Theraflu Nighttime Severe Cold and Cough contains the active ingredients acetaminophen, phenylephrine, and diphenhydramine. Store brand products include Flu Severe Cold and Congestion. Alka-Seltzer Plus Cold Effervescent Tablets contains the active ingredient aspirin, chlorpheniramine maleate, and phenylephrine. Store brand products include Plus Cold. These are not usually severe, but prolonged use or overuse can have a negative impact on older people, children, those with other health problems, and those taking other medications.
A study found that:. OTC remedies can interact with other drugs. People who are taking monoamine oxidase inhibitors MAOIs or selective serotonin uptake inhibitors SSRIs for depression should not use cough and cold preparations. Some cough and cold remedies contain codeine or dextromethorphan, a weak narcotic.
In normal doses it is safe to use, but can be addictive if it is misused. Products containing dextromethorphan should not be given to children under 4 years of age.
OTC medications do not need a prescription, but excessive use can lead to complications. An overdose can be fatal. Remember to keep all medicines away from children. Store-brand or generic medication can be much cheaper than the advertised brands. They are easy to find, as most stores place both versions together.
A pharmacist can help customers choose a suitable remedy for their symptoms. They can recommend products that contain the appropriate active ingredients. Nasopharyngitis, which is another name for the common cold, is the inflammation of the nasal passages and the throat.
Learn more. This article discusses whether NyQuil contains alcohol and what conditions it treats. The incubation period for a cold is 24—72 hours.
How do OTC cough medicines work? How can I safely store OTC cough medicines? Can OTC cough medicines cause problems with any other medicines I take? Should I talk to my doctor before taking an OTC cough medicine? Talk to your doctor before taking cough medicine if you have any of the following symptoms: Fever. Shortness of breath. Cough that lasts for more than a few weeks called chronic or long-lasting cough.
Wheezing when you cough or breathe. This may mean you need a prescription medicine to treat inflammation swelling and narrowing of your airways. When to see a doctor You should stop taking cough medicine and call your doctor if your cough lasts for more than 2 weeks, or if it keeps coming back.
Will antibiotics make my cough go away? Is my cough related to smoking? Coughs can also be a side effect of medications, including blood-pressure-lowering medicines known as ACE inhibitors. Coughs are sometimes described as either dry or chesty. Dry coughs are irritating and itchy, and no mucus is produced. Coughs are described as chesty, wet or productive when mucus is coughed up.
Medicines included in dry cough mixtures are different to those marketed for chesty coughs. Because cough suppressants such as dextromethorphan , pholcodine and codeine are derived from a group of medicines known as opioids, they can cause drowsiness or constipation. Expectorants such as guaifenesin are supposed to assist with loosening and coughing up mucus.
Mucolytics such as bromhexine may thin the mucus in the airways and make it easier to cough up. A recent review of clinical trials found no strong evidence cough medicines are effective at relieving symptoms in adults. Only a limited number of clinical trials for each type of cough medicine were found and the clinical trials were often poorly reported. 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. Start Here. Treatments and Therapies. National Center for Complementary and Integrative Health. Related Issues.
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