Cold Medicine - Relief for Common Cold Symptoms

Cold medicine refers to medications designed to relieve symptoms of the common cold, such as cough, congestion, and sore throat.
Category
Drug
Where to get
Available over the counter at pharmacies.
Applicable for
Prepared by Shruti Sahoo, reviewed by Dr. Eugene Smith

Cold Medicine FAQ


Image credit: walmart.com

Do cold and flu medicines cure a common cold?

Cold and flu medicines do not cure a common cold or flu, but some preparations may help relieve a runny nose, stuffy nose, and cough. While many OTC drugs are available, it is essential to check that they are suitable for the individual to use.

Do cold medications treat more than one symptom?

Since most cold medications treat more than one symptom, it can be helpful to identify your most severe symptom and make your choice based on lessening that symptom. One important thing to remember: Try not to take two medications that contain the same active ingredients. If you double up, you may get too much of the drug in your system.

Can over-the-counter medications help a cold?

Colds are caused by a virus, and there isn’t an easy fix to prevent them or make them go away. But over-the-counter (OTC) medications can ease your symptoms. Millions of Americans get a cold every year, with most people getting 2 or 3 colds annually. What we refer to as “the common cold” is usually one of 200 strains of rhinoviruses.

What are cold medicines?

Cold medicines are a group of medications taken individually or in combination as a treatment for the symptoms of the common cold and similar conditions of the upper respiratory tract. The term encompasses a broad array of drugs, including analgesics, antihistamines and decongestants, among many others.

Which over-the-counter medicines help with cold and flu symptoms?

This infographic takes you through the top 10. There are many over-the-counter medicines that might relieve cold and flu symptoms, including paracetamol, ibuprofen and nasal decongestants. Frequent hand washing is one of the best ways to avoid getting sick and spreading illnesses such as the flu, common cold and COVID-19.

Cold Medicine References

If you want to know more about Cold Medicine, consider exploring links below:

Explore Related Topics

Garlic: Nature's Antiviral Superfood for Cold Relief?

Dive into the antiviral properties of garlic and its effectiveness in providing relief from cold symptoms. Share creative ways to incorporate garlic into your diet for immune support.