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