Cold medications are often taken by patients to help relieve symptoms such as a runny or stuffed-up nose, coughing and sneezing. Many parents also give these medications to children with cold symptoms.

The common cold has no cure. It is caused by viruses and may involve nasal congestion, coughing and sneezing. Cold medications sometimes provide relief from symptoms, but that relief may only be in the form of drowsiness or greater ability to rest. The use of cold medications in children is a source of controversy. Many experts contend that there is no evidence that cold medications alleviate cold symptoms in children. Parents may believe that anything that helps a child rest better or appears to alleviate symptoms can help their children.  

Many medications are available to treat the symptoms of colds. Some of them are more commonly used to treat similar symptoms associated with allergies (e.g., sneezing and a runny nose). They include:

• Antihistamines. Help to stop a runny nose, itchy eyes and sneezing in patients with allergies. Experts consider these medications to be ineffective for treating colds. However, they are often marketed as part of cold medications or sold in combination with decongestants.
  
  
• Decongestants. Medications that help relieve stuffiness associated with colds or allergies. These drugs temporarily shrink the blood vessels in the lining of the nose, reducing swelling of nasal tissues.
  
  
• Combination medications. Some cold medications combine a decongestant with an antihistamine. Other medications combine other ingredients, such as pain relievers.
  
  
• Cough syrups. There are two kinds of cough medications. Expectorants help loosen mucus, and suppressants prevent the patient’s cough reflex from activating.

Patients of all ages should tell their physician about any illness or allergies before taking cold medications. Though most cold medications are generally considered to be safe, they may present health risks – some of which can be fatal – when they are taken by children at excessively high dosage levels or when taken at correct dosage levels over long periods of time. In addition, children may receive excess dosages if a parent is not aware of duplication of ingredients in separate medications.

Side effects associated with cold medications include agitation or drowsiness, high blood pressure, and insomnia. More serious symptoms such as chest pain, loss of contact with reality (psychosis) or seizures may indicate an overdose, which requires immediate medical attention.

Parents are urged to consult with a physician about the potential risks and benefits of using cold medications before deciding whether these drugs are appropriate for a child. All cold medications should be kept locked away from children and only administered with a parent’s supervision.