There are so many medications available to treat cold and flu symptoms. Here, we will focus on medications that only treat one symptom. These are best for those times when you have symptoms that are not covered by multi-use medications or when those medications treat more symptoms than what you have. If in doubt, it is always better to take a few different single symptom medications to treat only the symptoms you have.
1. Decongestants
Sudafed® and Sudafed PE® are both decongestants. They contain pseudoephedrine(Sudafed) or phenylephrine(Sudafed PE) that help to release congestion. These medications are also available in generic form at most drugstores. Federal laws now require that Sudafed (pseudoephedrine) be sold behind the counter because it can be used to produce methamphetamines. It is still available without a prescription, you just have to ask the pharmacist and sign for it. In my experience, Sudafed PE (phenylephrine) is very effective and it is available in the cold medication aisle.
2. Antihistamines
Antihistamines can be used for symptoms such as runny nose, sneezing and itching. There are many different formulas available, including Benadryl® (diphenhydramine), Claritin® (loratidine), Zyrtec®, and Allegra®. Zyrtec and Allegra are both available only as prescriptions. Antihistamines are very useful for treating allergy symptoms and may also be used when you have a cold or the flu. Benadryl and Zyrtec tend to cause drowsiness, while Claritin and Allegra do not. It may take trying a few different formulas before you find the one that works the best for you.
3. Ibuprofen
Ibuprofen, also sold as Advil® or Motrin®, is a type of pain reliever/fever reducer. It is known as a non-steroidal anti inflammatory drug or NSAID. It works in a different way than acetaminophen. The major risk from ibuprofen is stomach bleeding. If you have any history of stomach or bleeding problems, you should not take ibuprofen or other NSAIDs. For me, ibuprofen is the most effective pain reliever that is available over the counter. It is also useful as a fever reducer.
4. Acetaminophen
Acetaminophen, or Tylenol®, is used to bring down a fever and relieve minor pain. Personally, I tend to use acetaminophen more for fevers than for pain. For me, it is not an effective pain reliever. But many people find that it works well for them. In general, acetaminophen has less side effects and risks than other pain relievers. It is safe for children as young as two months old. However, it can cause liver damage if too much is taken. Be careful to take it only as directed and make sure no other medications you are taking contain acetaminophen.
5. Aspirin
Aspirin is a common pain reliever/fever reducer. Be sure to ask your doctor before taking aspirin if you have any chronic illness. Never give aspirin to a child unless instructed to do so by the child's doctor. Aspirin can cause a potentially fatal disease, known as Reye's syndrome, in children. I don't use aspirin very often, but it can be a very effective pain reliever and fever reducer for many people.
6. Natural Cold and Flu Remedies
Many people prefer natural or herbal remedies to treat the cold and flu. If you are one of those people, this is for you. Find the top choices for natural and herbal treatment and prevention of the cold and flu.
