These all-in-one remedies are convenient but may contain more medication than you need.
Some active ingredients come with side effects, warnings, and risks.
This article discusses multi-symptom cold medicine.
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Look for medicines that treat only the symptoms you have to avoid taking ones you don’t need.
Be careful about mixing cold medicine with other OTC medications to avoid anaccidental overdose.
Analgesics
Analgesics reduce fever and relieve headaches, body aches, and sore throats.
OTC drugs in this class includeacetaminophenand non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drugs (NSAIDs)aspirin,ibuprofen, andnaproxen.
NSAIDs can cause stomach bleeding and ulcers if overused.
Taking them with alcohol increases the risk.
Avoid taking more than one NSAID at a time.
Acetaminophen is not an NSAID but can also cause gastric side effects.
Avoid taking more than one acetaminophen product at a time, which could causeliver damage.
The risk increases if alcohol is consumed.
Cold medicines without acetaminophen include Advil Multi-Symptom Cold and Flu, Aleve-D Sinus and Cold, and Alka-Selzer Plus.
Antihistaminines
Antihistamineshelp to relieve a runny nose, sneezing, and itchy, watery eyes.
Some, like doxylamine succinate and diphenhydramine, are used in nighttime cold medicine because they make you drowsy.
If you take a daily antihistamine to treat allergies, do not take a cold medicine that contains antihistamines.
Cough Medicines
OTC cough medicines come in two forms.
Dextromethorphan is a cough suppressant.
Guaifenesin is an expectorant, which thins mucus and phlegm so you could cough it up.
Guaifenesin side effects include headache, nausea, and vomiting.
Decongestants
Decongestantsphenylephrine and pseudoephedrine are used to relieve congestion from colds and flu.
They work by narrowing blood vessels in the sinus cavity to reduce swelling, making it easier to breathe.
Decongestants should not be given to children under 6.
These medications have side effects, including dizziness, insomnia, nausea, nervousness, and restlessness.
Advil Multi-Symptom Cold & Flu is intended for use in adults and children over 12.
Children under 12 should not take this product.
The recommended dose is one tablet every four hours, with no more than six doses every 24 hours.
Do not take it with other products containing NSAIDs, such as aspirin, ibuprofen, or naproxen.
Aleve-D Sinus & Cold
Aleve-D Sinus & Coldtreats headaches, stuffy nose, congestion, and fever.
Aleve-D Sinus & Cold is for use in adults and children over 12.
Children under 12 should not take this product.
The recommended dose is one tablet every 12 hours.
It comes in formulas for day and night.
It is intended for use in adults and children over 12 and should not be given to younger children.
Is Effervescence More Effective?
Alka-Seltzer effervescent products are ideal for people who don’t like pills or syrups.
It treats fever, runny nose, sneezing, body aches, headache and sore throat.
Do not take it with other products containing acetaminophen, such as Tylenol.
This non-drowsy formula treats congestion, coughing, fever, headache, body aches, and sore throat.
This medicine also comes as a capsule sold as DayQuil LiquiCap.
Children 6 to 11 can take one capsule, and adults can take two.
It also helps to break up chest congestion, helping you to cough up phlegm.
Do not take more than 12 liquid gels in a 24-hour period.
It should not be given to children under 12.
Do not exceed four doses in 24 hours.
Do not take it with other products containing acetaminophen, such as Tylenol.
NyQuil should not be used in children under 12.
Children aged 6 to 11 can use Children’s Nyquil formulated specially for kids.
Children 4 to 5 years old should only use Children’s NyQuil under the direction of a pediatrician.
It also helps to loosen phlegm, making it easier to cough up.
One 20 mL dose contains:
Adults and children 12 and over can take 20 mL every four hours.
Do not take more than six doses in 24 hours.
Do not give to children under 12 years old.
It also helps you sleep.
you might take one packet every four hours.
Do not exceed five doses in 24 hours or give to children under 12.
Do not take it with other products containing acetaminophen, such as Tylenol.
It also helps to thin mucus, helping you to cough up phlegm.
It comes in two formulas for day and night relief.
Adults and children 12 and over can take two caplets every four hours.
Do not exceed 10 caplets in 24 hours.
Do not give to children under 12.
Do not take it with other products containing acetaminophen.
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