The Right Medication for Your Cold: Clearing the Sinuses

Clearing the Sinuses You're sick and you want relief -- fast. Which product will help? First, identify which symptom bothers you the most, says Richard Colgan, assistant professor at the University of Maryland School of Medicine. Then, rely not on brand names, but on the active ingredient on the label. If you're pregnant, breastfeeding, have a chronic health condition or are on other medications, ask your doctor or pharmacist before using any OTC drug, says Jan Engle of the American Pharmacists Association. Don't use these products for more than a week -- most colds go away in about that time. Lastly, skip multi-symptom formulas unless you have all the symptoms . Here, a guide to make your next trip to the drugstore a breeze.
DECONGESTANT
(Sudafed, Afrin, Neo-Synephrine)

Active Ingredient: Pseudoephedrine, oxymetazoline, phenylephrine

Formulations: Capsule, tablet, liquid, nasal spray or drops

Your symptoms: A stuffy nose (decongestants reduce the swelling of membranes lining the nose, clearing nasal passages)

Need-to-know info: Nasal sprays, which often contain oxymetazoline or phenylephrine, work fastest, since they act directly on nasal passages. They also may have fewer side effects, but shouldn't be used for more than 3 days (they might cause a rebound effect or make stuffiness worse). A study by the University of Chicago's Pritzker School of Medicine found that sprays with the preservative benzalkonium may irritate the lining of the nose. Pseudoephedrine (found in tablets like Sudafed) works more slowly since it's distributed directly into the bloodstream. If you're over age 65, have a chronic medical condition or an enlarged prostate, talk to a pharmacist or MD before taking any decongestant.

Common side effects: Irritability, headache, nausea , vomiting, dry mouth, palpitations, burning in the nose; can boost blood sugar in diabetics and blood pressure in hypertensives


ANTIHISTAMINE
(Benadryl, Dimetapp Cold & Allergy, Chlor-Trimeton)

Active Ingredient: Diphenhydramine, brompheniramine, chlorpheniramine

Formulations: Capsule, tablet, liquid

Your symptoms: Itchy eyes, runny nose, recurring sneeze (antihistamines inhibit histamine, a natural substance that causes these symptoms in response to the cold virus or allergens)

Need-to-know info: Antihistamines can cause sedation and are best taken at night, or when you don't have to drive or do anything that requires complete alertness. Brompheniramine and chlorpheniramine cause less drowsiness than diphenhydramine. Avoid antihistamines if you have glaucoma, an enlarged prostate or high blood pressure. Discuss with a doctor before giving to children, as they may be more likely to experience serious side effets. The allergy drug loratadine (Claritin, Alavert) is the only FDA-approved OTC antihistamine that doesn't cause drowsiness at the dose recommended, but it's not as drying as the others.

Common side effects: Drowsiness, nausea, vomiting, dry mouth

Relief From Coughing COUGH SUPPRESSANT
(Vicks 44, Robitussin Maximum Strength Cough)

Active Ingredient: Dextromethorphan

Formulations: Capsule, liquid, oral spray

Your symptoms: Dry, hacking cough (suppressants relieve hacking by controlling the cough reflex)

Need-to-know info: Don't attempt to suppress a cough if you have asthma, emphysema, chronic bronchitis or cystic fibrosis. Suppressants may cause problems in children under 6 months. Some studies suggest that suppressants may not be much more effective than a placebo. For this reason, the American Lung Association (ALA) doesn't recommend their use. If suppressants don't work for you, try menthol cough drops. They can soothe a sore, irritated throat and may even help ease your cough. Prescription-strength codeine and hydrocodone are painkillers that suppress coughing, but they can cause constipation, nausea, vomiting, dry mouth and addiction.

Common side effects: Nausea, vomiting, dizziness, drowsiness


EXPECTORANT
(Mucinex, Robitussin Expectorant)

Active Ingredient: Guaifenesin

Formulations: Capsule, tablet, liquid

Your symptoms: Mucus-producing cough (expectorants thin mucus and loosen phlegm, making it easier to cough and clear the airways)

Need-to-know info: Guaifenesin is the only FDA-approved OTC expectorant, but its effectiveness has been questioned in studies, and the ALA doesn't recommend the use of expectorants. Products that combine expectorants and cough suppressants may counteract each other. Drink plenty of water when using expectorants -- it can thin mucus. And if they don't work for you, keep drinking water and try using a humidifier -- it, too, may loosen phlegm.

Common side effects: Nausea, vomiting, dizziness, upset stomach, headache