Nonprescription Remedies for Common Cold Symptoms
Action | Medication | Some Common Side Effects |
|---|---|---|
Analgesics/antipyretics | ||
Relieve aches and pains and reduce fever | Acetaminophen | Minimal |
Aspirin | Stomach irritation Risk of Reye syndrome in children | |
Ibuprofen | Stomach irritation | |
Naproxen | Stomach irritation | |
Antihistamines* | ||
Open nasal passages and help relieve sneezing | Diphenhydramine Chlorpheniramine | Drowsiness, dry mouth, and, in older adults, blurred vision, difficulty urinating, constipation, light-headedness when they stand, and confusion |
Cough suppressants | ||
May help reduce cough | Benzonatate | Confusion and stomach upset |
Codeine | Constipation, drowsiness, difficulty urinating, and stomach upset | |
Dextromethorphan | Minimal, but at high doses, confusion, nervousness, and irritability | |
Decongestants, nasal sprays* | ||
Open clogged nasal passages | Naphazoline Oxymetazoline Phenylephrine Xylometazoline | Rebound congestion (worse congestion when the medication wears off) if the medication is used for more than a few days |
Decongestants, oral* | ||
Dries runny nose | Pseudoephedrine | Palpitations, high blood pressure, nervousness, and insomnia |
Phenylephrine | Anxiety, dizziness, nervousness, and insomnia | |
Expectorant | ||
May help loosen mucus | Guaifenesin | Minimal, but at high doses, headache and stomach upset |
* Decongestants and antihistamines (whether alone or combined) should not be given to children under 4 years old. | ||