We all like to reach for over-the-counter (OTC) remedies when we feel a cold coming on. But did you know that all those easy treatments can actually cause more harm than good?
For many people, what’s convenient can become too convenient, leading to misuse, abuse, and unexpected side effects that they never saw coming.
So let’s break it down.
Here are five cold medications that you need to understand to get the most out of their safe and effective use.
Many people use nasal spray decongestants to clear their nostrils and open up their ability to breathe, but turns out, medicines such as oxymetazoline (Afrin) and phenylephrine can actually cause unanticipated issues. This happens because these decongestants work by narrowing the blood vessels in your nasal passages, which is why they work so rapidly.
However, sometimes your tissues become dependent on this rapid relief. When this happens, especially if you’re using heavily for more than three days straight, your congestion can actually worsen.
This is called ‘rebound congestion.’
With prolonged rebound congestion, your nasal tissues can take on damage, and your blood vessels as well.
Your best bet for a safe protocol is to follow the package instructions closely. Try to stick to one or two sprays in your nostrils every 12 hours, so no more than four in a 24-hour period.
If you need relief over a longer period, go for something such as steam or saline sprays. These don’t have addictive potential and will keep you feeling good while also mitigating your symptoms.
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We all need a cough suppressant from time to time, especially when we’re hacking away and can’t get to sleep or relax. But sometimes, this can become a bigger problem than it’s worth. If you’re using meds like Robitussin or Delsym to treat a persistent cough, you need to be careful.
These medications are not medically indicated for all types of coughs. Remember, coughing is not, in and of itself, a bad or good thing. It’s simply a mechanism that your body uses to clear mucus and irritants from your lungs.
When a cough is ‘productive,’ that means that it’s bringing mucus out of your body. In this case, you can say that the cough is a good thing because it’s helping your body to remove toxins and heal.
So be cautious. If you’re using cough suppressants to suppress a productive cough, you might be slowing the healing process. Not to mention, if you take too much of certain cough suppressants, you’ll find that you get dizzy, confused, and may even hallucinate!
This is one reason that people abuse cough suppressants and get addicted to them.
To avoid potential dependence and adverse effects, follow the dosage carefully – usually no more than 20 mg every four or six hours. Also, make sure to only use it when your cough is dry and non-productive, especially if you’re struggling to sleep.
And, should you find that your medication isn’t working or isn’t appropriate for your particular cough, go for something called an expectorant. Unlike suppressants, expectorants don’t block your cough reflex. Rather, they thin the mucus, making it easier to clear it.
Expectorants like Mucinex are a great choice when you’re dealing with a productive cough that’s heavy with mucus.
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The two most common antihistamines are Benadryl and Claritin, which are ideal for symptoms such as sneezing or runny noses. These medications function by blocking a compound that triggers your allergic reactions, histamine. When histamine is blocked, your symptoms may subside significantly.
However, too much of an antihistamine can lead to some potentially dangerous side effects. It can make you very sleepy, which is not good if you’re operating machinery or driving. In addition, some people actually overdose on antihistamines, essentially shutting down their bodies unintentionally.
For antihistamines, make sure to take 25-50 mg every six to eight hours. Follow the instructions, and if you’re concerned about falling asleep at work or during the day, take them at night. Some people are very susceptible to the effects of drowsiness, so if you’re one of them, look for alternatives.
Newer antihistamines such as loratadine typically have less of a drowsy effect on users.
While you may not have heard the term ‘systemic’ meds before, they’re really nothing new. If you’ve ever used DayQuil or NyQuil, then you’ve used systemic cold medications. They’re called this because they treat a full range of symptoms, everything from fever to congestion, cough, and other cold-related health problems.
In other words, they’re an “all-in-one” solution.
But that means it’s also easier to have ill side effects. Simply consider the ingredients. Most systemic cold drugs contain acetaminophen for pain relief, dextromethorphan for coughing, and pseudoephedrine or phenylephrine for congestion.
Taking too much of a systemic cold medication, especially when combined with other OTC meds, can lead to overdose and even liver damage.
So don’t stray from the recommended use. Take as directed, usually every four to six hours, and if you find you’re not feeling better or experiencing side effects, use standalone medications instead. In other words, take a pain reliever for your headache, a decongestant for your stuffy nose, and so on.
This is the simplest and smartest way to avoid potential overdoses. And if you’re not sure, don’t hesitate to ask your doctor.
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OTC pain relievers are one of the most abused OTC medications out there. Common ones include Tylenol, Advil, and aspirin, which millions of people use routinely to manage a variety of cold symptoms. Whether it’s a fever, a headache, or body aches, many go reaching for the pain reliever.
But here’s the catch.
For acetaminophen (Tylenol), you should never exceed the daily limit of ~4,000 mg. This can cause serious liver issues, particularly if you drink alcohol while taking it. As for ibuprofen (Advil), too much can lead to damage to your stomach lining, and worse, even ulcers and gastrointestinal bleeding.
Children and teenagers who have viral infections should avoid aspirin, as it may lead to something called Reye’s syndrome, a life-threatening brain disease impacting the liver and blood.
So be mindful. Make sure you follow the instructions carefully and know the active ingredients. After all, the last thing you want to do is double your dose unknowingly. Also, be sure to talk to your healthcare provider about any pre-existing conditions, or if you’re pregnant.
If you have children, you should also speak with your doctor first before using these cold medicines.
As always, monitor your symptoms, drink plenty of fluids, and take it easy. Sometimes, solid rest and good hydration may be even more effective than the cold medicines themselves.
No matter what your symptoms or how bad you feel, never forget: cold medications should be used judiciously. They’re available to ease your symptoms, but they aren’t a cure-all. If you’re having ongoing struggles that won’t abate, contact your doctor immediately.
With a targeted approach and some professional guidance, you’ll be back on your feet in no time!
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