Effective Cold OTC Medications

Although there is no way to completely cure a cold, there are plenty of over-the-counter medications that can reduce the effects of cold symptoms.

Pain Reliever

• To alleviate the body aches associated with colds, take aspirin or ibuprofen. Acetaminophen works especially well to reduce both pain and fevers. Never take more than the recommended dosage, because acetaminophen can cause liver damage.

Decongestant

• Decongestants reduce the inflammation in the nasal passages causing a stuffy nose to become unclogged. The active ingredient in decongestants is psuedoephedrine, and some states require that all medicines containing psuedoephedrine be locked behind the pharmacy counter. You can still buy the medicine without a prescription, but you may have to ask for it.

Nasal Sprays

• Nasal sprays are extremely effective in unclogging a stuffy nose as well. They give instant relief as opposed to a pill-form decongestant that takes 30 minutes to an hour. However, nasal sprays should only be used for three days and no more. Overuse of the spray will cause chronic inflammation of the nasal passages.

Cough Medicines

• Cough medicines will help alleviate coughing but, according to the Mayo Clinic, these medicines do not actually treat the underlying cause of the cough and can be harmful or even fatal if used in children younger than 14 years of age. However, the medications do provide at least temporary relief from a cough.

Antihistmines

• Antihistamines block the receptors that trigger itching, sneezing and mucous production. They will temporarily relieve your runny nose and post-nasal drip, which is the main cause of a sore throat.