My previous article concentrated on treating the common cold without medications. It is advisable to at least try the home remedies listed for various symptoms of the common cold before considering drug therapy. Most people with a common cold will benefit from a combination of a home remedy with medication. Remember, no drug is side effect free. For every benefit from medication, there may be some adverse effects. Let’s discuss each class of drugs used to treat the symptoms of the common cold.
Sprays and lozenges for treating a sore throat. Benzocaine is the active ingredient for most of these products. Lidocaine (Xylocaine) and phenol are others. These agents are classified as local anesthetics. They produce a numbing sensation on the lining of the throat. This also means that you may not be able to feel whatever else you try to swallow. Other forms of these products include gels, liquids, and oral pastes. Menthol is another ‘active’ ingredient in some lozenges. It has a soothing effect in the mouth and throat but has not shown real therapeutic benefit.
Acetaminophen (generic Tylenol) may also be a helpful oral medication in reducing pain associated with a sore throat. For adults, please limit the total intake to less than twelve acetaminophen 325mg tablets per day. The risk of liver disease may increase, especially if there already exists an underlying liver condition. For children under the age of 12, there are guidelines as to how much acetaminophen can be ingested. Ask your pharmacist or visit a reliable web site such as www.tylenolprofessional.com/dosage.
Anti-inflammatory agents are also effective in treating pain due to a sore throat or aches associated with the common cold. These include ibuprofen (generic Motrin, Advil) and naproxen (generic Naprosyn). If it is possible to reduce the inflammation produced by a sore throat, there is a chance to reduce the associated pain. The most common side effect from these agents is upset stomach. These drugs should be taken with food.
Acetaminophen and the anti-inflammatory drugs may also be helpful in reducing fever associated with a common cold. However, keep in mind that a fever is your body’s way of telling you it is actively fighting off an infection.
Decongestants are used to treat a stuffy nose. Pseudoephedrine (as in Sudafed) is the more potent decongestant. You must show identification and sign for this drug at the pharmacy to purchase it. It has been abused. Other decongestants include phenylephrine and oxymetazoline (generic Afrin). These agents are usually taken orally in tablet or liquid form. Some are administered by nasal spray, as with oxymetazoline.
Some side effects include an increase in your blood pressure. Patients can also experience some jitteriness or even insomnia (inability to sleep). So, if you have high blood pressure, or some heart condition, please check with your physician or pharmacist before using a decongestant. If you are using a decongestant nasal spray, try limiting its use to 3 days.
There is a possibility of “rebound congestion” at which point the nasal spray may no longer be effective.
Antihistamines are mainly used as allergy relief medication, but they are somewhat effective when treating a runny nose due to a cold. Diphenhydramine (generic Benadryl) and chlorpheniramine are first generation antihistamines. By way of an interesting mechanism of action, these drugs can dry up excessive nasal secretions. Both diphenhydramine and chlorpheniramine can cause drowsiness—not ideal for use while awake. These agents are also effective for motion sickness and as a sleep aid.
The newer antihistamines, such as cetirizine (Zyrtec), and loratadine (Claritin) are better suited for treating allergies rather than for use as a nasal drying agent. These two newer drugs usually do not cause sedation! All antihistamines are usually supplied as tablets or nasal sprays. If you have diabetes, glaucoma, or prostate problems, please check with your physician or pharmacist before taking antihistamines. Incidentally, discharge from a runny nose sliding down the back of your throat may be the reason you also have a sore throat. Taking care of the runny nose may minimize or eliminate a sore throat.
My next article will address treating a cough due to the common cold. I will also provide an opinion about cold remedies containing multiple ingredients.
