What are the treatment options for the common cold?

From the Guidelines

Treatment for the common cold should focus on relieving symptoms with over-the-counter medications and non-medication approaches, as antibiotics are ineffective against viral infections. The most recent and highest quality study, 1, published in 2020, provides guidance on the management of common cold symptoms. According to this study, symptomatic therapy is recommended, and patients can use:

• Over-the-counter medications like acetaminophen (Tylenol) or ibuprofen (Advil, Motrin) to reduce fever and alleviate pain
• Decongestants such as pseudoephedrine (Sudafed) to relieve nasal congestion
• Antihistamines like diphenhydramine (Benadryl) to help with runny nose and sneezing
• Combination cold medicines, but with caution to avoid double-dosing on ingredients Non-medication approaches are also important, including:
• Drinking plenty of fluids to stay hydrated
• Using saline nasal sprays to moisturize nasal passages
• Gargling with warm salt water for sore throat relief
• Getting adequate rest
• Using a humidifier to ease congestion and throat irritation It is essential to note that antibiotics should not be prescribed for the common cold, as they are not effective and can lead to adverse effects 1. If symptoms worsen significantly, last beyond two weeks, or include high fever, severe headache, or difficulty breathing, medical attention should be sought as these may indicate a more serious condition.

From the FDA Drug Label

Uses temporarily relieves • cough due to minor throat and bronchial irritation as may occur with the common cold or inhaled irritants PURPOSE Pain reliever/fever reducer

The treatment options for the common cold include:

• Cough relief: dextromethorphan (PO) can temporarily relieve cough due to minor throat and bronchial irritation as may occur with the common cold 2
• Pain and fever relief: acetaminophen (PO) can be used as a pain reliever and fever reducer 3

From the Research

Common Cold Treatment Options

The common cold is a viral illness that affects people of all ages, and its treatment focuses on relieving symptoms such as cough, nasal congestion, and rhinorrhea.

• Treatment for children:
  • Vapor rub, zinc sulfate, Pelargonium sidoides (geranium) extract, and buckwheat honey can improve symptoms in children 4
  • Prophylactic probiotics, zinc sulfate, nasal saline irrigation, and the herbal preparation Chizukit can reduce the incidence of colds in children 4
  • Over-the-counter cough and cold medications should not be used in children younger than four years due to potential harm and no benefits 4
• Treatment for adults:
  • Pseudoephedrine, phenylephrine, inhaled ipratropium, and zinc (acetate or gluconate) can modestly reduce the severity and duration of symptoms 4
  • Nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drugs and some herbal preparations, including Echinacea purpurea, can improve symptoms in adults 4
  • Prophylactic use of garlic may decrease the frequency of colds in adults, but has no effect on duration of symptoms 4
  • Hand hygiene can reduce the spread of viruses that cause cold illnesses 4
  • Prophylactic vitamin C can modestly reduce cold symptom duration in adults and children 4, 5
• Over-the-counter medications:
  • Dextromethorphan may be beneficial in adults with cough, but its effectiveness has not been demonstrated in children and adolescents 5
  • Topical (intranasal) and oral nasal decongestants can relieve nasal symptoms and can be used in adolescents and adults for up to three days 5
  • Antihistamines and combination antihistamine/decongestant therapies can modestly improve symptoms in adults, but the benefits must be weighed against potential side effects 5
• Alternative therapies:
  • Echinacea, vitamin C, and zinc are not recommended for treating common cold symptoms, but humidified air and fluid intake may be useful without adverse side effects 5
  • Acetaminophen may help relieve nasal obstruction and rhinorrhoea, but does not appear to improve some other cold symptoms, such as sore throat, malaise, sneezing, and cough 6
  • Aspirin, paracetamol, and ibuprofen are safe in over-the-counter doses and have no evidence of difference in efficacy and safety for treatment of colds and flu 7