Best Medicine To Take For A Head Cold
Head colds are a common occurrence, especially during the winter months. The symptoms of a head cold can be quite debilitating and can include nasal congestion, runny nose, sore throat, cough, and headache. While there is no cure for the common cold, there are several over-the-counter (OTC) medications that can help relieve the symptoms. In this article, we will discuss the best medicine to take for a head cold.
Decongestants
Decongestants are a type of medication that helps relieve nasal congestion by narrowing the blood vessels in the nasal passages. They are available in both pill and nasal spray form. Nasal sprays work faster than pills, but they can cause rebound congestion if used for more than three days. Some common decongestants include pseudoephedrine, phenylephrine, and oxymetazoline. Decongestants can also cause side effects such as increased heart rate, high blood pressure, and insomnia, so it is important to follow the recommended dosage and not use them for extended periods.
Pain Relievers
Pain relievers are medications that help reduce pain and fever. They are available in both prescription and OTC form. Some common OTC pain relievers include acetaminophen, ibuprofen, and naproxen. Acetaminophen is a good choice for people who cannot take nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drugs (NSAIDs) like ibuprofen and naproxen. NSAIDs can cause stomach upset, so it is important to take them with food. Aspirin is also an NSAID, but it should not be given to children under the age of 18 because of the risk of Reye's syndrome.
Cough Suppressants
Cough suppressants are medications that help reduce coughing. They are available in both prescription and OTC form. Some common OTC cough suppressants include dextromethorphan and codeine. Dextromethorphan is a good choice for people who cannot take codeine because of its sedative effects. Codeine is a narcotic and can be habit-forming, so it should only be used under a doctor's supervision. Cough suppressants can also cause side effects such as dizziness, drowsiness, and constipation, so it is important to follow the recommended dosage.
Antihistamines
Antihistamines are medications that help reduce allergy symptoms such as runny nose and sneezing. They are available in both prescription and OTC form. Some common OTC antihistamines include loratadine, cetirizine, and fexofenadine. Antihistamines can also cause side effects such as drowsiness and dry mouth, so it is important to follow the recommended dosage and not take them with alcohol.
Conclusion
While there is no cure for the common cold, there are several OTC medications that can help relieve the symptoms. Decongestants can help relieve nasal congestion, pain relievers can help reduce pain and fever, cough suppressants can help reduce coughing, and antihistamines can help reduce allergy symptoms. It is important to follow the recommended dosage and not use these medications for extended periods. If you have any questions or concerns about taking OTC medications, it is important to talk to your healthcare provider.