Damaging
Bottom Line
treating with antibiotics (for example tetracycline). 4 studies conducted, with 891 adults. Does not reduce cold symptoms and does not speed up recovery. Major side effects, including diarrhea and antibiotics resistance.
EVIDENCE | NEEDS MORE TESTING
EFFECTIVENESS | INEFFECTIVE
SAFETY | DANGEROUS
Avoid this treatment:
It is not effective in treating cold symptoms or in shortening their duration, since it does not effect viruses. It is pointless and risky.
Unnecessary usage of antibiotics promotes antibiotic-resistant bacteria, and is therefore damaging.
For example tetracycline, penicillin, amoxicillin
Target Population:
Adults with cold, 16 to 65 years old
Dosage:
Varies with antibiotics type and the patients weight. Usually given daily for 3 days or more.
Goal:
Treatment of Common Cold symptoms
Needs more testing
Adults Tested
Benefits:
Ineffective, does not seem to reduce Common Cold symptoms. Does not seem to speed up recovery.
Dangerous
Risks:
Minor side effects includes mainly diarrhea. Overuse of antibiotics leads to bacteria becoming resistant to antibiotics.
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
ParacetamolSteam inhalationChinese herbsAdditional Information
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Antibiotics
Antibiotics (also called antibacterials), are a type of antimicrobial drug used in the treatment and prevention of bacterial infections. They may either kill or inhibit the growth of bacteria. Antibiotics are not effective against viruses such as the common cold or influenza; drugs that inhibit viruses are termed antiviral drugs or antivirals rather than antibiotics. Antibiotics revolutionized medicine in the 20th century. However, their effectiveness and easy access have also led to their overuse. (source)
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