Best Over-the-counter Cold Medicine

There is no cure for the common or head cold; plain and simple. However, there are so many medications available in drugstores that promise to "cure" your common cold. Every year, right around allergy season, certain bacteria or viruses enter our body and keep us under the weather for at least few days. As the change in seasons occur, our bodies become vulnerable to various infections and hence, the bacteria or viruses get a golden chance. And since common cold is contagious, it doesn't matter if the weather didn't get you, someone else will. People try various home remedies, over-the-counter medications, and even prescribed drugs from their doctors. However, as we all know, there's no end to common cold. Sure it may give us relief for some time but once the viruses enter our bodies, it's the same ordeal all over again. Keeping that in mind, we have put listed some of the best over-the-counter cold medicines that can be taken during this time. Read the rest of the article to learn about them and also find out what are the symptoms and a few home remedies for the same.

Common or Head Cold Symptoms

In brief, let us know what are the symptoms of a common cold. Basically, anyone who has a cold will have a runny nose, keep sneezing more often than not, occasional coughing, muscles might be aching, scratchy throat, sinus congestion, feeling of fatigue, eyes will keep watering, and there can be chances of low-grade fever. All these are common symptoms for someone who has a common cold.

After learning about the symptoms of common cold, you must be wondering how long does a cold last. To be honest, it depends on each individual person. The symptoms can be detected only after 2 to 3 days of infection and the first 4 days are the most contagious. In any case, you can expect the appearances of the symptoms from 3 to 7 days; sometimes even longer. As I mentioned before, it depends on the individual and also varies due to the location and current health.

Head Cold Treatment - OTC Medications

Many doctors advise home remedies for a head cold, plenty of fluids, proper diet, and adequate rest. All these are very important in order to battle the viruses in our body. Due to the infection, our bodies become very weak and can't find the strength to fight the illness. Which is why, rest is very crucial at this stage. However, there are times when you do require certain medications that can help relieve the occurrences of stuffy and/or runny nose, fever, and other symptoms. At this stage, your doctor can suggest over-the-counter cold medicines for you. Here is a list of the most popular brands.

• Afrin ~ If you have sinus and/or nasal congestion, Afrin has been found to work well for adults. As this nasal spray has oxymetazoline hydrochloride as an active ingredient, it helps to unblock the nasal passes and clear sinuses as well. Even though this spray is effective, too much use can be responsible for damaged sinus tissue.
• Vicks NyQuil ~ This cold medication has dextromethorphan and pseudoephedrine, among other useful ingredients that help fight the symptoms, make you rest, and get sound sleep throughout the night. Which is why, it is recommended that you take Vicks NyQuil before going to bed. There is also a medication named Vicks DayQuil Cold and Flu which is to be taken during the day to fight the symptoms of a cold and flu. And of course, there are certain side effects of the drug as well like headache, nausea, and feeling dizzy.
• Advil ~ Advil Cold & Sinus contains ibuprofen and pseudoephedrine that helps reduce nasal passage swelling, relieve headache, body ache, and open up the passage for normal breathing. Side effects of taking this medication includes diarrhea, bloating, and constipation.

Other medication that serve as head cold remedies are Mucinex, Benadryl, Tylenol Sinus, and Aleve Cold and Sinus. However, before you take any of these over-the-counter medicines, you should consult with your doctor as these medications are not suitable for children under 4 or 5, pregnant women, people with stomach ulcers, high blood pressure, women who are breastfeeding, have severe liver and/or kidney disease, or are allergic to ibuprofen, pseudoephedrine, and any other ingredients found in the medication.

Even though OTC medications don't require a doctor's prescription, it wouldn't hurt to consult them anyway. Common cold is not a serious health condition but it can be if you take the wrong medication to relieve the symptoms. So, make the smart choice.