Best Medicine For The Start Of A Cold
Cold and flu season can be brutal. The common cold can leave you feeling miserable and unable to function. Luckily, there are many over-the-counter medications that can help relieve your symptoms and shorten the duration of your cold. In this article, we'll discuss some of the best medicines for the start of a cold.
Acetaminophen (Tylenol)
One of the most common symptoms of a cold is a fever, which can make you feel terrible. Acetaminophen, commonly known as Tylenol, is a pain reliever and fever reducer that can help bring down your temperature and relieve other symptoms like headache and body aches. It's important to follow the recommended dosage and not take more than directed, as too much acetaminophen can be harmful to your liver.
Ibuprofen (Advil, Motrin)
If acetaminophen doesn't work for you, ibuprofen (Advil, Motrin) is another option. It's also a pain reliever and fever reducer, but it works differently than acetaminophen. Ibuprofen is an anti-inflammatory drug, which means it can help relieve inflammation in your body that can cause pain and fever. As with acetaminophen, it's important to follow the recommended dosage and not take more than directed.
Decongestants
A stuffy nose is a common symptom of a cold, and decongestants can help relieve that congestion. There are two types of decongestants: oral and nasal. Oral decongestants like pseudoephedrine (Sudafed) can help relieve congestion throughout your body, but they can also cause side effects like jitteriness and increased heart rate. Nasal decongestants like oxymetazoline (Afrin) are applied directly to your nose and can provide more immediate relief, but they can also cause rebound congestion if used for more than a few days.
Antihistamines
Antihistamines are commonly used to treat allergies, but they can also help relieve some of the symptoms of a cold. They work by blocking histamine, a chemical in your body that can cause sneezing, runny nose, and itchy eyes. Some antihistamines like diphenhydramine (Benadryl) can also cause drowsiness, which can be helpful if you're having trouble sleeping due to your cold.
Cough Suppressants
A persistent cough can be one of the most annoying symptoms of a cold, and cough suppressants can help relieve that cough. They work by blocking the cough reflex in your brain, but they can also cause side effects like drowsiness and constipation. Some cough suppressants like dextromethorphan (Robitussin DM) can also contain other ingredients like guaifenesin, which can help loosen mucus in your chest.
Zinc
Zinc is a mineral that has been shown to help shorten the duration of a cold. It works by interfering with the replication of the virus that causes the cold, and can also help boost your immune system. Zinc lozenges are a popular way to take zinc, but they can cause side effects like nausea and a bad taste in your mouth. It's important to follow the recommended dosage and not take too much zinc, as it can be harmful in large doses.
In conclusion, there are many over-the-counter medications that can help relieve the symptoms of a cold. Acetaminophen and ibuprofen can help relieve pain and fever, decongestants can help relieve congestion, antihistamines can help relieve sneezing and runny nose, cough suppressants can help relieve cough, and zinc can help shorten the duration of a cold. Be sure to follow the recommended dosage and consult with your doctor if you have any questions or concerns.