Popular Over-the-Counter Remedies for Cold and Flu
The cold virus remains one of the most common causes of illness. It has no cure but there are over the counter remedies for cold and flu that can help ease the symptoms. The symptoms of the flu or cold are body pain and fever accompanied by a running or stuffy nose. Some patients have a cough as well. All these symptoms can be treated to make the patient more comfortable. Antibiotics Since a cold and the flu are caused by viruses, antibiotics have no effect on them. The common practice of medicating with antibiotics for viral infections should be avoided. Body pain and fever Over the counter medication such as ibuprofen (Advil®), acetaminophen (Tylenol®) or naproxen (Naprosyn®) are the most common over the counter remedies for cold and flu fever and pain. Be careful that you do not take more than one OTC medication without reading the labels carefully. You might inadvertently be taking more of one medication that is recommended. Too much acetaminophen is harmful to the liver. The maximum recommended dosage of acetaminophen is four grams a day for a patient without liver issues. Patients who have existing liver issues should not take more than two grams of acetaminophen a day.