There are a lot of different over-the-counter (OTC) cold-and-flu-symptom-relieving medicines out there. Here's a brief rundown of the most common active ingredients and how they could help treat your symptoms.
Antipyretic Agents (Fever Reducers)
Fevers can be treated with nonprescription antipyretic agents, which include aspirin, acetaminophen, and nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drugs (NSAIDs) including ibuprofen,
ketoprofen, and naproxen sodium. Antipyretic agents reduce fever by blocking the body chemicals that cause pain and elevated temperature.
Acetaminophen and NSAIDs are the primary antipyretics used for the self-treatment of fever.1
Antitussives (Cough Suppressants)
Antitussives (cough suppressants) control or eliminate cough and are the drugs of choice for nonproductive coughs. Dextromethorphan is the most common oral nonprescription antitussive. Menthol, camphor, and eucalyptus are common nonprescription topical antitussives. These agents act centrally in the medulla in the brain to increase the cough threshold.1
Protussives (Expectorants)
Mucus is controlled by protussives (expectorants), which change the consistency of respiratory tract secretions and increase the volume of expectorated sputum.
They are the drugs of choice for productive coughs that expel thick secretions from the lungs with difficulty.
Guaifenesin (glyceryl guaiacolate) is the only FDA-approved expectorant. It loosens and thins lower respiratory tract secretions, making minimally productive coughs more productive.
Dosage forms include oral liquids, syrups, and immediate-release and extended-release tablets.1
Decongestants
Nasal congestion is treated with oral (pseudoephedrine and phenylephrine) and topical (i.e., intranasal) decongestants (oxymetazoline)—the most common treatment for the common cold. By stimulating adrenergic receptors and thereby constricting blood vessels, decongestants reduce the blood supply to the nose, decrease the amount of blood in the sinuses, and decrease mucosal swelling.1
Antihistamines
There are two types of antihistamines—first-generation (sedating), and second-generation (non-sedating). First-generation antihistamines reduce symptoms of sneezing and
runny nose, whereas second-generation antihistamines do not. First-generation antihistamines are preferred to treat cold symptoms.1
Antihistamine-decongestant combinations are often used to treat common cold symptoms such as runny nose, nasal congestion, and sneezing. The antihistamine diphenhydramine is also a
recognized antitussive that decreases cough associated with the common cold. Health care professionals must bear in mind that only combinations containing first-generation
antihistamines are likely to offer these beneficial effects.1 Other antihistamines, besides diphenhydramine, used to treat cold symptoms include doxylamine succinate, chlorpheniramine, and triprolidine chloride.
