So, from my previous post I have discussed “natural” ways to prevent, reduce or shorten the duration of flu and cold symptoms. Now, lets get to know the common over-the-counter and prescription medications that can help alleviate cough and cold symptoms and/or shorten the duration of viral infections.
Note: you should always read the package insert or read the box for more information regarding dosing (based on age or weight) and caution remarks!
NASAL SYMPTOMS
Runny Nose & Sneezing
Antihistamine (1st generation) are commonly used to treat allergy symptoms such as itchy watery eyes, rash, sneezing and runny nose. However, these medications are also common in cold and flu products because of “drying” side effect. These medications will help dry up the nasal secretions thereby stopping your leaky faucet nose. Another beneficial side effect from these medications is the sedative effect, allowing you to get the most needed good night sleep.
The following are two common 1st generation anti-histamines:
(1) Benadryl (diphenhydramine) and (2) Chlor-Tripolon or Chlor-Trimeton (chlorpheniramine)
You should consult with your health care provider before taking these if you have the following condition(s): glaucoma, lung conditions (asthma, emphysema, bronchitis), seizures, prostate enlargement, certain heart condition and/or on certain anti-depressant medications
Common undesirable effects include drowsiness, dry mouth and constipation
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Other related products for runny nose: facial tissues
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Stuffy Nose
Decongestants, which help reduce nasal congestion or stuffy nose, are available in oral or nasal formulations. So, which formulation is better?
Oral formulation is the choice if you (1) do not want to use nasal sprays or (2) anticipate that you will need decongestant effect for more than 5 to 7 days and (3) are aware that you are more likely to experience undesirable effects such as insomnia and nervousness. You should consult with your health care provider before taking or using decongestants if you have heart condition, hyperthyroidism, diabetes, glaucoma, prostate enlargement, and/or on certain MAOI antidepressants. Sudafed (pseudoephedrine or phenylephrine) is taken orally every 4 to 6 hours. There are longer acting formulations (Sudafed 12 hour or Eltor), which can be taken orally every 12 hours.
Nasal formulations are most beneficial if you use them for 5-7 days (using any longer can cause more congestion) and want to avoid or to experience fewer undesirable effects. Oxymetazoline (Afrin) and Xylometazoline (Otrivin), nasal decongestants effect can last up to 12 hours whereas, phenylephrine (Dristan) lasts only 4 hours.
I like to recommend Sudafed 12 Hour
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Click on these links for other methods of relieving stuffy nose: (1) Humidifier
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COUGH
Wet Cough
Guaifenesin is an expectorant that will help relieve chest congestion by thinning and loosening mucus and/or phlegm. There are not many undesirable effects when taken as directed. Guaifenesin is available in tablet and liquid formulations.
My recommendation would be Mucinex Extended Release 
Non-drug measures
Drinking plenty of fluids and using humidifier also help thin and loosen mucus and phlegm.
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Dry Cough
Dextromethorphan is used to suppress a dry, hacking cough. It is available in many dosage forms such as liquid gel capsules, lozenges and liquid formulations. Most common undesirable effects are upset stomach and drowsiness. You should consult your health care provider if you have previous allergic reaction to dextromethorphan or codeine-like products; have underlying lung conditions such as asthma, emphysema or bronchitis or on certain antidepressants.
I like to recommend Delsym cough syrup
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Fever, headaches, aches and pain
Tylenol (acetaminophen), Advil or Motrin (ibuprofen) and Aspirin (acetylsalicylic acids) can be used to treat fever, headaches, and aches and pain. However, children under the age of 18 with viral infections should not take Aspirin due to its potential association with the development of Reye’s Syndrome.
I tend to recommend Tylenol over Advil, Motrin or Aspirin unless patient requires anti-inflammatory or has liver condition, because it is most well tolerated (less likely to cause upset stomach such as heart burn or ulcers).
Click on the links below for proper adult and pediatric dosing and use, please refer to the package or package insert of Tylenol Adult, Children’s Tylenol,
Advil,
Children’s Advil,
and Aspirin
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SORE THROATS
Cepacol Sore Throat with Pain Relief and Chloraseptic lozenges both contain benzocaine and menthol, which numb the throat, and thereby reduce pain and soreness. These lozenges are recommended for adults and children over 6 years old. You can dissolve one lozenge slowly in the mouth and may repeat every 2 hours as needed.
Overall, I like to recommend Cepacol 
Warm honey lemon beverages, salt-water gargles and other lozenges such as Vicks, Halls Defence or Breezers, Herbon Cough Drops or Berry Buddies Goodypops
Note: I do not like to recommend products that contain more than one medicinal ingredient (“All-In-One” products eg: Dayquil, Nyquil, Tylenol Day and Night, etc) because cold and flu symptoms emerge in different stages, and by treating only the symptom(s) that you experience with single medicinal ingredient products, you can avoid unnecessary side effects.
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Prescription medications
Both Oseltamivir (Tamiflu) and Zanamivir (Relenza) are anti-viral medications used to treat Avian (H5N1), Swine (pH1N1) and seasonal flu (influenza A-H3N2 and B). These are most effective if started within 48 hours of onset of flu or cold-like symptoms. These medications may reduce symptoms or shorten the duration by 1 or 2 days, and prevent flu complications.
Healthy adults, including pregnant or breastfeeding individuals, can take Tamiflu 75mg 1 capsule orally twice daily for 5 days. There are special dosing required for individuals with renal impairment (based on renal clearance), children (based on weight) and critically-ill patients. There is currently a shortage for the commercially prepared liquid formulation, but your pharmacist may be able to prepare a mixture especially for you.
Some common side effects of Tamiflu are upset stomach (nausea and vomiting) and dizziness.
The treatment dosing for adults and children over the age of 7, is 2 doses via Relenza inhaler twice daily for 5 days. Relenza is well tolerated, but some common side effects are cough and throat irritation. It is not recommended for individuals with lung conditions such as asthma or bronchitis.
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