What medications can I take to relieve symptoms of a cold?

Commonly, common cold is a viral infection of the upper respiratory tract, with common symptoms including fever, headache, nasal congestion, runny nose, cough, and others. Patients may use medications such as acetaminophen tablets, pseudoephedrine hydrochloride sustained-release capsules, dextromethorphan hydrobromide oral solution, chlorpheniramine maleate tablets, and Lianhua Qingwen capsules, under the guidance of a physician, to relieve symptoms. Detailed explanations are as follows:

1. Acetaminophen Tablets

These belong to antipyretic analgesics. They exert antipyretic and analgesic effects by inhibiting the synthesis of prostaglandins in the central nervous system and reducing prostaglandin release. They can effectively reduce fever caused by the common cold and alleviate discomfort such as headache, sore throat, and muscle pain. They have relatively low gastrointestinal irritation and are suitable for most people, but care should be taken to avoid overdose which may cause liver damage.

2. Pseudoephedrine Hydrochloride Sustained-Release Capsules

This medication is a decongestant that selectively acts on α-adrenergic receptors in the nasal mucosa, causing vasoconstriction of nasal mucosal blood vessels, reducing congestion and swelling, thereby relieving nasal congestion caused by the common cold. The sustained-release formulation allows for prolonged drug effect, reducing the frequency of administration and avoiding the inconvenience of frequent dosing. Patients with hypertension should use it cautiously.

3. Dextromethorphan Hydrobromide Oral Solution

This is a cough suppressant that works by inhibiting the cough center in the medulla oblongata and is categorized as a centrally acting antitussive. It is suitable for dry cough caused by the common cold, effectively reducing the irritation of frequent coughing on the respiratory tract and alleviating discomfort caused by coughing. However, it should be used cautiously in patients with excessive phlegm to avoid suppressing the cough reflex, which may lead to mucus retention in the airways.

4. Chlorpheniramine Maleate Tablets

These belong to antihistamines. They competitively block histamine from binding to H1 receptors, inhibit vasodilation, reduce vascular permeability, decrease exudation, and alleviate allergic reactions. They can relieve symptoms such as sneezing, runny nose, and nasal congestion caused by the common cold. Additionally, they have a certain sedative effect, which can improve sleep quality affected by cold symptoms. Drivers should use this medication under a physician's guidance.

5. Lianhua Qingwen Capsules

This is a traditional Chinese medicine composed of ingredients such as Forsythia suspensa, honeysuckle, and ephedra. It has the functions of clearing heat and toxins and relieving lung congestion and heat. By inhibiting virus replication and reducing inflammatory responses, it alleviates symptoms such as fever, sore throat, cough, nasal congestion, and runny nose caused by the common cold. It is particularly suitable for colds caused by heat-toxin invading the lungs, helping to regulate body condition and promote recovery from the common cold.