What medications should I take for a cold?

Generally, common cold is mostly caused by viral infections, with common symptoms including nasal congestion, runny nose, sore throat, cough, fever, and headache. Patients may take medications such as compound paracetamol tablets, Lianhua Qingwen capsules, Ganmaoling granules, pseudoephedrine hydrochloride sustained-release capsules, and dextromethorphan hydrobromide oral solution according to medical advice. A detailed explanation is as follows:

1. Compound Paracetamol Tablets

These tablets contain paracetamol, amantadine hydrochloride, chlorpheniramine maleate, and other ingredients. Paracetamol inhibits prostaglandin synthesis to relieve fever, headache, and sore throat; amantadine hydrochloride can inhibit influenza virus replication; chlorpheniramine maleate helps alleviate nasal congestion and runny nose. These tablets are suitable for various discomforts caused by the common cold or influenza.

2. Lianhua Qingwen Capsules

This is a type of traditional Chinese medicine containing ingredients such as forsythia, honeysuckle, and ephedra. It has the effects of clearing away epidemic toxins and relieving lung heat, helping to alleviate symptoms such as fever, nasal congestion and discharge, cough, dry throat, and sore throat. It is suitable for colds caused by heat toxins invading the lungs, reduces inflammatory responses, and aids body recovery.

3. Ganmaoling Granules

This compound preparation contains paracetamol, chlorpheniramine maleate, caffeine, and other ingredients. Paracetamol helps relieve fever and pain; chlorpheniramine maleate alleviates nasal symptoms; caffeine can reduce drowsiness caused by chlorpheniramine maleate. It is suitable for patients with significant headache and nasal congestion who need to maintain alertness.

4. Pseudoephedrine Hydrochloride Sustained-Release Capsules

These capsules relieve nasal congestion by selectively constricting nasal mucosal blood vessels, reducing nasal mucosal congestion and swelling. They have minimal effects on systemic blood vessels and can improve breathing difficulties caused by nasal congestion. They are suitable for severe nasal congestion caused by a cold.

5. Dextromethorphan Hydrobromide Oral Solution

This is a central-acting antitussive drug that inhibits the cough center in the medulla oblongata, relieving dry cough caused by a cold, reducing irritation of the throat from frequent coughing, and alleviating patient discomfort. It is suitable for colds accompanied by dry, non-productive cough.

In daily life, it is important to develop good habits, drink plenty of warm water, ensure adequate rest, and avoid consuming spicy, irritating, or cold foods such as chili peppers and iced beverages, which may hinder recovery.