Cold Medicine Active Ingredients

Until there is a cure for the common cold, those who catch one must make do with the available single ingredient and multiple ingredient medications that aim to relieve the pesky effects of congestion and irritation. With so many types of cold medicines in many different brands, it is vital to know which active ingredients are being consumed and exactly what symptoms they treat. Keep in mind that Jay Hoecker, M.D., a pediatrician at Mayo Clinic, advises not to give children under age 2 cold medicines and to use excessive caution in older children as well. Failure to educate yourself on this important topic may lead to unnecessarily prolonging your cold and more dangerously, accidental overdose.

Antihistamines

• Antihistamines treat irritated eyes, sneezing, runny noses, and sore, dry throats. Diphenhydramine, also commonly known by the brand name Benadryl, is a regularly used form of antihistamine in both single ingredient and multiple ingredient cold and allergy medications. Dimenhydrinate, primarily used as an anti-nausea medication in Dramamine, also acts as an antihistamine in a similar way diphenhydramine does. Both of these medications are likely to have side effects that include drowsiness, dizziness, headache, dry mouth, and dry eyes. The antihistamine loratadine is thought to be less sedating but not as easily found in brand-name medications.

Decongestants

• Using nasal sprays longer than three days may result in rebound congestion.

  Pseudoephedrine, phenylephrine, and oxymetazoline are three ingredients found in brand name and generic decongestants. Pseudoephedrine and phenylephrine are used as nasal decongestants in both single ingredient cold medications and multiple ingredient relievers. Since pseudoephedrine is also used to manufacture illegal substances, you may not find it on the shelf. However, you can purchase it from a pharmacist, who will record the transaction. Phenylephrine is also used in topical nasal decongestants. Oxymetazoline is used in single ingredient nasal sprays. Since many decongestants have the potential to cause irritability and restlessness, it is recommended that caffeine intake should be limited during the period the medicine is taken.

Pain Relievers

• Two of the most common analgesics found in cold medicines are acetaminophen and ibuprofen. When sold as a single ingredient pill, acetaminophen is known by the brand name Tylenol. Many other brand-name combination cold medicines may also carry the ingredient, including Sudafed, TheraFlu, Triaminic, Benadryl, and Excedrin. The maximum dose of acetaminophen for adults and children 12 years and older is 4,000 mg per day. Since many cold medicines and prescription pain relievers contain this ingredient, it is important to read labels carefully to make sure the maximum dose is not exceeded. In singular ingredient form, ibuprofen is commonly known by the brand names Advil and Motrin, among others. Advil also carries a multiple ingredient allergy and sinus medication. Ibuprofen is typically taken every four to six hours as needed for pain. It should be noted that some people may experience ulcers and bleeding in the stomach or intestines or have a higher risk of heart attack or stroke. To reduce these risks, consult with a doctor before taking ibuprofen long term. Both ibuprofen and acetaminophen can reduce fevers.

Cough Suppressants and Expectorants

• Both cough suppressants and cough expectorants are easily tolerated cold medicines.

  The difference between cough suppressants and cough expectorants is that suppressants reduce coughing while expectorants break up the mucus that causes chest congestion, making it easier to cough it up and clear the respiratory system. The most common cough suppressant is the antitussive medicine dextromethorphan. It is used to relieve minor throat and bronchial irritation that is associated with the common cold. It may come as a soothing lozenge that is dissolved in the mouth instead of swallowed whole. It is found as a single ingredient medicine in the brand names Delsym, Robitussin, and Vicks, as well as being found in multiple ingredient cold relieving medicines. Guaifenesin is the active ingredient in cough expectorants. Mucinex and Robitussin are common brand names that carry this ingredient. Guaifenesin works by breaking up mucus in the chest and airway, making it easier for an individual to cough it up.