Cold and flu remedies

With the cold and flu season in full swing, pharmacist Mitesh Patel answers your questions about over-the-counter remedies

Few people can avoid catching a cold or flu during the winter months. Thankfully there's a range of effective remedies available from pharmacies that can relieve those nasty symptoms - which is especially helpful if you're full of cold but can't take time off work.

To get the best out of cold and flu remedies, here's what you should know...

What are the main ingredients in cold and flu remedies?

There are several, including:

Pseudoephedrine, phenylephrine and ephedrine, systemic decongestants that work by narrowing blood vessels in the lining of the nose. This reduces how much blood flows through the area so that swollen tissue inside the nose shrinks and air can pass through more easily. Decongestants can help relieve a blocked-up nose caused by a cold, flu, sinusitis or allergies.
Chlorphenamine, triprolidine, diphenhydramine, promethazine and doxylamine are antihistamines included in cold remedies for their drying and often sedative effect (avoid if you have glaucoma).
Xylometazoline and oxymetazoline are decongestants used in nasal sprays or drops
Guaifenesin is an expectorant for chesty coughs. Patients with dry coughs may take dextromethorphan and/or pholcodine instead.
Caffeine is also used in some cold and flu remedies for its mild stimulant effect.
Menthol, eucalyptus and camphor are just three of the volatile substances found in vapour drops and rubs. These are very good for steam inhalation to help thin mucus and soothe the sinuses.
Many cold and flu remedies also contain paracetamol, ibuprofen or aspirin to help relieve aches, pains and to help reduce fever.

Why are some cold and flu remedy ingredients combined into a single remedy?

In cold and flu remedies the main reason is convenience. However, it's often just as easy to take individual remedies to adjust your treatment to the symptoms that bother you the most.

For example you may have a cold but no aches or fever, so you could just take a single decongestant without the need for paracetamol.

Alternatively you may need to take paracetamol throughout the day, but only take a decongestant while you're at work.

For the best results, ask your local pharmacist for advice on how to tailor your cold and flu remedies to your needs.

Are they suitable for everyone?

Pregnant and breastfeeding women, as well as children under the age of six, should stick to simple paracetamol-only products and steam inhalation.

Many cold and flu remedies and decongestants are only suitable for children over the age of six. People taking other medicines should always check with their pharmacist first. For instance some antihistamines should be avoided in patients with glaucoma.

Do they have any side-effects or react with other medicines?

The main side-effects are the stimulant effects of decongestants or drowsy effects of antihistamines. Both can be a benefit depending on the time of day you take them, and are the reason we have different day and night remedies.

There is, however, the danger of double-dosing on paracetamol as it's included in most cold and flu remedies - so be careful not to take any other paracetamol-containing products.

Some lozenges and cough mixtures also contain the same ingredients, so ask for advice when buying them from your local pharmacy.

Are decongestants suitable for everyone?

Decongestants have sympathomimetic effects and are not recommended for patients with high blod pressure, hyperthyroidism, coronary heart disease, diabetes, glaucoma, enlarged prostrate, or those taking monoamine oxidase inhibitors.

Note that decongestant nasal sprays should only be used for a maximum of seven days as they cause a rebound effect (you may find your symptoms get worse after this period).

Are there alternatives to decongestants?

Eucalyptus oil and menthol crystals for steam inhalation are recommended, plus saline nasal drops and sprays for children.

However the main alternative is prevention - especially for those who can't take regular decongestants because of drug interactions or because they are contra-indicated. Echinacea drops and vitamin C with zinc are very popular remedies to keep common coughs and colds at bay.

Also avoid feeling tired and run down by having a good diet that includes the right vitamins and minerals to maintain your immune system. If in doubt, there are many multivitamin and mineral suppliements available, as well as tonics to restore health and vitality.

How do you choose the best cough medicine?

Some cough medicines are marketed for dry, tickly or chesty coughs that are caused by irritants such as smoke, dust and hair.

If you have a cold, however, you're more likely to have a chesty cough. This is caused by a build-up of mucus in the lungs. There are many expectorant cough medicines available that help break down the phlegm, making it easier to clear the chest.

Often people take a suppressant cough medicine (ie. for dry coughs) when they in fact have a chesty cough. This means the mucous lies in the lungs and causes an infection. So it is essential to get the right advice and remedy for your cough.

What's the best remedy for a sore throat?

Sore throats may be treated with lozenges, sprays and gargles. Glycerine, honey and lemon, and simple linctus are demulcents that coat and soothe the lining of the throat.

However, behind pharmacy counters there are lozenges and sprays that contain benzocaine and lidocaine, anaesthetics that help numb the throat (though take care when having hot drinks while using these products, as it can lead to accidental burning in the mouth).

Some lozenges contain anti-inflammatory drugs such as flurbiprofen and benzydamine. These help alleviate the inflammation that causes pain and swelling. For the same effect you can gargle with soluble aspirin dissolved in water, then swallow to relieve aches and pains.

Other gargles and mouthwashes are also available. However they must not be used by children.

source : http://allabouthealth.org.uk/articles/cold-and-flu-remedies