From the Guidelines
The common cold is best treated with rest, hydration, and over-the-counter medications to manage symptoms while the viral infection runs its course.
Treatment Options
- Take acetaminophen (Tylenol) 325-650mg every 4-6 hours or ibuprofen (Advil, Motrin) 200-400mg every 6-8 hours for fever and pain 1.
- For congestion, try pseudoephedrine (Sudafed) 30-60mg every 4-6 hours or phenylephrine 10mg every 4 hours.
- Antihistamines like diphenhydramine (Benadryl) 25-50mg every 4-6 hours can help with runny nose and sneezing but may cause drowsiness.
- Cough suppressants containing dextromethorphan (DM) can be taken as directed for persistent coughs.
- Zinc lozenges started within 24 hours of symptoms may reduce duration, and saline nasal sprays can relieve congestion 1.
Additional Recommendations
- Drink plenty of fluids, use a humidifier, and get adequate rest.
- Most colds resolve within 7-10 days without antibiotics, which are ineffective against viral infections.
- See a doctor if symptoms worsen after a week, if fever exceeds 101.5°F (38.6°C), or if you experience severe symptoms, shortness of breath, or have underlying health conditions 1.
From the FDA Drug Label
Uses • temporarily relieves sinus congestion and pressure • temporarily relieves nasal congestion due to the common cold, hay fever or other upper respiratory allergies Uses temporarily relieves • cough due to minor throat and bronchial irritation as may occur with the common cold or inhaled irritants • the impulse to cough to help you get to sleep
The treatment options for acute viral rhinopharyngitis (common cold) include:
- Pseudoephedrine (PO) to relieve sinus congestion and pressure, and nasal congestion due to the common cold 2
- Dextromethorphan (PO) to relieve cough due to minor throat and bronchial irritation as may occur with the common cold 3
From the Research
Treatment Options for Acute Viral Rhinopharyngitis (Common Cold)
The treatment options for acute viral rhinopharyngitis, also known as the common cold, focus on relieving symptoms such as cough, nasal congestion, and rhinorrhea. The following are some of the treatment options:
- Over-the-counter analgesics, such as ibuprofen, can help relieve symptoms like headache and fever 4, 5
- Zinc, either as a supplement or in the form of lozenges, has been shown to be effective in reducing the duration and severity of cold symptoms 4, 6
- Nasal decongestants, with or without antihistamines, can help relieve nasal congestion and rhinorrhea 7, 4, 8
- Ipratropium, a prescription anticholinergic, can help relieve nasal symptoms in older children and adults 7, 4, 6
- Honey, either alone or in combination with other ingredients, can help soothe a cough in children over one year old 4, 6
- Nasal saline irrigation can help relieve nasal congestion and promote drainage 4, 6
- Topical application of ointment containing camphor, menthol, and eucalyptus oils can help relieve cough and nasal congestion in children 4
- Antihistamines, such as chlorphenamine, can help relieve symptoms like rhinorrhea and sneezing, but may have a higher degree of efficacy compared to pseudoephedrine 8
- Pseudoephedrine, a vasoconstrictor, can help relieve nasal congestion, but may have a higher incidence of adverse effects compared to antihistamines 8, 5
Important Considerations
- Antibiotics are not effective in treating the common cold and should not be used unless there is a secondary bacterial infection 7, 4, 6
- Over-the-counter cold medications should not be used in children under four years old due to the risk of adverse effects 4, 6
- Complementary and alternative therapies, such as Echinacea and vitamin C, have limited evidence to support their use in treating cold symptoms, although vitamin C prophylaxis may modestly reduce the duration and severity of cold symptoms 7, 6
- Good hand hygiene is essential in preventing the transmission of cold viruses 4, 6