When you are unwell, you will want medicine that relieves cold symptoms, but you may feel confused about choosing the right medication. It is not easy to decide on the right medicine for your needs. However, if you inquire, you will be able to choose the most appropriate drug against your symptoms and recover in no time.
Steps
Part 1 of 2: Choosing the Right Cold Medication
Step 1. Choose a decongestant when you have a stuffy nose
You should take it in case of nasal or sinus congestion. It helps you to clear a blocked nose. Plus, it relieves congestion by allowing you to expel mucus. It may disturb sleep.
- Some hypertension medications can react negatively with nasal decongestants. Ask your doctor if you can use them.
- Nasal sprays can temporarily relieve sinus congestion, but prolonged use can make it worse. Saline based ones can give better relief than medicated ones.
Step 2. Use an antihistamine if you have an allergy
Antihistamines are effective against allergic symptoms, as they decrease secretions. Symptoms include nasal congestion, postnasal discharge, and itchy eyes. Pharmaceuticals that contain antihistamines can make the mucus thicker.
Antihistamines can cause drowsiness
Step 3. Use an expectorant against fat cough
Relieves oily cough that promotes the production of phlegm. It also helps loosen and expel the phlegm that forms inside the bronchi, allowing you to chase it out when you cough. It can also make mucus more fluid, relieve coughing, or decrease post-nasal discharge that runs down the throat.
A side effect of this drug is sleepiness
Step 4. Choose a pain reliever for fever and accompanying aches
There are several types of cold pain relievers. Also, you can take them independently of cold medicines. Decide which drug treatment is most appropriate based on the symptoms you are experiencing.
- NSAIDs are used when you have a sore throat, headache, body aches or fever. Common ones include ibuprofen, aspirin, and naproxen. Do not take them if you are already taking a non-steroidal anti-inflammatory to solve another health problem.
- Paracetamol is contained in Tachipirina. Relieves fever and associated pains. It may be the best choice if you have a sensitive stomach or suffer from gastroesophageal reflux. You shouldn't take it if you have liver problems or drink a lot of alcohol.
- You shouldn't take a pain reliever if your cold medicine already contains it. Be sure to read the composition of the active ingredients or ask your pharmacist if in doubt.
- If you have kidney disease or kidney function is impaired in any way, NSAIDs could further damage these organs. Consult your doctor before taking an NSAID if you have kidney problems.
Step 5. Try a sedative if you have a dry cough
This class of drugs is also known as antitussives. They help eliminate cough. Dextromethorphan (or DXM) is the active ingredient found in the most common cough suppressants.
- Antitussives should be used in case of a dry, phlegm-free or mucus-free cough.
- Some contain codeine, but only those intended to treat the most severe cases of cough. Therefore, it is best to undergo a medical examination before purchasing an antitussive containing this active ingredient.
Step 6. Consider a multiple-acting medicine
Most cold medications treat several symptoms at the same time. In other words, they contain a series of active ingredients with a decongestant, pain-relieving and expectorant action. They can help you recover from a cold.
They may contain medications that you don't need to take. If they treat a dry cough, but you have a headache, find one that only treats the headache. Only take medications that relieve the symptoms you are experiencing
Part 2 of 2: Take Cold Medicines Without Risks
Step 1. Identify the symptoms
Before choosing the right cold medicine, you need to understand what symptoms you are experiencing. Each drug is designed to treat a variety of symptoms. If you take cold medicine without paying attention to your symptoms, you risk taking something that is not suitable for your needs.
Step 2. Read the packaging carefully
Take a look at the active ingredients written on the package. Be sure to read them before purchasing. In addition, you will find a list of the symptoms the medicine is intended for on the package insert.
- Pay attention to the percentage of active ingredient indicated on the package. Some medicines have a stronger concentration of certain active ingredients than others. For example, one drug might contain 120 milligrams of pseudoephedrine, while another might contain 30 milligrams.
- For example, if you have a sore throat, look for active ingredients that help relieve this discomfort and check if the medicine you intend to use contains them. A cold medicine that contains an expectorant will not be the best choice for a sore throat.
Step 3. Avoid making a drug cocktail
Be very careful when taking cold medicines. Do not take several drugs of the same type, such as decongestants. If you take a medicine that treats several symptoms, avoid anything else.
Cold medicines, even if they are over-the-counter, can interact with other medications you are taking and cause severe reactions. Before buying them, you should check with your pharmacist and let them know about other drug therapies you are taking (including supplements). He will be able to tell you if you are taking any risks by taking the medicine of your choice
Step 4. Follow the dosage instructions
When taking cold medicine, be careful not to overdo the doses. Read the package leaflet carefully.
If you use acetaminophen, be careful not to exceed the recommended daily dose. Also, do not take other medications containing acetaminophen
Step 5. Pay particular attention to drugs that make you sleepy
A drug could cause drowsiness depending on the active ingredients contained within. The package insert will tell you if it causes this side effect, and if so, be cautious when using machinery or driving vehicles. If you have to work, especially if your job requires mental clarity or some physical ability, choose something that is not conducive to sleep.
Step 6. Be cautious when giving a child a cough medicine
Cough medicines can pose risks to children. They should not be taken between the ages of 4 and 6 without the advice of a doctor. In these cases, parents should use some caution. It is easy to administer too many cold medicines, so it is preferable to be very cautious in these cases. Make sure you read the dosage instructions carefully.
Avoid giving your child medicines from different drug companies, especially if they contain the same ingredients
Advice
- Remember that cold medicines do not cure this discomfort, but are intended to treat and relieve symptoms so that the patient feels better.
- The best cold treatment is to get plenty of sleep and stay hydrated.
