ElKePoN's Data Base

Find your way around the cold medication aisle... without getting lost



There's no cure for the common cold—but that doesn't mean you can't get relief. Dr. Janet Engle, Executive Associate Dean at the University of Illinois at Chicago College of Pharmacy helps us sort through the vast amount of over-the-counter meds you'll find at your local drugstore. "In order to get the most from these, read the label, be sure you are not taking multiple products containing the same ingredient and follow the directions," advises Dr. Engle. "Of course, if you have questions, ask your doctor or pharmacist."

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Chest congestion is the accumulation of excess fluid and mucus in the lungs. A person suffering from chest congestion may experience cough, chest pains and difficulty breathing. Severe chest congestion is audible and can be heard as a crackling in the chest. Chest congestion can be caused by post-nasal drip, bronchitis or pneumonia.

Is it dangerous to mix over-the-counter meds? 

It's best to watch that drug cocktail mix, especially if you're combining guaiphenesin (an expectorant), pseudoephedrine (which relieves nasal congestion) and antihistamines."The impact could be extreme fatigue and mental alteration," Dr. Epperly says. "And the potential benefits are outweighed by the deleterious effects. But, in general, if you're a young, healthy person, these meds are unlikely to hurt you unless you're drinking alcohol or using multiple preparations of different things."

Dr. Epperly often advises his patients to stick with Tylenol to treat fever or muscle aches or maybe go with a non-steroidal anti-inflammatory med like Motrin or Advil. Nasal sprays do work for heavy nasal congestion, but you shouldn't use for more than two or three days at a time (the rebound when coming off of it could be worse than the original symptoms). Of course, he said, "sometimes the best medicine is good hydration and, no joke, chicken soup."

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Mucinex

Works for: Chest congestion

These extended relief tablets last 12 hours and contain a heavy dose of guaifenesin, which can help loosen phlegm and thin bronchial secretions to make coughs more productive. Tip: Drink at least 8 ounces of water with each dose to help loosen up mucus.

Sudafed Nasal Decongestant

Works for: Stuffy nose

Because Sudafed and other meds with pseudoephedrine can be made into crystal meth, you have to show your driver's license or state ID to buy them. It's worth it: The nose-clearing chemical beats the alternative, phenylephrine.

Mucinex D

Works for: Stuffy nose, chest congestion

The best medicine for a congested chest (guaifenesin) and a stuffy nose (pseudoephedrine) in one easy-to-take tablet. Plus, the extended-release formula will keep working for 12 hours.

Tylenol Cough & Sore Throat

Works for: Dry cough, sore throat

The acetaminophen calms your inflamed airways and 30 mg of dextromethorphan quells a cough. And because the liquid acetaminophen coats your throat, relief is faster than with a pill.

Tylenol Sinus Severe Congestion

Works for: Stuffy nose, chest congestion, sore throat, headache, body aches, or fever

Unlike some other multisymptom remedies that come spiked with alcohol and sleep-inducing antihistamines, this cocktail only contains pseudoephedrine, guaifenesin, and acetaminophen.

Afrin

Works for: Stuffy nose

The advantage to topical nasal sprays with the active ingredient oxymetazoline is instant relief (orally administered meds can take up to an hour to work). And Afrin lasts 12 hours. But don't use for longer than 3 consecutive days—otherwise, your sinuses may become dependent on the spray and lead to symptoms getting worse.

Delsym Cough Suppressant

Works for: Dry cough

Any OTC medication with dextromethorphan will be helpful in battling a dry, hacking cough—and Delsym offers sustained 12 hour relief (so you only have to take it twice a day). Plus, for those who dislike the taste of cough syrup, the adult dose is 10 mls (2 teaspoonfuls) versus 30 mls for similar meds.

NyQuil Cold & Flu

Works for: Headache, dry cough and runny nose

The upside to multi-symptom products like NyQuil is that it simplifies dosages. However, make sure that you actually have all the symptoms that it treats, otherwise you run the risk of overmedicating and subjecting yourself to unnecessary side effects.

Sudafed Triple Action

Works for: Stuffy nose, chest congestion, sore throat, headache and body aches

Like Tylenol Sinus, this is good for a three-pronged attack: guaifenesin as an expectorant, pseudoephedrine to clear nasal congestion, and acetaminophen to ease sore throat and aches—all in the most effective doses.

Vicks Nature Fusion

Works for: Cough, chest congestion

For those concerned with their protein composite intake, Vicks offers a gluten-free and dye-free alternative to the usual cough syrup, flavored with real honey. The active ingredients are no different than other cough meds, but staying true to a strict nutritional regimen may make you sleep a little easier.