Table of contents:
- Various choices of cold medicines from doctors
- 1. Saline liquid
- 2. Antihistamines
- 3. Pain relievers
- 4. Decongestants
- 5. Antiviral drugs
- Babies should not take cold medicine
Symptoms of a cold that sometimes causes a stuffy nose, sometimes runny, cough with phlegm and sneezing are really troublesome. Not only makes it difficult to breathe freely, but a cold eventually makes you not focus on your activities because you have to go back and forth to pass your nose or phlegm. Fortunately, there are many ways to cure a cold. One of them is a drug that you can buy at a pharmacy if you can't stand it. What cold medicines are available over-the-counter in pharmacies?
Various choices of cold medicines from doctors
Colds actually heal on their own. However, often the accompanying symptoms of a cold, such as sore throat, coughing, sneezing, headache, runny nose or congestion are very disturbing.
In addition, it can be that a runny nose and nasal congestion are signs of another illness, such as flu symptoms or other respiratory illnesses.
So, to cure various cold symptoms, the most common way is medication. Here are a variety of cold medicine options that you can use:
1. Saline liquid
Feeling tormented by snot that makes it difficult for you to breathe freely? Using saline or nasal sprays may help.
Saline solutions are nasal sprays or drops that contain a salt water solution. This liquid functions to moisturize the walls of the respiratory tract and soften mucus so that it prevents the formation of crusts in the nose.
You can get saline sprays at pharmacies and drug stores near you without a doctor's prescription. Saline liquid does not contain added chemicals, so you can use it whenever you need. However, make sure you always read the rules for using the drug carefully before using it.
2. Antihistamines
If your cold is triggered by an allergy, you can take an antihistamine medication. This drug works by inhibiting or stopping histamine activity in the body.
However, some types of antihistamines can cause drowsiness side effects. That is why, if you have recently used or are about to use this medicine, do not drive a vehicle, operate heavy machinery, or use sharp objects until the side effects disappear. If possible, take this cold medicine at bedtime so that you also get adequate rest at the same time.
If you are worried about the side effects of antihistamine drugs, do not hesitate to ask a pharmacist or doctor.
3. Pain relievers
Pain relievers such as paracetamol and ibuprofen can be used to treat a number of cold symptoms such as fever and headaches. The good news is, these two cold medicines are sold freely without a doctor's prescription. You can get it at the nearest drugstore or pharmacy.
However, be aware of any medications that might interact with your pain reliever. Based on information from the Consumer Reports website, paracetamol or acetaminophen should not be taken if you are taking blood thinners such as warfarin.
In addition, it is important to note that paracetamol should only be given to babies aged three months and over, while ibuprofen should only be given to babies aged six months and over. Always read the instructions for use on the product packaging carefully before you use any type of medicine.
4. Decongestants
Another way to cure colds is to take decongestants. This medication can help clear nasal congestion and reduce phlegm so that you can breathe more easily.
Decongestants work to reduce mucus production and relieve swollen sinus passages. There are various types of decongestant preparations that are sold at pharmacies or drugstores, including syrups, nasal sprays, to pills.
Although it is effective in curing colds, you should be careful when taking decongestants. Decongestants, such as pseudoephedrine and phenylephrine, can increase blood pressure and heart rate. If you have a history of hypertension, it's a good idea to consult your doctor first.
5. Antiviral drugs
Colds are caused by viral infections that affect the nose, ears and throat. There are more than 200 types of viruses that cause a runny nose. The one type of virus that most people catch colds is the rhinovirus.
That is why, antivirals can be a solution even though this disease can generally heal on its own. To get antiviral drugs, you must first get a doctor's prescription. Use antiviral drugs as directed by your doctor. Do not arbitrarily reduce, add to, or stop using this medication on your own.
One thing that is important to understand, antivirals are different from antibiotics. Always use caution when taking antiviral drugs or antibiotics. Antibiotics are drugs used to treat infections caused by bacteria. That is, antibiotics will not work for colds.
In addition to the medicines above, you can also try ways to cure colds with natural ingredients that are in your home kitchen. A number of household ingredients have long been recognized as natural cold remedies, such as honey, ginger, and salt water.
Babies should not take cold medicine
You can buy a number of cold medicines that have been mentioned above at drugstores or pharmacies without a doctor's prescription. However, it is important to understand that not all of the cold medicines above are safe for babies to drink. Especially paracetamol which can be dangerous for babies under 2 months of age.
Therefore, make sure you always read carefully the rules for using each drug you use. Take the medicine according to the dosage instructions listed on the medicine package or as directed by your doctor.
Do not overdo the dose that has been prescribed, because this method will not cure a cold any faster. On the other hand, it may actually make your cold symptoms worse.
