The best medicines for a runny nose, stuffy nose, and cold
People with a cold, flu, or runny nose or nasal congestion should seek medical advice if they have:
10 tips for getting rid of a stuffy nose
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Nasal congestion is a common symptom of a cold or an allergy. There are many ways to relieve the discomfort that a stuffy nose can bring.
When the body reacts to an unknown substance — such as dust, an allergen, or a virus — it launches an immune response, and inflammation can arise.
Nasal congestion develops when inflammation affects the blood vessels inside the nose, and the nasal tissues swell. A buildup of mucus may also occur.
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This article will look at a range of tips for managing a stuffy nose, from steam inhalation to consuming horseradish. There is limited scientific evidence to confirm that many of these methods work, but some people may find them useful.
Many people with nasal congestion find that inhaling steam helps them feel better. They may use a bowl of plain water, adding chamomile or peppermint oil, or take a warm shower.
People should take care not to use boiling water, however, and they should always place the container on a flat, level surface.
The warmth and moisture can be soothing to the membranes inside the nose, providing temporary relief. There is also a theory that it allows mucus to drain better and that it may help kill the virus. However, science has not confirmed these theories, and there is no evidence to suggest that it improves symptoms.
The results of a 2016 trial suggest that steam did not have an impact on nasal congestion due to recurrent sinusitis. Also, a 2017 review found no evidence to suggest that steam can either benefit or harm a person with a common cold.
Using saline spray may help decrease tissue inflammation in the nose and reduce stuffiness.
The same 2016 trial that looked at the effectiveness of steam inhalation also looked at the impact of nasal irrigation. The authors concluded that nasal irrigation with saline spray appears to have some benefit for people with nasal congestion due to chronic sinusitis.
Saline-only sprays do not contain medication, so they are usually safe to use during pregnancy. Saline sprays are available over the counter and online.
People can use neti pots to flush the sinuses and help relieve dry nasal passages.
People can use these devices to apply salt water or a saline solution. They can help flush out and moisten the nostrils.
However, the Food and Drug Administration (FDA) warn people to take the following precautions to reduce the risk of infection:
- Use only distilled, sterile, or previously boiled and cooled water.
- Follow the instructions for the device with care.
- Ensure that the device is clean and completely dry when not in use.
- Wash and dry the hands before use.
- Ask a doctor before using the device if the person has a weakened immune system or is a child.
Tap water can contain bacteria. It is not suitable for use in a neti pot or any other flushing device.
Applying a warm compress can help relieve the pain of nasal congestion and increase circulation in the sinuses.
To prepare a warm compress:
- Soak a washcloth in water that is warm but not hot.
- Wring out any extra water.
- Apply to the nose or forehead.
Some people like to add sliced fresh ginger to the water before soaking the washcloth.
Eucalyptus oil comes from the leaves of the eucalyptus tree. People have used it for medicinal purposes throughout history.
Certain components in eucalyptus oil may have healing properties and act as:
- an antibacterial agent
- an anti-inflammatory
- a pain reliever
- a sedative
Inhaling eucalyptus in steam or through a diffuser may help reduce nasal symptoms. To use, add a few drops of oil to a bowl of hot water or follow the instructions on a diffuser.
Lozenges and rubs containing eucalyptus or methol may also help clear the nose.
Never apply eucalyptus or other oils directly to the skin, as this may cause a reaction.
Although research suggests that essential oils may have some health benefits, it is important to remember that the Food and Drug Administration (FDA) does not monitor or regulate the purity or quality of these. A person should talk with a healthcare professional before using essential oils, and they should be sure to research the quality of a brand’s products. A person should always do a patch test before trying a new essential oil.
Sometimes, an allergic reaction causes a stuffy nose. Allergy medications often contain an antihistamine that blocks this reaction.
A 2015 Cochrane review concluded that antihistamines might help manage the severity of symptoms in adults with a common cold in the first day or two of illness. However, in the following days, they were no more helpful than a placebo.
Various options are available online, but people should ask a healthcare professional for advice before using an antihistamine.
It is essential to read the directions on the package and be aware of side effects. Some allergy medications can cause drowsiness, for example, so people should not drive when using them.
Decongestants cause the small blood vessels in the nose to narrow. This decreases the swelling in the lining of the nose and reduces the feeling of stuffiness.
A 2016 Cochrane review was unable to confirm that a single dose could help relieve the symptoms of a common cold in adults, but multiple doses may have a small benefit.
People should not use decongestants for longer than a week , as long-term use can actually worsen congestion.
Side effects can include increased heart rate, headache, and dry mouth. Nasal spray decongestants may also cause sneezing and burning inside the nose.
Anyone with high blood pressure, diabetes, hyperthyroidism, glaucoma, or another condition should ask a doctor if it is safe to use decongestants before doing so. They are not suitable for children under 6 years of age, and they may not be suitable during pregnancy.
Decongestants are available online or over the counter, and some need a prescription. They come as nasal sprays, drops, tablets, or syrup.
Some people find that adding moisture to the air from a cool or warm mist humidifier provides relief. However, there is no scientific evidence to suggest that this works to soothe a common cold.
It is important to keep a humidifier clean and follow the manufacturer’s instructions to prevent bacteria or mold from developing.
The best medicines for a runny nose, stuffy nose, and cold
Many over-the-counter (OTC) products can relieve cold and flu symptoms. However, the variety of products available can sometimes be overwhelming.
When choosing a cold medicine, people need to know which symptoms they want to relieve. Choosing the wrong medication for the symptoms will mean that the remedy does not help.
Cold medicines that address specific symptoms can be helpful. However, some may be unsuitable for people who are pregnant or have chronic health conditions and for young children. Some may also cause side effects.
This article reviews the best cold medicines for a runny or stuffy nose and for a wet or dry cough, as well as the best medicines for children. It also looks at cold medicine interactions and how to treat cold symptoms at home.
People with a cold or flu may experience a runny nose, or rhinitis. OTC medicine is unlikely to help relieve a runny nose due to a cold.
Topical anticholinergics, such as ipratropium bromide nasal spray, may help reduce a runny nose. However, this medicine requires a prescription from a doctor.
- 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.
- 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 year-round allergies: People aged 6 years and over can use ipratropium 0.03% nasal spray two or three times daily.
However, anticholinergics may not be safe for everyone to use. This includes people with some other health conditions, such as glaucoma, and those using certain other medications. A doctor can advise on whether these medicines are suitable for an individual.
Sometimes, a runny nose is a symptom of an allergic reaction. If this symptom is due to an allergy and not a cold, antihistamines may help.
Decongestants can help relieve a stuffy nose. OTC decongestants are available in oral, drop, and spray forms.
Pseudoephedrine, present in Sudafed, is an oral decongestant.
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.
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). This medication is suitable only for those aged 6 years and over.
Phenylephrine, present in Sudafed PE, is effective for the short-term relief of nasal congestion and is available on the pharmacy shelf.
In some people, decongestants can cause adverse effects such as insomnia or increases in heart rate or blood pressure.
Topical nasal sprays offer quick relief but may cause rebound congestion with overuse. People should avoid using decongestants for longer than 3 consecutive days.
Some cold medicines contain other ingredients, such as antihistamines. People typically use antihistamines for allergies, but because they can cause drowsiness, manufacturers also add them to nighttime cold and flu formulations. This can help people if they have difficulty falling asleep while they have a cold.
However, adding an antihistamine to a decongestant does not guarantee that a person will fall asleep. Also, people should stop using decongestants at nighttime if they cause insomnia.
When a person has a cold or flu, they may experience a cough. A “wet” or “productive” cough is one that produces mucus. Doctors do not recommend medicines that suppress cough for people with a wet cough.
People who have a wet cough may take guaifenesin. This is an expectorant that manufacturers claim can help loosen mucus and phlegm.
People with a dry cough — a cough that does not produce mucus — may take a cough suppressant. Dextromethorphan (DXM) is a cough suppressant present in many cold and flu medicines. It acts on parts of the brain to stop a person from coughing. However, taking too much can have adverse effects, including hallucinations.
Sometimes, manufacturers add DXM to combination cold and flu products, such as “all-in-one” medicines.
People must read the full ingredient list to ensure that the medicine fits their symptoms and will not interfere with drugs. A pharmacist can help a person choose a safe product. People should also avoid taking multiple medicines containing the same ingredient — such as acetaminophen — at the same time.
Codeine is present in many cough medications because it suppresses activity in the brain that leads to coughing.
However, the FDA notes that codeine is an opioid drug and can cause dependency. It can also lead to breathing difficulties in some people. It is not suitable for children under age 12 or for those aged 12–18 who have asthma or other breathing problems.
Always check with a doctor or pharmacist before using medicine containing codeine for cough, and follow the instructions on the package. Do not exceed the recommended dose or number of days for use.
People should also avoid mixing different cough suppressants. Both DXM and codeine can cause drowsiness. The side effects of different cough medicines can combine and cause severe fatigue or even respiratory failure.
Cold symptoms in toddlers under 2 years of age may seem alarming to parents and caregivers, but they typically disappear on their own with time. A cold will typically run its course within 1–2 weeks.
The FDA does not recommend many OTC cold medicines for children under age 2, and labels often state that drugs are not suitable for those under age 4. Medicines containing codeine are not suitable for those under age 12 or those aged 12–18 with breathing problems.
Acetaminophen is a fever- and pain-relieving medicine. Pediatric acetaminophen (Tylenol) is usually suitable for children under age 2 under a doctor’s supervision.
Pediatric ibuprofen is also likely safe for children under age 2, but only under a doctor’s supervision. It may cause adverse effects.
Avoid giving adult formulations to children of this age to ensure safe dosing. A pharmacist can help a person select a suitable medicine.
Like adults, children should never take two medicines containing acetaminophen at once.
Sometimes, doctors in neonatal intensive care units may administer ibuprofen to newborns. However, parents and caregivers must avoid giving OTC ibuprofen to babies under age 2 for safety reasons.
The sections below will look at how certain cold medicines can interact with drugs for other health conditions.
Diabetes
People taking multiple medications to regulate their blood sugar levels should speak with a doctor or pharmacist before taking any cold medicines.
Cough syrups often contain sugar. Before taking cough syrup, people with diabetes should read the label to ensure that the product is sugar-free.
High blood pressure
Oral decongestants can raise blood pressure and may be harmful for people with hypertension.
People who have high blood pressure and take blood pressure medications should speak with a doctor or pharmacist before taking cold medicines with a decongestant.
Pregnancy
The most popular pain and fever medicines are acetaminophen, ibuprofen, and aspirin. Ibuprofen and aspirin are nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drugs (NSAIDs).
Acetaminophen is not an NSAID, and it can treat fever during pregnancy.
However, the FDA does not recommend NSAIDs from week 20 onward, as these medicines may lead to low amniotic fluid.
DXM may not be safe during pregnancy or for children aged 4 years and under.
During pregnancy, people should speak with a doctor before taking oral decongestants. Inhaled decongestants may be a good alternative with correct use.
Anyone who is pregnant or planning to become pregnant may wish to consider getting a flu vaccine. The CDC notes that flu vaccines are safe to receive during pregnancy.
Depression
DXM and decongestants may interact with certain antidepressants, such as monoamine oxidase inhibitors (MAOIs). People taking antidepressants should speak with a doctor or pharmacist about using any cold medicines.
A cold can be uncomfortable, but it will usually resolve on its own with time. OTC medicines may help ease symptoms but will not cure a common cold.
People can also try the following strategies:
- resting
- drinking plenty of fluids, especially water, to prevent dehydration
- avoiding smoking or exposure to tobacco smoke
Some research suggests that honey can soothe coughs. Honey contains antioxidants and may have antibacterial and antiviral properties. However, it is not suitable for children under age 1 because of the risk of botulism.
Ginger can also ease the symptoms of a sore throat.
Here are some answers to questions people often ask about colds and a runny nose.
What ingredients should you look for to stop a runny nose?
OTC medications will not stop a runny nose, but a doctor may prescribe ipratropium nasal spray 0.06% for people aged 5 years and over with a cold or seasonal allergy. Ipratropium nasal spray 0.03% can help manage an allergy-related runny nose year-round.
How should I take these medications?
Medications for colds, runny noses, and congestion come as tablets, syrups, sprays, and drops. It’s essential to follow the instructions from the doctor or pharmacist and read any instructions that come with the medication.
When should I see a doctor?
People with a cold, flu, or runny nose or nasal congestion should seek medical advice if they have:
- a high fever of 102.2°F (39°C) or over that does not reduce with ibuprofen or acetaminophen
- chest pain
- difficulty breathing
- swollen lymph nodes
- severe ear or sinus pain
- symptoms that do not resolve within 3 weeks
Cold and flu medicines do not cure a common cold or flu, but some preparations may help relieve a runny nose, stuffy nose, and cough.
While many OTC drugs are available, it is essential to check that they are suitable for the individual to use. For instance, people with a dry cough should not take medications for a productive cough, as they may make symptoms worse.
Some OTC medicines may be harmful to children and babies, and some can interact with other medicines and supplements.
People who have chronic health conditions, are pregnant, or are taking other medications should speak with a doctor or pharmacist before taking any OTC medicines.
Last medically reviewed on September 14, 2022
- Respiratory
- Flu / Cold / SARS
- Infectious Diseases / Bacteria / Viruses
- Drugs
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