Instructions for using cold medicine for adults

Usually over-the-counter (OTC) medicines will not cure a cold completely, but they can help the person feel better. So you can rest when the treatment is over. Here are some cold symptoms and suggestions of cold and flu medicine combined with uses for your reference.

Decongestants limit swelling inside the nasal cavity (rhinitis, nasal congestion, sinuses), thereby helping air to flow more easily so that the patient can breathe more easily. There are 2 types of decongestants:
Pills or syrups: If you see a "D" at the end of the medicine's name, it means it includes decongestants. Look for products with Phenylephrine (a vasoconstrictor) or Pseudoephedrine (a decongestant). Decongestants: Cold and flu decongestants that contain Oxymetazoline and Phenylephrine may work faster than pills or syrups. However, if used continuously for more than 2-3 days, nasal congestion may worsen. Both drugs should not be used at the same time. You can use a nasal spray for the first few days and switch to a pill or syrup for the next few days (if the condition has not improved).
MORE: Cold: When to take antibiotics?

When you have a cold, your body produces chemicals called histamines, which lead to a reaction to sneezing, runny nose, and watery eyes.

Over-the-counter antihistamines such as the allergy medications Chlorpheniramine and Diphenhydramine help block the production of histamine and relieve those symptoms. In addition, this cold and flu medicine can also make you drowsy and dry your eyes, nose, and mouth.

If you can't stop your cough, you can consider 2 approaches:
Cough medicines like Dextromethorphan can provide short-term relief. They work on the part of your brain that controls your processes. An expectorant such as Guaifenesin can break up congestion in the chest by thinning the mucus in the airways. This way, when you have a cough, you can more easily get rid of the phlegm. It is advised to drink plenty of water if taking this medicine.

For a cold, these symptoms are usually milder than those of the flu. However, if you feel uncomfortable and can't rest, most medical professionals agree that you can use something to relieve pain and reduce fever, such as Acetaminophen or Ibuprofen.
Always read the drug label carefully for side effects and follow the directions for taking the medicine exactly. Make sure it won't interact with any other medications you're taking or any health problems you've had - ask your doctor or pharmacist if you're not sure.
MORE: What medicine to take with a cold to get well quickly?

Many people think that vitamin C, Echinacea ingredients and zinc are very good for colds. Although they do not cure colds completely, vitamin C and zinc can shorten the duration of the cold. However, before trying medicines with these ingredients, consult your doctor to make sure they will work well with other medicines you are taking.
Nose patches can also help you breathe easier, as they can widen the nasal passages when you wear them. Some other natural remedies can also help ease the discomfort of a cold, for example:
Drink plenty of fluids, including chicken soup, as it can make you feel better. To relieve a sore throat, you can gargle with warm salt water, use a throat spray, and suck on ice or lozenges. Try rinsing your nose with salt water as they can help relieve a stuffy or runny nose. Apply a small amount of moisturizer to your nose if your nose is irritated from constant blowing. Facial tissues, when replenished with moisture from lotions, can help prevent and heal redness and soreness. Use a humidifier to dissolve phlegm. Finally, in addition to using adult cold medicines, do what makes you as comfortable and relaxed as possible, and increase your rest while your body fights off the cold virus. In addition, to enhance the effectiveness of treatment, patients should maintain a healthy lifestyle, proper nutrition, combined with exercise to increase resistance. This is the best key to a healthy body and victory over many diseases.
In case of a cold that does not go away for a long time, the patient can go to reputable medical facilities for examination and treatment. Vinmec International General Hospital is a high-quality medical facility in Vietnam with a team of highly qualified medical professionals, well-trained, domestic and foreign, and experienced.
A system of modern and advanced medical equipment, possessing many of the best machines in the world, helping to detect many difficult and dangerous diseases in a short time, supporting the diagnosis and treatment of doctors the most effective. Hospital space is designed according to 5-star hotel standards, maximum sterilization, giving patients comfort, friendliness and peace of mind.

Reference source: webmd.com