetaminophen is harmful to the liver. The maximum recommended dosage of acetaminophen is four grams a day for a patient without liver issues. Patients who have existing liver issues should not take more than two grams of acetaminophen a day. It is better to avoid asprin due to the risk of developing Reye’s syndrome.
Running nose
Having a running nose is one of the most bothersome symptoms of the cold and flu. An antihistamine works by drying out the nasal drip. The most commonly used for a running nose are diphenhydramine (Benadryl®), Allegra®, loratadine (Claritin®), Zyrtec®, and Xyzal®. Most antihistamines have the side effect of making a person extremely drowsy. One should not drive, operate machinery, or perform any complex tasks when taking these medications.
Stuffy nose
While some patients with a cold and flu have to contend with a running nose, others suffer from the opposite problem. A stuffy nose is just as troublesome especially when accompanied by sinus pressure. This needs treatment to decongest the breathing passages and relieve the pressure. Decongestants such as pseudoephedrine (Sudafed®) help to thin the secretions so that they run out. Expectorants make it even easier to blow one’s nose and get the nasal secretions out. The most commonly used ones are based on guaifenesin under the names Robitussin®, Mucinex®, Mucofen®, and Humibid E®.
Cough
A cough adds to the discomfort of having a cold by constantly interrupting sleep. Cough is best treated with antitussive medication. A popular over the counter antitussive is dextromethorphan.
Sore throat
A sore throat is usually managed with home remedies such as saltwater gargles and hot drinks. However, medicated lozenges such as Cepacol® help further ease the discomfort of a sore throat.
Combination OTC medication
There are varied combinations of the different medications mentioned above marketed under different brand names. When you take such pills, please read labels to understand what they contain. Some OTC medication for cold and flu may aggravate other health issues. If you take other medication as well, consult your doctor to ensure that it is safe to take over the counter remedies for cold and flu with them.
