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Bottom Line
Treatment with antihistamine, analgesic and decongestant combination (e.g. Acetaminophen, Chlorpheniramine and Pseudoephedrine). 4 valid studies conducted, with 760 adults. Improves general feeling and reduces fever, pain, and cough. May slightly reduces runny nose and stuffy nose. Seems safe.
EVIDENCE | NEEDS MORE TESTING
EFFECTIVENESS | EFFECTIVE for fever, general discomfort, pains, runny nose and stuffy nose
SAFETY | MILD RISKS
Use this treatment:
It reliefs discomfort caused by a cold ( fever, pain and cough) and slightly reliefs other cold symptoms. Side effects seem minor, when taken for a short period (2-3 days).
You should prefer combinations with Paracetamol, since they are safer than combinations with NSAIDs (e.g. Advil) . Using NSAIDs can cause severe damage, especially to adults with gastric-intestinal infections or hidden kidney disease, which are quite common.
If you suffer from high blood pressure avoid this treatment: decongestants can increase your blood pressure even further, and put you at risk.
For example - a combination of Acetaminophen, Chlorpheniramine and Pseudoephedrine
Target Population:
Adults with cold, 16 to 65 years old
Dosage:
Varies according to combination. Stick to the directions on the package or as prescribed by your doctor.
Goal:
Treatment of Common Cold symptoms
Needs more testing
Adults Tested
Benefits:
Improves general feeling. Reduces fever, pain and cough. Slightly reduces runny nose and stuffy nose. Does not reduce sneezing. Does not speed up recovery.
Mild risks
Risks:
Minor reported side effects vary according to combination (for example - dizziness, drowsiness, sleep problems, diarrhea, nervousness and dry mouth). Decongestants increase blood pressure.
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.
Antihistamine, analgesic and decongestant combination (OTC)
Additional Information
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Antihistamines are drugs which treat allergic rhinitis and other allergies. As an alternative to taking an antihistamine, people who suffer from allergies can instead avoid the substance which irritates them. Antihistamines are usually for short-term treatment. An analgesic or painkiller is any member of the group of drugs used to achieve analgesia, relief from pain. Analgesic drugs act in various ways on the peripheral and central nervous systems. Analgesics include paracetamol (known in North America as acetaminophen or simply APAP), the nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drugs (NSAIDs) such as the salicylates, and opioid drugs such as morphine and oxycodone. A decongestants, or nasal decongestant, is a type of pharmaceutical drug that is used to relieve nasal congestion in the upper respiratory tract. The active ingredient in most decongestants is either pseudoephedrine or phenylephrine. (source)
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