The most effective cold medicine that can be purchased at the pharmacy & bull; hello healthy

Flu is a highly contagious disease caused by a virus. The mode of transmission of flu is very easy, so that proper handling and treatment is needed to overcome it. The good news is, there are many choices of the most effective cold medicine that can make you recover quickly, including those that can be purchased at pharmacies without a doctor's prescription.

The choice of the most effective cold medicine at the pharmacy

Many people do not immediately treat flu symptoms because they think the disease can go away on its own. Even though it looks mild, the flu actually requires proper handling.

Otherwise, the flu can get worse and prevent you from going to school, work, or doing various daily activities. In fact, some types of flu have the potential to cause harm if not handled properly.

Fortunately, there are many over-the-counter cold medicine options available to help you recover quickly. You may also find the drugs below at the nearest drugstore or supermarket from your home.

1. Paracetamol

Paracetamol is not the most powerful cold medicine, but it can help relieve the symptoms of accompanying flu. Usually, people with flu will experience a series of symptoms, such as fever, headaches, and body aches or aches. Paracetamol can help relieve these symptoms.

These drugs tend to be safe and effective for all people, including children, adults, pregnant women, and breastfeeding mothers. However, if you are currently taking other medications, it's a good idea to consult a doctor first.

2. Ibuprofen

Just like paracetamol, ibuprofen is also one of the most effective drugs to reduce fever and relieve mild to moderate pain due to flu. You can buy this drug without a doctor's prescription.

Ibuprofen is a non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drug (NSAID). This drug works in two ways. First, ibuprofen is responsible for inhibiting the production of certain chemical compounds that cause inflammation and pain. Second, these drugs reduce inflammation in the body thereby speeding up the healing process.

3. Antihistamine drugs

Another cold medicine you can buy at the pharmacy is an antihistamine. Antihistamines are the most effective cold medicine if the flu symptoms that appear are also exacerbated by allergies. Antihistamines are useful for relieving runny nose, itchy throat, watery eyes or, sneezing.

Chlorpheniramine and brompheniramine are two examples of antihistamine-type cold medicines in pharmacies. It is important to know that both of these anti-vitamin drugs can cause drowsiness. Make sure you do not operate the machine or drive a vehicle after taking this medicine until the drowsiness side effects go away.

Alternatively, you can take other types of antihistamine drugs, such as fexofenadine, loratadine, and cetrizine, which do not make you sleepy. Some antihistamine drugs can interact with certain drugs. That is why, consult your doctor first before buying this cold medicine at a pharmacy if you have a history of kidney disease, liver disease, and asthma.

4. Decongestants

Nasal congestion due to flu makes it difficult to breathe freely. Nasal congestion due to flu is caused by inflamed blood vessels in the sinuses that become swollen. Coupled with the excess mucus production, this is what makes it even more difficult for you to breathe.

The good news is, you can buy decongestant flu medications at pharmacies without a doctor's prescription. This cold medicine works to relieve swelling of the nasal passages and reduce mucus production so you can breathe more easily.

These cold medicines at pharmacies are available in a variety of preparations including pills, tablets, syrups, and nasal sprays. Pseudoephedrine and phenylephrine are the types of decongestants that make the most potent cold medicine.

However, be careful. Just like other drugs, decongestants also have side effects to watch out for. The side effects of decongestants range from mild to severe. Drowsiness, dizziness, dry mouth and throat, stomach upset, constipation, and difficulty sleeping are some of the mild side effects of decongestants.

5. Expectorant

In addition to nasal congestion, flu can also trigger a cough with phlegm. So, the most effective cold medicine for treating cough and cold symptoms is an expectorant.

Expectorant drugs function to loosen the mucus in the throat when colds and coughs strike. In addition, this drug can thin the phlegm that surrounds the lungs so that it is easier to pass.

Expectorant drugs contain guaifenesin which is responsible for increasing the water content in the mucus and thinning it out. Guaifenesin is also responsible for making you cough so you can get rid of phlegm more easily.

Expectorant drugs are available in syrup or tablet form. You can take this drug before or after eating according to the instructions for use listed on the packaging label. After taking the medicine, you are advised to drink lots of water. Adequate fluid intake can help thin phlegm and open up your airways.

The most effective cold medicine is an antiviral

There are still many people who think that antivirals and antibiotics are the same two types of drugs. In fact, the two are different. Antibiotics are drugs to kill bacteria. While antivirals are drugs to kill viruses.

The cause of flu is influenza virus infection. Then, the most effective cold medicine actually an antiviral or antiviral, not an antibiotic. Antiviral drugs work by inhibiting the development of the virus in the body so that it does not cause more severe symptoms.

Antiviral drugs require a doctor's prescription. You can only buy it at the pharmacy by redeeming a prescription. This type of drug is not sold freely in stalls, pharmacies, and large supermarkets.

There are various types of antivirals that doctors can prescribe to treat flu. Oseltamivir, peramivir, zanamivir, baloxavir, rimantadine, and amantadine are some of the antiviral options that doctors often prescribe as the most potent cold medicine.

For the drug to work more effectively, antivirals must be given at least 48 hours (2 days) after the appearance of flu symptoms. When given at the right time, antiviral drugs can speed up recovery time.

The Center for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) on its official page says that the sooner the antivirus is given, the better. This is especially true for people who already have a bad flu and are at high risk of developing serious flu complications.

In addition to prescribing antiviral drugs, your doctor may ask you to get a flu shot. The combination of these two treatments is considered effective to help boost the patient's immune system against infection.

Which must be considered before using antiviral drugs

Even though it has been named the most effective treatment for influenza or the flu, it is important to understand that these various antivirals still have potential side effects. Some of the effects most commonly complained of are nausea, vomiting, stomach pain, and diarrhea.

In addition, the rules for taking and the dosage of antiviral drugs for colds may vary from person to person. The doctor will prescribe medication according to the age and condition of the patient as a whole. In other words, the types of drugs to be used in the prevention and treatment phases of flu may be different.

Make sure you consult your doctor and are clear on how to administer the medication before taking any cold medicine.

Can the flu be treated with natural ingredients?

Although there are many options for over-the-counter cold medicines on the market, some people prefer to use cold medicines from natural ingredients because they are considered safer and have minimal side effects.

Basically, these natural ingredients do not specifically cure the flu. Until now there is no strong scientific evidence that proves natural ingredients can fight the flu virus.

However, experts believe that the active substances contained in certain herbs can help relieve cold symptoms, such as soothing the nose and throat.

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