Common Medications Prescribed
Nasal decongestant: Relieves nasal and sinus congestion.
Cough suppressant: Provides temporary relief of cough due to sore throat or irritated bronchial tubes.
Expectorant: Helps loosen and thin mucus, making it easier to bring up with a cough.
Antihistamine: Helps relieve cold-related and allergy-related symptoms such as hay fever, nasal inflammation, stuffy nose, red and inflamed eyes, hives, and swelling.
Pain reliever: Helps relieve headaches and fever.
Antibiotic: Fights and kills germs.
Herbs and supplements: Herbs and minerals such as echinacea, eucalyptus, garlic, honey, lemon, chicken soup, menthol, zinc and vitamin C have been publicized as cold remedies. However, most of these claims aren't solidly supported by scientific studies.
More on Cold, Flu and Sinus Is Your Cold Medicine Safe?
What Can I Do at Home to Feel Better When I Catch a Cold or the Flu?
Fighting a Cold the 'Natural Way'
The Echinacea Debate
Are Cold Remedies Enough to Raise Blood Pressure?
Is There a Known Cure for the Cold or Flu?
The Chicken Soup Remedy
In the Encyclopedia: Acetaminophen
Cough suppressants
Cough
Croup
Decongestants
This article was reviewed and updated June 2007.
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