While most over-the-counter cold and flu remedies have no proven efficacy, they appear to attenuate the immune response to the infecting virus, and there is little doubt that appropriate symptomatic treatment can make the patient feel better. Therefore, symptomatic therapy remains the mainstay of ...
The three classes ofpainandfevertreatments available over the counter (OTC) areaspirin,acetaminophen(Tylenol), and nonsteroidal anti-inflammatorydrugs(NSAIDs). Antibiotics have no effect on viruses, which are the cause of colds and theflu. However, bacterial infectionsthat can follow viral infections...
There's no one right way to treat a cold or the flu. But here are some questions you can ask your pharmacist to get the correct over-the-counter medication for you. 1. Should I take a decongestant or an antihistamine? This depends on your symptoms. If you have nasal or sinus congesti...
Over-the-counter decongestants also help open up the passages by reducing swelling in the nasal passages, adds Dr. Mandal. Nasal sprays such as Afrin and Neo-Synephrine can also be used but should not be used for more than three days at a time because they can cause rebound nasal congesti...
There's no one right way to treat a cold or theflu. But here are some questions you can ask your pharmacist to get the correct over-the-countermedicationfor you. 1. Should I take a decongestant or an antihistamine? This depends on your symptoms. If you have nasal orsinuscongestion, the...
Mucinex (guaifenesin and dextromethorphan hydrobromide) is an over-the-counter expectorant medication used to treat the symptoms of cough by loosening mucus and congestion. Serious side effects of Mucinex include hives, difficulty breathing, swelling of
The FDA’s Verdict: A Game-Changer for Cold Medicine For decades, Americans have relied on a wide array of over-the-counter cold and flu remedies, many of which contain phenylephrine. However, a recent FDA advisory committee vote of 16-0 has cast serious doubt on the effectiveness of this...
Over-the-Counter Cold Symptom Treatment Non-prescription medicine can help ease your cold symptoms. Although Vicks products cannot cure the common cold, they can help you feel better. Many over-the-counter cold medicinestreat multiple symptoms. Make sure to identify what other symptoms you may be...
When you have a cold or the flu, you can be hit with a lot of symptoms at once—so getting appropriate cold and flu treatment is important. If you take over-the-counter (OTC) cold and flu medicines, keep in mind that many of them share the same ingredients with each other and with...
If your symptoms aren’t severe, you can start treatment at home with over-the-counter medications. “This is the time to try to identify where the symptoms are coming from and address them using targeted over-the-counter medications, such as decongestants and cough suppressants,” Wolfe said...