What cold medicines relieve symptoms?

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What cold medicines relieve symptoms?

Over-the-counter medications to treat cold symptoms are widely available. But some of these medications aren’t safe for children. Check with your healthcare provider before giving your child over-the-counter medications. Be careful not to combine medicines that treat multiple symptoms. If you do, you could wind up overdosing (getting too much) of some ingredients, which could cause other health problems, including organ damage.

Medications that relieve cold symptoms include:

  • Pain relievers: Acetaminophen (Tylenol®) and NSAIDs such as ibuprofen (Advil®) relieve headaches and fever.
  • Decongestants: Drugs like pseudoephedrine (Contac Cold 12 Hour® and Sudafed®) and phenylephrine (Sudafed PE®) are intended to reduce stuffiness.
  • Antihistamines: Diphenhydramine (Benadryl®) and other antihistamines stop sneezing and a runny nose.
  • Cough suppressants: Medications such as dextromethorphan (Robitussin® and Vicks DayQuil Cough®) and codeine reduce coughing.
  • Expectorants: Guaifenesin (Mucinex®) and other expectorants thin and loosen mucus.

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