Are OTC Cold Medicines Effective?

Pediatricians along with the FDA are taking a united stand in recommending that cold medicines not be used for children under the age of two. There is a general conscensus that these medicines do not help alleviate the symptoms brought on by colds enough to outweigh their risks. However, cold medicines are considered by some parents to be effective in relieving the symptoms that accompany the cold and flu viruses and make their children miserable. Currently, there is no concrete evidence that prove that cold medicines treat symptoms any better than waiting them out. If you are looking to utilize the cold medicines available, it’s important to understand what aspects of the colds and flus they are able to treat and what symptoms they may be effective for.

What Cold Medicines Can Treat

There are several common over the counter medicines, each with a specific symptom it is designed to relieve:

• Cough Syrups – These are used to help ease a cough and allow the child to rest more effectively. Few studies have been conducted that show they are effective.
• Oral Decongestants – Decongestants are used to help with stuffy noses. They can offer some relief, but have more serious side effects, so weigh your options carefully.
• Antihistamines – These medicines are developed to stop runny noses associated with allergies. They will not help a child with a cold.
• Nasal Drops/Sprays- A mild saline solution is an active ingredient in these products. They can be effective in loosening mucus to aid in easier removal. DO NOT give a child any nasal spray/drops that contain drugs as they can cause very serious side effects affecting the central nervous system and cardiovascular system, especially in small children. Inhaling these active medicines is only intended for adult use and can be fatal to a small child.
• Pain Relievers – This is a common OTC medicine and usually comes in two forms, either acetaminophen or ibuprofen. It is used to help lower fevers and reduce general aches from the cold/flu. It is also a common ingredient in many cold medicines, so be careful not to give it separately as well.

It is best to use your good judgment and caution when giving your child cold medicines. Review the side effects and make an informed decision. There is a wide variety of medicines on the shelf these days and its crucial that parents be informed.

What Cold Medicines Cannot Treat

The main component that the cold medicines cannot treat is the virus itself. Common colds are caused by  viruses. While some viruses are treated using anti-viral drugs, there aren’t any currently available for the common cold. Cold viruses usually last about a week and simply need to run their course. While cold medicines may help to relieve some of the annoyances of the symptoms, they cannot stop the cold or help the child to recover faster. A typical cold virus takes about a week to get better and the best thing you can do is make sure your child stays well hydrated and gets plenty of rest. If your child’s sickness does not appear to be getting better, or worsens, contact your pediatrician as something more serious may be developing.