Treat Yourself? The Ultimate Guide For OTC Cough and Cold Options (2022)
A cough is one of many irritating symptoms you can have while fighting a cold. Let’s talk about how to get better and what you can do to find relief over-the-counter (OTC).
Note: It is important to be mindful of your symptoms and avoid passing your illness on to others by wearing a mask. Many signs and symptoms of the common cold cannot be distinguished from Covid-19 without testing. If you believe you have Covid-19, follow the proper guidelines for testing, treatment, and quarantine as closely as possible.
Which Cough and Cold Medicine Is Best?
What If My Cough and Cold Medicine Tastes Bad?
Herbal Remedies and Supplements
Non-Medicinal Tips to Get Better Soon
Is Cough and Cold Medicine Safe While Pregnant?
When Should You Stop Cough Medicine?
What Cough and Cold Medicines Can Affect Drug Screening Tests?
How To Prevent a Cold: Best Practices
Keep your kids and pets safe by keeping medicine out of reach.
ALWAYS KEEP MEDICATIONS OF ANY KIND OUT OF your kid’s REACH.
Children under the age of 6 make up half of all poison exposures in the United States. Poison Control is a free, confidential resource for questions and emergencies. Toxicology experts are available 24 hours a day by phone, text, and online.
You can avoid overuse by checking the recommended doses on each newly purchased medication, even if the product is familiar.
Which Cough and Cold Medicine Is Best?
Turn an overwhelming search into a quick trip by knowing a few key ingredients.
Choosing the right cough and cold medicine is about looking at the ingredients and how they work individually.
All medications have “Active Ingredients” listed on the packaging. If you are pregnant, taking prescriptions medications, or treating a child, it is best to consult a healthcare provider about specific ingredients to avoid. The cough and cold aisle may seem endless, but most available products have some combination of the following types:
Antitussive
These medications relieve cough.
Dextromethorphan (DXM) is the most common and can cause drowsiness.
Stop using DXM if you take antidepressants and experience confusion or a quickened pulse after use.
Antihistamines
These are added to dry up leaking noses and eyes. They lessen the body’s reaction to environmental allergens and help with sleep.
For relief of cold symptoms, antihistamines take up to 3 days for a noticeable effect.
Combinations with diphenhydramine and doxylamine are more likely to cause drowsiness than cetirizine, loratadine, and others.
Do not take Fexofenadine (Allegra™) products with fruit juice.
Consult a pediatrician before giving antihistamines to young children. Side effects can be life-threatening.
Most decongestants are easy to identify.
Decongestants
Decongestants are made to ease congestion due to swelling in the sinus cavity. These do not work to “dry you out” the way that an antihistamine would.
Decongestants can be stimulating, and if you have high blood pressure, hyperthyroidism, or anxiety, you may want to avoid them.
Taking these for more than 3 days at a time can cause your congestion to be worse when you stop.
Phenylephrine and pseudoephedrine are the most common and are marked on packaging with “sinus” or by a “D” or “PE” after the medication name.
Expectorants
These medications are made to loosen mucus so that blowing your nose and a productive cough are easier.
Guaifenesin is the most common and needs to be taken with plenty of fluids.
Analgesic fever reducers
These medications act as pain relievers and are used to moderate fever, with acetaminophen and ibuprofen being the most common.
If you have liver issues, limit acetaminophen intake per your provider’s instructions, but not more than 3000mg between products otherwise.
If you have ulcers or take blood-thinning medication, ibuprofen and similar products should be avoided.
Naproxen and aspirin should be avoided with children.
Cough medicine treats symptoms, but will not cure your cold. Most of the items listed are available as oral tablets, capsules, chewables, or liquids. Some liquids contain alcohol to keep ingredients dissolved. There are also sugar-free choices if you are diabetic.
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What If My Cough and Cold Medicine Tastes Bad?
There are choices beyond cough syrup.
If you gawk at the thought of grape flavoring, here are some other options to consider.
Nasal Sprays and Neti Pots
Most nasal sprays contain steroids that can help with congestion and allergy symptoms without the drowsy effect of antihistamines. (These are not testosterone-like steroids.)
Inhale these sprays gently. They are meant to work in the nasal cavities, not in the lungs. They may take a week for full relief.
If you have high blood pressure, you should consult your doctor before trying this option.
There are also saline sprays and sinus rinses (neti pots) that can ease congestion naturally. Follow the instructions to avoid discomfort and use boiled, bottled, or distilled water to mix.
Clean and change your dispensers according to manufacturer instructions to avoid secondary infection.
Throat Sprays
Throat sprays usually contain menthol or benzocaine. They are used for sore throat and irritation-related cough.
Benzocaine numbs anything it touches, and menthol can burn your eyes. Aim carefully and wash your hands after use.
Do not give cough drops to young children.
Cough Drops and Lozenges
Cough drop and lozenges often contain some combination of menthol, dextromethorphan, or benzocaine. Honey and other herbal ingredients are discussed below.
Always check that you are within your dosing limits while using other cold medicine.
Do not give these to young children, as they are a choking hazard.
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Herbal Remedies and Supplements
Natural cold remedies have common ingredients with wellness shots, teas, and kombuchas.
Remember to practice moderation. When choosing supplements, look for a USP or NSF verified seal, Good Manufacturing Process guarantee, and food-derived ingredients when possible. Only purchase from a reputable brand that you trust.
Maintain balance and be aware of side effects when using herbal supplements. “Natural” does not mean “neutral.”
Symptom Relief Versus Immune Support
Herbal remedies may not “cure” your cold but can be effective at relieving symptoms. Similarly, using immune support supplements does not prevent all infections. Most studies have mixed results about how they affect the duration or severity of a cold.
A good rule of thumb is to keep your immune system primed, especially when there is more risk of catching a cold. A balanced diet and a good multivitamin are generally sufficient as many herbal medicines are also foods that you can easily work into your meals.
Common Symptom Relievers
Honey
Honey can soothe your sore throat and also has antimicrobial and immune-boosting properties. Try stirring it into a warm drink. Do not give honey to infants, as it can be life-threatening.
Lemon
Lemon acts as an expectorant and makes a hostile environment for microbes. It also has vitamin C and antioxidants to boost your immune system.
Eucalyptus essential oil
Diffused or steamed eucalyptus oil can be a soothing way to keep the air and your airways moist. You can also add a few drops on a pillowcase or dilute it and rub it on your chest. Eucalyptus is an active component of Vicks VapoRub™. It should not be applied directly under the nose.
Ginger
Ginger can soothe your sore throat and lessen inflammation. It is also helpful to calm nausea and upset stomach.
Star anise
Star anise pods have antimicrobial properties and make a nice addition to your teacup. The Japanese varieties are toxic, so look for Chinese varieties from a reputable source. Beware of seeds.
A salt water gargle
Gargling with salt water will help soothe your sore throat and create an unfavorable environment for microbes.
Menthol
Menthol is known to clear your sinuses and make your eyes water. It is a component of peppermint oil that comes in oral and topical forms. Be careful to wash your hands after application and not to get it in your eyes.
Common Immune Boosters
Vitamin C
You are likely getting enough vitamin C from your food and multivitamin. If you take iron, vitamin C may increase how much you absorb.
Echinacea
If you have allergies to ragweed or get “hay fever”, echinacea can worsen symptoms. It can also cause heartburn.
Zinc
Zinc is best taken when symptoms first appear and may cause a metallic taste if taken by mouth. Zinc nasal sprays can damage your sense of smell, so it is best to avoid them.
Tumeric
Tumeric contains antioxidants and lessens inflammation. Tumeric supplements with piperine are better absorbed.
Elderberry
Elderberry has antioxidants and vitamins that can be beneficial for the immune system. Do not eat raw elderberries.
Garlic
The allicin compound in garlic gives it immune-boosting properties. The best sources to use are aged garlic extract or fresh sliced garlic. Leave sliced garlic standing for 10 minutes or use a generous amount if applying heat.
Probiotics
Your gut health is an essential part of your immune system. Probiotics can be helpful if you have diarrhea or have to take antibiotics. Most normal gut bacteria can be maintained with a balanced diet.
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Non-Medicinal Tips to Get Better Soon
Focus your energy towards recovery and Help your body to help itself.
Humidify.
Keeping your airways moist will help with irritation and healing. When choosing a humidifier, cool mist vaporizers are less likely to breed bacteria. However, both the warm and cold types need regular cleaning to avoid mold and/ or bacteria build-up.
If you prefer steam, make use of the shower and your favorite steeping bowls.
Hydrate.
Hydration is essential to your body’s function. Drink plenty of water and stick to warm, decaffeinated liquids and low-sodium broths.
Rest.
Many people don’t get enough sleep regularly. Give your body time to recover and indulge in all the self-care you can (at home).
Minimize Throat Irritation.
Avoid coughing unnecessarily, eating spicy food, or straining to speak. If you have phlegm, use your cough to bring it up and out. Keeping mucus in your airways will make your infection worse.
Stop drinking alcohol and smoking.
Nicotine products and drinking too much alcohol can weaken your immune system, making your path to recovery longer.
Avoid foods and beverages that worsen mucus.
Foods and beverages will typically increase your mucus production as an allergic reaction. Products containing dairy, eggs, gluten, and processed meat are common culprits.
Dairy and caffeinated drinks also make mucus thicker. Talk to your doctor about changing your diet if you believe these are causing you problems.
Clear the air.
Change your air filter and vacuum regularly to minimize dust and irritants. Houseplants are also beneficial to clean air exchange throughout your living space.
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Is Cough and Cold Medicine Safe While Pregnant?
If you are pregnant, there are many factors to consider when choosing cough and cold medicine.
Additionally, what is safe for you will change with each trimester. Request a list of approved non-prescription medications and doses from your obstetrician that can be updated throughout your pregnancy.
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When Should You Stop Cough Medicine?
You should only use cough and cold medicine If You Need It.
You should stop and contact your healthcare provider if you experience any of the following:
Your symptoms last for or worsen after 10 days
Severe shortness of breath, vomiting, or pain
Coughing up blood
Fever for 3 or more days
Feeling faint or confused
Glands in neck or jaw feel swollen
Chest pain
What Cough and Cold Medicines Can Affect Drug Screening Tests?
There are rare occurrences of OTC cold medications (pseudoephedrine or dextromethorphan) causing false-positive results on drug screening tests. These results are usually disproven by a secondary test.
Prescription cough medications containing codeine or hydrocodone will give a positive result for opioids.
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How To Prevent a Cold: Best Practices
There is no way to prevent every cold, but there are habits that will lessen your likelihood of getting sick.
Preventing illness is about maintaining your best health.
Use Good Hygiene.
Wash your hands. (You got this one, right?)
for 30 seconds with warm water and soap
before touching your face, eyes, or mouth
Before handling food
After touching garbage, money, or shared surfaces
Use hand sanitizer when hand washing is not an option.
Keep your environment clean and disinfected.
Practice personal hygiene.
Do not share phones, straws, or vaping pens.
Avoid sick people.
If someone is showing symptoms of illness, avoid close contact or inhaling shared air. Masking is effective at limiting the spread of airborne infection.
Eat to live.
Maintaining a healthy and balanced diet provides nourishment, vitamins, and enzymes that are necessary to keep you well. Green vegetables, beans, and fruits are sources of nutrients that keep your gut healthy and bolster your immune system.
Sleep well.
Are you getting enough sleep? Rest is essential to recovery, mental health, and immunity. Good sleep hygiene habits are the first step toward better sleep.
Exercise.
Regular physical activity is associated with better mental health, faster recovery, and longer lifespans. Alternate weight-lifting and natural-motion workouts. Consult your provider before starting a new exercise routine.
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References
Abe, K. (2020, February 19). Volatile compounds of fresh and processed garlic. PubMed. Retrieved January, 2022, from https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/32010343/
Anderson, W. (2015, July 15). The Relationship of Mucus Concentration (Hydration) to Mucus Osmotic Pressure and Transport in Chronic Bronchitis. NCBI. Retrieved January, 2022, from https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC4532825/
Berg, G. (2014, January 10). Beneficial effects of plant-associated microbes on indoor microbiomes and human health? NCBI. Retrieved January, 2022, from https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC3905206/
Butler, L. (2004, August 1). Dietary fiber and reduced cough with phlegm: a cohort study in Singapore. PubMed. Retrieved January, 2022, from https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/15117740/
Hewlings, S. (2017, October 22). Curcumin: A Review of Its Effects on Human Health. PubMed. Retrieved January, 2022, from https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/29065496/
Hossain, K. (2020, December 21). Prospects of honey in fighting against COVID-19: pharmacological insights and therapeutic promises. NCBI. Retrieved January, 2022, from https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC7750705/
Krinsky, D. L. (Ed.). (2020). Handbook of Nonprescription Drugs: An Interactive Approach to Self-Care. American Pharmacists Association. 10.21019/9781582123172.ch12
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