Cures for the Common Cold: The Pros and Cons of OTC Medications
Pros of OTC medicationsOTC medications like acetaminophen, ibuprofen and pseudoephedrine can provide relief from common cold symptoms. Acetaminophen can help reduce fever and pain, ibuprofen can reduce pain, swelling and fever, and pseudoephedrine can help with congestion and help keep nasal passages open.In addition, many OTC medications can be purchased without a prescription, which can be useful for people who cannot access a doctor or who are not comfortable with taking medications prescribed by a doctor.The Cons of OTC MedicationsOTC medications can have certain side effects and can interact with other medications. Additionally, many OTC medications are not suitable for people with certain underlying medical conditions.Pseudoephedrine can cause nervousness and insomnia, while ibuprofen and acetaminophen can cause stomach irritation, nausea and other digestive distress. Overuse of certain medications may lead to the development of tolerance, or developing resistance to a medication. Lastly, some OTC medications can cause drowsiness, making it important to read the label carefully and follow the instructions on the packaging.When to Seek Medical TreatmentIt is important to seek medical attention if you experience symptoms such as high fever, skin rash, headache, vomiting, chest pain or difficulty breathing. Additionally, if you have underlying health conditions or take any regular medications, you should consult your doctor before taking any OTC medications.