It's a drag having a cold. Luckily there are medications available over the counter than can help make you feel better. When choosing a product, I recommend you use generics (pharmacy brand) as they are often the same chemical and less expensive. Of course, if you have symptoms you are concerned about, or are not feeling better in a few days let me or another physician know. These recommendations are for adults over the age of 18.
Click on each product to learn more about the warnings before taking them. Pictures are from CVS for consistency; choose whichever pharmacy or brand you trust.
Cough: This can be the worst part about being sick. For relief of short term coughs (less than 2 weeks), start with menthol cough drops. These can soothe your throat and provide short term relief. How about cough syrup? I would skip it. The data is mixed and the side effects can make you sleepy. If you can't sleep due to your cough, let me or another physician know.
Congestion: Nasal Decongestants have been shown to help with symptoms of cold. Of the products out there, I recommend pseudoephendrine (Sudafed). This is a strong medication that can help you feel better quickly. Do not take if you have high blood pressure. The stronger version of this medication is the type you need to ask for, kept behind the counter.
Aches and Pains: As long as you have normally functioning kidneys and liver, ibuprofen (Advil)is a strong medication to help with the body aches associated with a cold. Make sure the drink lots of water so you do not get dehydrated while taking this medication.
An alternative is acetaminophen (Tylenol) which can help control fever and body aches. Again, don't take this medication if you have a bad liver or kidney disease.
Be very cautions about combination products. For example, Nyquil Cold and Flu has 3 different medications:
a) Acetaminophen (Tylenol)
b) Doxylamine (a type of antihistamine, like pseudoephedrine or Sudafed)
c) Dextromethorphan (a cough medicine which has not been shown to work well)
TONS of stuff crammed together in one pill or liquid should make you think twice.
What about Natural Remedies for the common cold? Unfortunately, not much helps.
Wait! Does Vitamin C work for colds? Nope.
What about Zinc? Nope
Ecinacia? Nope
What may help you feel better may be chicken soup (mom was right) and Vapor Rubs.
Let me know if you have could or cold symptoms that are not improving after 7 days or getting worse. And remember to wash your hands to help ensure you don't infect people around you!