In the UK & US more money is spent on over-the-counter medications for coughs and colds than any other ailment. While some of these treatments may relieve symptoms associated with colds and coughs, none will effect a cure or shorten its duration and all interfere with your body’s own efforts to cure. Many medications are also associated with dangerous side effects…
Common suggested medications include:
- Painkillers, e.g. Paracetamol
- Decongestant sprays
- Oral decongestants (tablets or syrup)
- Expectorants
- Antihistamines.
| NB: Antibiotics are not helpful in relieving symptoms of the common cold as it is a virus, not a bacteria, and they may even prolong it. |
Antiviral medications
Amantadine
Rimantadine
Active against influenza A, Amantadine and Rimantadine have been known to cause side effects such as insomnia and anxiety, nausea and loss of appetite. In severe cases side effects such as seizures have been reported. Use of Amantadine (and Rimantadine) has been associated with central nervous system side effects including nervousness, anxiety, insomnia and light-headedness.
Tamiflu
Tamiflu (Oseltamivir Phosphate) is approved to treat type A and B influenza. It is an oral antiviral drug for the treatment of uncomplicated flu. Its use in people with chronic heart or lung diseases, kidney disease or other underlying high-risk conditions should be with extreme caution.
Side effects can include nausea, vomiting, diarrhea, bronchitis, stomach pain, dizziness and headaches.
Tamiflu has also been in the public eye concerning its potential effectiveness against bird flu. Stockpiles continue in the event of a pandemic, although its effectiveness on has not been fully confirmed.
Oseltamivir
Zanamivir
Active against influenza A and B. Oseltamivir is often prescribed for children.
These drugs inhibit the activity of the influenza virus M2 protein, which forms a channel in the virus membrane. As a result the virus cannot replicate after it enters a cell.
Zanamivir and Oseltamivir are called neuraminidase inhibitors. They work by blocking this enzyme’s activity, preventing new virus particles from being released thereby stemming the spread of infection.
Each of these medicines has side effects that can include nausea and vomiting, wheezing or breathing problems, headache and diarrhea.
Pain relievers
Acetaminophen
Aspirin
Ibuprofen
Used to relieve body aches, headaches, sore throats and fever.
Side effects of these painkillers can include allergic reactions, black or bloody stools, nausea, vomiting, abdominal pain, fever, ringing in the ears, dizziness, heartburn, drowsiness and headache.
Decongestants
e.g. Sudafed
Used to help relieve a stuffy nose, ear congestion or ear popping.
Side effects include potential tachycardia, palpitations, headache, dizziness or nausea, restlessness, weakness, dysuria, insomnia, convulsions, arrhythmias and hypotension.
Cough syrups
e.g. Chlorpheniramine
Dextromethorphan
These are used to suppress certain kinds of coughs, although it is important to note that coughing is useful because it removes secretions from your throat.
Side effects can include allergic reaction, excessively dry eyes, nose and mouth, drowsiness and dizziness, blurred vision, difficulty in urinating and hyperactivity.
Antihistamines
e.g. Hydroxyzine hydrochloride
Diphenhydramine hydrochloride
Atemiozole
These are used to relieve allergy symptoms, but can cause side effects such as drowsiness, dry mouth, dizziness, sleepiness, upset stomach, decreased coordination, fatigue, weight gain, chest congestion, fluttery heartbeat, loss of appetite and vision problems.
Flu Injections
Flu jabs have been well advertised over recent years, especially to the elderly or people at high-risk, as a way of reducing the incidence of flu by around 80%. It contains already killed flu viruses that will cause your body to fight off infection from the live flu virus should it enter your system. It is given as a single injection in the upper arm and is updated each year to include the most current strains.
However, because this vaccine contains the killed viruses of only a few strains it is in no way a guarantee that you will not get sick by other strains.
Side effects can include flu-like symptoms for a few days afterwards, such as headaches and low-grade fever.
There is also a nasal version of the vaccine, but this is made from live viruses and as such causes more pronounced side effects, including runny nose, headache, vomiting, muscular aches and fever.
