Dextromethorphan (DXM) is a cough suppressant present in many cold and flu medicines. People with a dry cough - a cough that does not produce mucus - may take a cough suppressant. This is an expectorant that manufacturers claim can help loosen mucus and phlegm. People who have a wet cough may take guaifenesin. Doctors do not recommend medicines that suppress cough for people with a wet cough. A “wet” or “productive” cough is one that produces mucus. When a person has a cold or flu, they may experience a cough. Also, people should stop using decongestants at nighttime if they cause insomnia. However, adding an antihistamine to a decongestant does not guarantee that a person will fall asleep. This can help people if they have difficulty falling asleep while they have a cold. People typically use antihistamines for allergies, but because they can cause drowsiness, manufacturers also add them to nighttime cold and flu formulations. Some cold medicines contain other ingredients, such as antihistamines. People should avoid using decongestants for longer than 3 consecutive days. Topical nasal sprays offer quick relief but may cause rebound congestion with overuse. In some people, decongestants can cause adverse effects such as insomnia or increases in heart rate or blood pressure. Phenylephrine, present in Sudafed PE, is effective for the short-term relief of nasal congestion and is available on the pharmacy shelf. This medication is suitable only for those aged 6 years and over. People need to show photo identification to purchase this drug, and pharmacies must keep people’s details for at least 2 years, according to the Food and Drug Administration (FDA). It is available without a prescription in many states, but there are restrictions on how much a person can buy because of the risk of dependency and adverse effects. Pseudoephedrine, present in Sudafed, is an oral decongestant. OTC decongestants are available in oral, drop, and spray forms. Learn about some home remedies that may help with a runny nose.ĭecongestants can help relieve a stuffy nose. If this symptom is due to an allergy and not a cold, antihistamines may help. Sometimes, a runny nose is a symptom of an allergic reaction. A doctor can advise on whether these medicines are suitable for an individual. This includes people with some other health conditions, such as glaucoma, and those using certain other medications. However, anticholinergics may not be safe for everyone to use. For year-round allergies: People aged 6 years and over can use ipratropium 0.03% nasal spray two or three times daily.For a seasonal allergy: People aged 5 years and over can use ipratropium 0.06% nasal spray four times per day for up to 3 weeks.For a cold: People aged 5 years and over can use ipratropium 0.06% nasal spray three or four times per day for up to 4 days. However, this medicine requires a prescription from a doctor. Topical anticholinergics, such as ipratropium bromide nasal spray, may help reduce a runny nose. OTC medicine is unlikely to help relieve a runny nose due to a cold. People with a cold or flu may experience a runny nose, or rhinitis.
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