Children under the age of 18 should not take aspirin unless specifically instructed to do so by their healthcare provider. Taking aspirin or medicines that contain salicylates when a child has a cold or other virus puts them at an increased risk of developing Reye's syndrome. Treating a cough from a cold or flu can be tricky.
You first want to evaluate your cough to determine the type of cough medicine that you need. A dry cough may benefit from taking an antitussive cough suppressant, while a wet and productive cough typically requires an expectorant.
The time of day matters as well. Antitussives help to quiet a cough and can be used at night when coughing is keeping you awake. The generic drug dextromethorphan is the common cough suppressant found in many over-the-counter cough medicines including:.
Quieting a cough may not be your best option during the day, however. Coughing works to clear mucous from the lungs, which can lead to pneumonia or other lung infections if not moved out. Taking an expectorant during the day can help loosen chest congestion and thin mucous, allowing it to drain.
This medication will not stop your cough, but it will make it easier to cough up phlegm and clear the lungs. Guaifenesin is the only expectorant approved by the U. It's available as a generic drug and in multiple brand-name products, including:.
Over-the-counter cold medicine is not recommended for children under the age of 4. For nasal symptoms including a stuffy or runny nose and sneezing, many people turn to antihistamines. Antihistamines are commonly used to treat allergic rhinitis. They work by blocking the receptor for histamine, a chemical released in response to an allergen.
Antihistamines work well to relieve congestion related to an allergic response, but their effect on the common cold is questionable. A Cochrane review of 18 randomized controlled trials with more than 4, subjects found that antihistamines may help relieve congestion better than a placebo in the first two days of a cold, but not on day three or later.
Some antihistamines have side effects, such as drowsiness, dizziness, dry mouth, irritability, and constipation. People with glaucoma, enlarged prostate, epilepsy, overactive thyroid, heart disease, high blood pressure, or diabetes should talk to their healthcare provider or pharmacist before taking antihistamines. These are often helpful when you have a cold or flu because they treat many different symptoms in one dose.
Multi-drug medications should be used with caution, however. Always read the ingredients list to ensure the formula only includes medications that treat the symptoms you have. Avoid taking additional medications at the same time to prevent accidental overdose and interactions.
For example, if a medicine contains acetaminophen, do not also take Tylenol, Midol, or Excedrin, drugs that also contain acetaminophen. You also should not take a multi-symptom reliever that contains dextromethorphan or guaifenesin along with cough syrup, which also contains those ingredients.
Some turn to natural remedies to help with cold and flu symptoms as well. Know that some supplements can interact with other medications you may be on—including those sold over the counter. Speak to your healthcare provider or pharmacist before using an OTC cold or flu product alongside any supplement. Looking to avoid getting the flu? Our free guide has everything you need to stay healthy this season.
Sign up and get yours today. Safety and efficacy of over-the-counter cough and cold medicines for use in children. Expert Opin Drug Saf. Treating acute sinusitis. Updated October 18, National Library of Medicine.
Updated February 15, However, there are steps you can take to help your little one feel better. An incentive spirometer is a device that can help you strengthen your lungs. Learn how it works, who it helps, and where to get one. Belly or abdominal breathing offers a number of benefits for health and well-being. The goal is to drain the fluid and make it easier for you to…. Popcorn lung is caused by exposure to toxic chemicals found in microwaveable popcorn factories and e-cigarettes.
Symptoms include flu-like illness…. Health Conditions Discover Plan Connect. Medically reviewed by Zara Risoldi Cochrane, Pharm. Symptom Drug name Sinus headache ibuprofen, naproxen Runny nose diphenhydramine Stuffy nose pseudoephedrine, phenylephrine Fever and aches ibuprofen, naproxen, acetaminophen Sore throat and coughing dextromethorphan Nighttime diphenhydramine, doxylamine For children acetaminophen. Best cold medicine for sinus headache.
Best cold medicine for runny nose. Best cold medicine for stuffy nose. Best cold medicine for fever and aches. Best cold medicine for sore throat and coughing. Best nighttime cold medicine for sleep. Best cold medicine for toddlers and infants. Best cold medicine for those with high blood pressure.
Natural remedies for colds. Antibiotics for cough and cold. Read this next. Medically reviewed by Alana Biggers, M. Medically reviewed by Debra Rose Wilson, Ph. Researchers Testing Nasal Spray That May Shorten the Common Cold Clinical trials are underway for the spray, which is designed to disrupt the cold virus' infection cycle.
Medically reviewed by Cameron White, M. The information on this site should not be used as a substitute for professional medical care or advice. Contact a health care provider if you have questions about your health. Cold and Cough Medicines. Learn More Related Issues Specifics. See, Play and Learn No links available. Research Clinical Trials Journal Articles. Resources Find an Expert. For You Children Teenagers. 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 Before taking these medicines, read the labels carefully.
Centers for Disease Control and Prevention.
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