How to Select Pain Relief and Cold Medicines

If your congested head is occupied by a sadist pounding a jackhammer, you need the right relief, right away. The main thing you need to look at in over-the-counter (OTC) products are the active ingredients and what they do. Then zero in on the one that's tailor-made for your symptoms without extra ingredients you don't need. The following information is for adults only.

Instructions

• 1

  Learn the three basic camps of purchasing OTC drugs. Generally speaking, there are pain relievers, cough suppressants and antihistamines.

• 2

  Buy the right pain reliever. Among pain relievers, some are anti-inflammatory medication, some aren't. Most pain relievers treat fever, minor aches and pains and headaches. Common forms are ibuprofen (Motrin, Advil), acetylsalicylic acid or aspirin (Bayer), naproxen sodium (Aleve), ketoprofen (Orudis) and acetaminophen (Tylenol). Some, like ketoprofen, are preferred after dental work has been done.

• 3

  Buy the right cough suppressant. Some can help alleviate only mild congestion, while others don't help congestion at all. Also, some are drowsy while others are non-sedating. The most popular cough suppressants or expectorants are guaifenesin and dextromethorphan. Robitussin is made in both forms. The latter, however, may prolong a cough if there is heavy chest congestion, but it's a useful sleep aid.

• 4

  Get rid of your allergies and congestion with antihistamines. Antihistamines are either sedative or non-drowsy. Sedatives are the most effective at alleviate allergic reactions or congestion. However, non-drowsy, though less effective, treat symptoms while you're active. Since many congestive and allergic ailments are not entirely debilitating, this can be helpful. Chlorpheniramine (Benadryl), loratadine (Claritin), phenylephrine (Sudafed) and nasal saline (Afrin) are variations of antihistamines.