Cold and Cough Medicines Summary Sneezing, sore throat, a stuffy nose, coughing — everyone knows the symptoms of the common cold. It is probably the most common illness. In the course of a year, people in the United States suffer 1 billion colds. What can you do for your cold or cough symptoms? Besides drinking plenty of fluids and getting plenty of rest, you may want to take medicines. There are lots of different cold and cough medicines, and they do different things. Nasal decongestants – unclog a stuffy nose Cough suppressants – quiet a cough Expectorants – loosen mucus so you can cough it up Antihistamines – stop runny noses and sneezing Pain relievers – ease fever, headaches, and minor aches and pains Here are some other things to keep in mind about cold and cough medicines. Read labels, because many cold and cough medicines contain the same active ingredients. Taking too much of certain pain relievers can lead to serious injury. Do not give cough medicines to children under four, and don’t give aspirin to children. Finally, antibiotics won’t help a cold. Food and Drug Administration Start Here Antihistamines, Decongestants, and Cold Remedies American Academy of Otolaryngology–Head and Neck Surgery Cold Remedies: What Works, What Doesn’t, What Can’t Hurt Mayo Foundation for Medical Education and Research Cough Medicine: Understanding Your OTC Options American Academy of Family Physicians Decongestants: OTC Relief for Congestion American Academy of Family Physicians Encyclopedia Brompheniramine overdose Contac overdose Dextromethorphan overdose Dimenhydrinate overdose Diphenhydramine overdose Hydroxyzine overdose Periactin overdose Phenindamine overdose Pheniramine overdose Clinical Trials ClinicalTrials.gov: Antitussive Agents National Institutes of Health ClinicalTrials.gov: Histamine Antagonists National Institutes of Health Teenagers Cough & Cold Medicine Abuse Nemours Foundation Cough and Cold Medicine (DXM and Codeine Syrup) National Institute on Drug Abuse Related Issues Cough and Cold Medicine Abuse National Institute on Drug Abuse Don’t Double Up on Acetaminophen Food and Drug Administration High Blood Pressure and Cold Remedies: Which Are Safe? Mayo Foundation for Medical Education and Research Children Cough and Cold Medicine Abuse (For Parents) Nemours Foundation Coughs and Colds: Medicines or Home Remedies? American Academy of Pediatrics Daily Medicine Record for Your Child Food and Drug Administration OTC Cough and Cold Products: Not for Infants and Children Under 2 Years of Age Food and Drug Administration Specifics Echinacea National Center for Complementary and Integrative Health Echinacea: What Should I Know about It? American Academy of Family Physicians Zinc for Colds: The Final Word? Mayo Foundation for Medical Education and Research Find an Expert Food and Drug Administration Food and Drug Administration Journal Articles Cold and Cough Medicines Treatments and Therapies Time To Talk About Natural Products for the Flu and Colds: What Does the Science Say? National Center for Complementary and Integrative Health Latest News Can Certain Allergy Meds Worsen Restless Legs Syndrome? HealthDay
