![]() Nasal decongestant sprays containing the active ingredient oxymetazoline (Afrin, Sinex) do a good job of reducing stuffiness after just one dose, according to research. One type, pseudoephedrine (Contac Cold 12 Hour, Sudafed), is sold without a prescription, but only from behind the pharmacy counter and in limited quantities because it can be used to make the illegal drug methamphetamine (meth). The best medicine for stuffy nose and sinus pain:ĭecongestants shrink swollen blood vessels and tissues in your nose, making breathing easier. These forms of antihistamines also can help you sleep through the night because they typically cause drowsiness. ![]() Options include doxylamine (NyQuil, Alka-Seltzer Plus Night Time Cold Medicine), brompheniramine (Robitussin Cold & Allergy, Dimetapp Cold, Allergy Elixir), and diphenhydramine (Benadryl, Nytol). The best medicine for runny nose, sneezing, and itchy, watery eyes:Īntihistamines, as noted above, are often found in combination cold and flu medication because they help treat sniffling, sneezing, itchy, and watery eyes and are the best meds for drying up a runny nose. Widely used brands include Benadryl Allergy & Cold and Actifed Cold. “Coughs can be caused by postnasal drip - a trickle of mucus and other secretions that stimulates nerves in the back of the throat - in which case drying up the source with an antihistamine is the best way to treat it,” says Dr. Antihistamines are commonly used for allergies, but also can be useful for some cold symptoms. The common cough suppressant dextromethorphan (DXM or DM) can be found alone in products such as Robitussin Cough Gels and CVS Health Tussin Cough Liquid Gels, or in combination with other active ingredients, as in Vicks Dayquil Cough and Delsym Adult DM Cough + Chest Congestion Relief Liquid.Įxpectorants such as guaifenesin (Mucinex, Guai-Aid) work chiefly by thinning mucus so it is easier to cough up and out.Īntihistamines block histamine, a chemical the body releases that triggers runny nose and watery eyes. The best medicine for nagging cough:Ĭough suppressants, known as antitussives, inhibit the cough reflex in the brain. For example, if the label of a cold or flu medication says that it treats fevers, coughs, and runny noses, but you have only a cough, choose a simple cough suppressant instead. “Choose a medication that’s going to directly address the symptom or symptoms that are bothering you rather than a cocktail that may include things you don’t need,” he says. Also important: Whenever possible, stick to single-active-ingredient remedies to reduce the risk of side effects, says Nate Favini, MD, an internist and medical director of the nationwide healthcare system Forward. The key to picking the right product or products to help you feel better faster is to zero in on your symptoms. It’s Best to Choose Cold and Flu Medication by Symptom Note: OTC cold medication should not be used to treat children younger than 4 years because of lack of benefit and low but significant risk of serious complications, according to the FDA. The product’s inactive ingredients (important information to help you avoid ingredients that may cause an allergic reaction).Dosage instructions - when, how, and how often to take the product (dosages can vary widely by age).This section also describes side effects that could occur and substances or activities to avoid. ![]()
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