Walk into any pharmacy and you will find a plethora of cough and cold remedies available to purchase, but what is actually in them and how you know which one to buy? Here’s a quick start guide to picking the most suitable remedy.
Paracetamol: used for pain and reducing a fever.
Care must be taken to ensure that you aren’t taking more than one form of paracetamol as many cold and flu remedies contain it already.
Pseudoephedrine, phenylephrine: both decongestants that work by constricting the blood vessels in the nose. This aids with breathing and reduces pain in the sinuses. Due to its constricting effects on blood vessels, it is not recommended in those with high blood pressure or heart conditions.
It should also be avoided by diabetics as it can increase blood glucose.
It is not recommended to take decongestants for more than seven days as overuse can cause a rebound effect making congestion worse.
Guaifenesin: used for a chesty, productive cough.
An expectorant that thins the mucus in the lungs to help clear congestion.
Available in sugar free formulas suitable for diabetics. It is safe for most people however it should be used in caution in asthmatics who are advised to see medical advice if they are experiencing excessive secretions.
Dextromethorphan: suppresses the cough reflex to reduce a persistent hacking dry cough.
Due to the mechanism of action it is contraindicated in patients taking certain antidepressants due an increased risk of serotonin syndrome. This is a serious and potentially life threatening condition that occurs when serotonin levels in the brain are too high.
Diphenhydramine: an antihistamine that is in both dry and chesty cough remedies.
It can help dry and sooth a chesty cough however it is used in many night time cough remedies as it has a sedating effect.
Promethazine: a sedating and histamine in night time remedies. This aids with sleeping if cold symptoms are keeping you up at night.
Glycerol: a sugar syrup that coats the throat to sooth a dry cough and sore throat. Should be used in caution in diabetics but is safe with most medication.
It is always recommend that you check with a health care professional that the medication you select is suitable for you especially if you take other medications or have underlying health conditions.
Sources
BNF 2024