The fall season has officially begun, and that means an increase in viral respiratory illnesses, otherwise known as the “common cold.” There are many viruses that can cause colds, but it is important to understand that more severe respiratory viruses, including influenza (flu), SARS-CoV-2 (known as COVID-19), and respiratory syncytial virus (RSV) can cause ‘cold-like’ symptoms but may cause more severe illness.
doctor before taking.
Symptoms: Runny nose, sneezing, watery eyes
Antihistamines help dry up a runny nose, prevent sneezing or relieve itchy eyes by blocking histamines in the body. Note: taking these medications alone is not effective in reducing runny nose (rhinorrhea) or sneezing due to colds. These may be combined with other products, and it is important to tell your pharmacist if you take other medication(s) for allergies. Common active ingredients include:
• Chlorpheniramine (Chlor-Tabs, Aller-Chlor), diphenhydramine (Benadryl), and doxyamine (Zzzquil). These medications may be effective in certain situations but usually cause notable drowsiness and are not appropriate for everyday use.
• Loratadine (Claritin), cetirizine (Zyrtec), and fexofenadine (Allegra) are available to help reduce allergy symptoms but may not help with the common cold. Many medications are listed with multiple brand names, so it is important to check the label closely and ask for help when selecting a final product.
Symptom: Cough
Suppressants and expectorants can help with coughing symptoms; however, they have not been as effective in treating the “common cold.” Many of these products are available as tablets, capsules, liquids, and in combination with other products:
• Dextromethorphan (Tussin, Delsym, and dozens of other name brands) is used to help relieve a dry, nagging cough, especially if this is interfering with sleep. Often, medications containing dextromethorphan will often have DM listed on the label, but not always.
• Guaifenesin (Mucinex) helps by thinning and loosening mucus in your airway, making it easier to expel. This may help when you have a “productive” cough and it is indicated for short-term cough use—not chronic coughs or coughs due to other lung disease.
Choosing the right medication
All patients with symptoms of the common cold should get plenty of rest and stay hydrated. If you experience trouble breathing or fast breathing, dehydration, fever that lasts longer than four days, symptoms over 10 days, or general worsening of your health conditions, seek care as soon as possible.
Generally, there is no cure for the cold, but over-the-counter medicine containing these medications may help you feel better. Remember that these medications only treat the symptoms, not the illness itself – unfortunately, only time and rest will help your immune system fight off a common cold. Before purchasing, think through the symptoms you want to relieve, and speak with a pharmacist or health care provider if you’re unsure which medicine might work best for you.
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