Unclear
Bottom Line
Treatment with Paracetamol. 4 valid studies conducted, with 758 adults. Unclear impact. May relieve runny and stuffy nose, and does not relief sneezing and coughing. Side effects seem minor as long as you avoid overdose.
EVIDENCE | NEEDS MORE TESTING
EFFECTIVENESS | UNCLEAR
SAFETY | MILD RISKS
Try this treatment with caution:
Unclear impact. The risks and the benefits in treating Common Cold are uncertain. It may relieve runny nose and stuffy nose. Side effects seem minor, but accidental overdose is relatively common and fatal.
The suggested benefits of relieving runny and stuffy nose are unfounded and do not make clinical sense. If you do not have fever or pain, better avoid this treatment, and use proven remedies instead.
Note that while infections with various strains of Corona viruses are responsible for most cases of common cold, the new corona virus strain, SARS-CoV-2, leads to an entirely different coronavirus infectious disease, COVID-19. The research of treatments for COVID-19 is still pre mature and not based on solid evidence. Therefore, at this stage, we can only speculate that effective treatments for common cold (and related Corona virus strains) may prove effective for Corona disease 2019 (COVID-19) and the related SARS-CoV-2 strain. Please don't count on it.
Acetaminophen (Paracetamol), usually in tablets
Target Population:
Adults with cold, 16 to 65 years old
Dosage:
Varies according to brand, age and weight. 3-6 times a day and a maximum 4, 000 mg/day for adults.
Goal:
Treatment of Common Cold symptoms
Needs more testing
Adults Tested
Benefits:
Unclear, more research is needed. May help relieve runny nose and blockage of the nose.
Mild risks
Risks:
Unclear, more research is needed. Minor reported side effects include stomach and intestinal discomfort, dizziness, dry mouth and increased sweating. Overdose is common and can cause fatal liver failure.
Medical problem:
Common Cold (symptoms caused by viral infection of the upper respiratory system).
Symptoms and signs:
Cough, general discomfort, headache, runny nose, sneezing, sore throat, stuffy nose and weakness.
Complications:
Bacterial infections: lung infection, middle ear infection, strep throat, sinus infection.
Ipratropium Bromide Nasal sprayAntihistamine and analgesic combinationAnalgesic and decongestant combinationAntihistamine, analgesic and decongestant combination
Antihistamine and decongestant combination
NSAIDsGarlicCorticosteroids nasal sprayVitamin CEchinacea
AntibioticsSteam inhalationChinese herbsParacetamol (OTC)
Additional Information
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Paracetamol
Paracetamol, also known as acetaminophen or APAP, is a medication used to treat pain and fever. It is typically used for mild to moderate pain. The quality of the evidence regarding the use for fever relief in children is poor. It is often sold in combination with other ingredients such as in many cold medications. In combination with opioid pain medication, paracetamol is also used for more severe pain such as cancer pain and pain after surgery. It is typically used either by mouth or rectally but is also available intravenously. Effects last between two and four hours. Paracetamol is classified as a mild analgesic. It does not have significant anti-inflammatory activity and how it works is not entirely clear. Paracetamol was discovered in 1877. (source)
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