Determining the Right Time to Use Cold Medicine

Prior to reaching for the cold medicine, take a time to evaluate if it's truly necessary.

In the post-pandemic era, something as simple as a sniffle can seem incredibly significant, often requiring an explanation.

Common cold symptoms often prompt people to take cold medicines ahead of time, but this could potentially have more negative than positive impacts on their health.

Use of cold medication when it's not required could lead to several undesirable side effects.

“Cold medicine frequently causes drowsiness in people,” states Eric Ascher, DO, a physician specializing in family medicine at Northwell Lenox Hill Hospital. “This is not desirable for those who have long commutes to work, take care of others, or have important decisions to make.”

Ascher also pointed out that cold medication can cause dizziness, high blood pressure, or even exacerbate acid reflux.

In addition to these adverse effects, cold medication might interact negatively with other medications being taken.

This is why it's absolutely crucial to verify the ingredients and potential side effects mentioned on the packaging of all over-the-counter medicines.

“The labeling will highlight potential interactions with other drugs and the advised dosage,” Joaquin Villegas, MD, a physician specializing in family medicine associated with UTHealth Houston, shared with Health.

“For instance, pseudoephedrine, a type of decongestant, can potentially trigger palpitations or raise blood pressure,” he added. “Antihistamines such as diphenhydramine may negatively affect older individuals leading to confusion or even urinary retention.”

Even medications like acetaminophen, if consumed in large quantities, can be lethal. Acetaminophen is processed in the liver, and an overdose leads to liver damage and can trigger severe reactions.

If you have any queries, it's prudent to seek advice from a doctor or pharmacist before taking the medicine, Villegas mentioned.

There are numerous alternatives for managing mild cold symptoms without resorting to medication.

“I always advocate for adequate hydration and sleep for all my patients as these can aggravate symptoms,” Villegas stated. “Nevertheless, several home remedies can be beneficial for specific symptoms.”

For a sore throat, he suggests salt water gargles, hot tea consumption, sucking on ice chips, and consuming a spoonful of honey.

"Please note, honey should not be given to children under one year of age," Villegas added.

For nasal congestion, he suggests steam inhalation or hot showers to clear the nasal passages. If hot showers are too intense, a cool-mist humidifier can help clear the congestion, he suggested.

Ascher added some more recommendations for people experiencing mild cold symptoms:

While many people opt for vitamin C or zinc at the onset of cold symptoms, it's worth noting that research suggests these may not be particularly beneficial.

For those keen on not just alleviating symptoms but preventing them, daily consumption of garlic can be considered, he shared.

The safest thing to do when you're uncertain about your health is to stay home.

“Experiencing symptoms different from the norm could be indicative of a health issue like the flu, COVID-19, or another virus,” Ascher explained. “Moreover, even a non-severe illness could result in infecting someone in close contact with a vulnerable person, where a virus, flu, or COVID, could be detrimental.”

If you're coughing, sneezing, running a fever or just feeling unwell, it’s best to isolate yourself from others.

“If you are under the weather, take the necessary precautions before attending an event – do an at-home test, wear a mask, and frequently wash your hands to prevent spreading germs,” Ascher recommended.

If there’s any doubt about attending an event, it's best to avoid it to prevent exposing others to the risk of infection.

If your symptoms persist despite home remedies, that's when you might want to consider using cold medicine.

According to Ascher, these are indicators that it's time to try medication:

It's also crucial to know when the effectiveness of cold medications falls short and further steps are needed to prioritise your well-being.

“Over-the-counter medication can be useful in relieving symptoms,” Villegas mentioned, “but if you begin to experience a persistent fever that doesn't improve with medication or breathlessness that isn't getting better, don't hesitate to seek medical assistance from your doctor or an urgent-care clinic.”