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Medications to treat cold and flu symptoms
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Now that the flu is widespread in Michigan, local residents are turning to over-the-counter medications to treat their symptoms. However, selecting a nonprescription cold and flu medication can be very confusing. There are many products on the market and some contain multiple ingredients. For safe and effective treatment of “flu-like” symptoms, it is important to know what ingredients are in a particular product and what each one does.
Before purchasing cold/flu medication, first think about what symptoms you are experiencing. Common flu symptoms include: headache, body aches, fever, runny or stuffy nose, cough and sore throat.
Aspirin, Tylenol (acetaminophen), or ibuprofen can be used to treat headaches, body aches, and fever. Children and teenagers should not take aspirin-containing medication for influenza or other viral infections due to the risk of Reye syndrome, a serious illness that can cause brain damage. Aspirin increases the risk of bleeding and should not be used by people with ulcers.
For a stuffed up nose, decongestants are available as tablets or as nasal sprays. Many cold medications have been reformulated. Some that used to contain pseudoephedrine no longer contain a decongestant, others now contain the decongestant phenylephrine because of laws restricting the sale of pseudoephedrine products. Decongestants can aggravate high blood pressure and should not be used by people with high blood pressure without checking with their doctor. Decongestant sprays should not be used for more than 3 days to prevent rebound congestion.
Studies on whether or not antihistamines help with sneezing and runny nose associated with a cold have had conflicting results. One study showed that the combination of a first-generation antihistamine (the older ones that cause drowsiness) plus a decongestant may have some effect on nasal congestion, sneezing and runny nose in older children and adults but not in children under 5 years old. This combination also may be effective in treating cough in adults caused by a cold.
Products for treating a cough can be divided up into 3 categories: cough suppressants, expectorants, and topical medication. The 2 cough suppressants that are available over-the-counter are dextromethorphan and diphenhydramine (an antihistamine). Guaifenesin is an expectorant that is thought to thin mucous in the airways so that it is easier to clear out by coughing. Topical medications for cough include medicated ointments rubbed on the chest and cough drops. Both of these typically contain menthol.
When selecting an over-the-counter product, always read the label and know what the active ingredients are in the product. Many products contain multiple ingredients .This can cause accidental overdose if taken with other medications with the same ingredient. For example, many multi-symptom cold medications contain acetaminophen, the same ingredient that is in Tylenol.
Also be sure to read and follow all directions and warnings about drug interactions and who should not use the product. Some over-the-counter medications can affect medical conditions such as diabetes and high blood pressure. If you have any questions, ask your pharmacist or doctor.
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