Cold Treatment Program for Adults
Combination Cold Products
Many combination cold products containing various mixtures of antihistamines, NSAIDs, decongestants, and cough suppressants are commercially available. (39)
Many of the currently available combination cold products have not been tested in clinical trials to determine the degree of their effectiveness.
Also, there is little information available from head-to-head comparisons of these products.
The effectiveness of first generation antihistamines for sneezing, runny nose, and possibly cough has been impressive in recent clinical trials. (21-23) NSAIDs are effective for general cold symptoms such as feverishness, headache, and not feeling well and may be of benefit for controlling coughs. (26-28) A first generation antihistamine taken with an NSAID provides a sound basis for an initial cold treatment that will give relief of most cold symptoms.
Treatment for Adults
Begin treatment at the earliest sign of a cold
Take a sustained-release first generation antihistamine such as chlorpheniramine, brompheniramine, or clemastine.
Also, at the same time, take a nonsteroidal antiinflammatory drug (NSAID) such as ibuprofen or naproxen.
Continue with the antihistamine and NSAID treatment every 12 hours until cold symptoms clear (3-7 days).
Add an oral decongestant such as pseudoephedrine and a cough suppressant such as dextromethorphan if the antihistamine-NSAIDs treatment does not control nasal obstruction and cough.
If nasal symptoms, facial pressure, and cough are no better or worse after 7-10 days, consider contacting your physician to treat bacterial complications if necessary (see Complications of Colds).
