Tulsa World: Choosing the right OTC medicine for the common cold

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Choosing the right OTC medicine for the common cold

By PETER GOTT, M.D. Newspaper Enterprise Association
Published: 11/23/2009 2:26 AM
Last Modified: 11/23/2009 9:23 AM

Dear Dr. Gott: I feel as though I am coming down with a cold. When I went to my local drug store to get something to treat myself with, I found countless shelves filled with lozenges, antihistamines, stuff for a sore throat, congestion, runny nose, aches, pains, fever and every other symptom under the sun. Where do I begin so I can make the right decision?

Dear Reader: A rule of thumb is to keep things as simple as possible. Most commercial cough suppressants contain an ingredient called dextromethorphan, which will not help with coughs caused by smoking, asthma or emphysema. The component should not be taken in conjunction with some medications and shouldn't be used by pregnant women or those who may become pregnant during treatment because of possible risk to an unborn child. If you have a cough, consider tea with honey or lozenges that don't contain medication as alternatives.

A sore throat can be treated with a warm saltwater gargle several times a day until the symptoms subside.

Nasal congestion and allergies can be treated with the assistance of a mild saltwater cleansing solution for the nose, which should ease congestion. A neti pot for the rinse can be purchased at your local pharmacy.

Fever can be treated with ibuprofen or acetaminophen.

Now, on to your local pharmacy. Read labels for more information. Be sure to check that your choice will not interact with any other medications or medical conditions you may have. When all else fails, read the front of the container and select the one that best describes your symptoms. Headaches, muscle pain and fever respond to acetaminophen or ibuprofen; nasal congestion to sprays or antihistamine pills; a sore throat to maximum-strength lozenges; and allergies to lortadine.

Write Dr. Gott c/o United Media, 200 Madison Ave. 4th floor, New York, NY 10016.

By PETER GOTT, M.D. Newspaper Enterprise Association

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Elusive, Owasso (11/23/2009 3:51:03 AM)

I'm surprised he did not mention quaefenesin as well as an expectorant. Neti pots are excellent for allergies as well.

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