J Korean Med Assoc.  2015 Feb;58(2):147-153. 10.5124/jkma.2015.58.2.147.

Drug therapy for the common cold

• Kim SY

• KMID: 1958377
• DOI: http://doi.org/10.5124/jkma.2015.58.2.147

Abstract

The common cold is an acute, self-limiting viral infection of the upper respiratory tract involving the nose, sinuses, pharynx and larynx. Drug therapies for the common cold are normally aimed at relieving the symptoms of the illness. Over-the-counter cough and cold medications should not be used in children younger than four years old because of potential harms and lack of benefit. Antibiotics, antitussives, anti-histamines, and inhaled corticosteroids are not effective in children. Products that may improve symptoms in children include expectorants, mucolytics, honey, vitamin C, zinc lozenges, geranium extract, and nasal saline irrigation. In adults, antihistamines, intranasal corticosteroids, codeine, intranasal ipratopium, and antibiotics are not effective. Decongestants, antihistamine/decongestant combi-nations, expectorants, and mucolytics may improve cold symptoms in adults. Nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drugs and acetaminophen reduce pain secondary to upper respiratory tract infection in adults. Among complementary and alternative medicinetherapeutics, products containing vitamin C, zinc, or garlic may improve cold symptoms in adults. Prophylactic use of probiotics may decrease the frequency of colds in adults and children.

Keyword

Common cold; Anti-inflammatory agents, non-steroidal; Complementary therapies; Nonprescription drugs; Antitussive agents

MeSH Terms

Acetaminophen
Adrenal Cortex Hormones
Adult
Anti-Bacterial Agents
Anti-Inflammatory Agents, Non-Steroidal
Antitussive Agents
Ascorbic Acid
Child
Codeine
Common Cold*
Complementary Therapies
Cough
Drug Therapy*
Expectorants
Garlic
Geranium
Histamine Antagonists
Honey
Humans
Larynx
Nasal Decongestants
Nonprescription Drugs
Nose
Pharynx
Probiotics
Respiratory System
Respiratory Tract Infections
Zinc
Acetaminophen
Adrenal Cortex Hormones
Anti-Bacterial Agents
Anti-Inflammatory Agents, Non-Steroidal
Antitussive Agents
Ascorbic Acid
Codeine
Expectorants
Histamine Antagonists
Nasal Decongestants
Nonprescription Drugs
Zinc

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