The common cold can bring a mix of congestion, coughing, sore throat, headaches, and overall fatigue. There is no cure for a cold—viruses must run their course—but the right over-the-counter (OTC) medicines can greatly ease symptoms.
Below is a guide to the most effective options and how to choose what’s best for your needs.
1. Decongestants: Best for Stuffy Nose
Examples: Pseudoephedrine (Sudafed), Phenylephrine (Sudafed PE)
What they do:
• Shrink swollen nasal passages
• Improve airflow through the nose
• Reduce sinus pressure
Best for:
• Sinus congestion
• “Blocked” nose
Important notes:
• Pseudoephedrine is generally more effective than phenylephrine.
• May raise blood pressure or cause insomnia—avoid before bedtime.
• Not recommended for people with uncontrolled hypertension, heart disease, or certain thyroid issues.
2. Antihistamines: Best for Runny Nose & Sneezing
Examples: Diphenhydramine (Benadryl), Chlorpheniramine, Cetirizine, Loratadine
What they do:
• Reduce nasal drainage
• Calm sneezing
• Dry out mucus
Best for:
• Drippy, watery runny nose
• Sneezing
Important notes:
• Older antihistamines (Benadryl, chlorpheniramine) are more drying but can cause drowsiness.
• Newer ones (cetirizine, loratadine) are less sedating but also somewhat less drying.
3. Cough Suppressants: Best for Dry, Irritating Cough
Example: Dextromethorphan (Robitussin DM, Delsym)
What it does:
• Reduces the urge to cough, especially when coughing interferes with sleep.
Best for:
• Dry, hacking cough with no mucus
Important notes:
• Avoid combining with alcohol or sedatives.
• Do not use with MAOIs or certain antidepressants.
4. Expectorants: Best for Chest Congestion
Example: Guaifenesin (Mucinex)
What it does:
• Thins and loosens mucus
• Makes coughing more productive
Best for:
• Thick chest mucus
• “Phlegmy” cough
Important notes:
• Works best when you also drink plenty of fluids.
5. Pain Relievers & Fever Reducers
Examples: Acetaminophen (Tylenol), Ibuprofen (Advil, Motrin), Naproxen (Aleve)
What they do:
• Reduce fever
• Relieve headache and body aches
• Ease sore throat pain
Best for:
• General aches
• Fever
• Sore throat
Important notes:
• Take with food (especially ibuprofen/naproxen).
• Avoid combining too many medicines containing acetaminophen—check labels.
6. Combination Cold Medicines
Examples: DayQuil, NyQuil, Theraflu, Alka-Seltzer Plus
These combine multiple ingredients (e.g., decongestant + cough suppressant + pain reliever).
Pros: Convenient and cover multiple symptoms.
Cons: Easy to accidentally double-dose ingredients like acetaminophen.
Always check the label to avoid overlap with other medications.
How to Choose the Best Cold Medicine for Your Symptoms
Use this quick guide:
Stuffy or blocked nose?
→ Pseudoephedrine (most effective) or phenylephrine
Runny nose & sneezing?
→ Diphenhydramine or chlorpheniramine (more drying)
Dry cough keeping you awake?
→ Dextromethorphan
Chest congestion with mucus?
→ Guaifenesin
Body aches, fever, headache?
→ Ibuprofen, acetaminophen, or naproxen
Multiple symptoms at once?
→ A combination product may be simpler—but read labels carefully.
Non-Medicine Remedies That Help
• Rest
• Warm fluids (tea, soup)
• Humidifier or steamy shower
• Nasal saline rinses
• Honey for cough (do not give to children under 1 year)
When to Seek Medical Care
See a healthcare provider if you have:
• A fever above 102°F (38.9°C) lasting more than 3 days
• Shortness of breath or chest pain
• Symptoms lasting longer than 10–14 days
• Severe ear pain or sinus pain
• A chronic condition (asthma, COPD, heart issues) that worsens with the cold