What medicine can I take for a cold to get better quickly?
Sep 16, 2025
Source: Cainiu Health
Dr. Ren Yi
Introduction
In general, colds are mostly caused by viral infections, with common symptoms including fever, headache, nasal congestion, runny nose, coughing, and so on. Patients may take medications such as paracetamol tablets, pseudoephedrine hydrochloride sustained-release capsules, dextromethorphan hydrobromide oral solution, compound paracetamol and amantadine capsules, and ribavirin granules according to their physicians' instructions.
Generally, the common cold is mostly caused by viral infections, with common symptoms including fever, headache, nasal congestion, runny nose, coughing, and others. Patients may follow medical advice to use medications such as acetaminophen tablets, pseudoephedrine hydrochloride sustained-release capsules, dextromethorphan hydrobromide oral solution, compound paracetamol and amantadine capsules, and ribavirin granules for treatment. A detailed analysis is as follows:
1. Acetaminophen Tablets
Acetaminophen works by inhibiting the synthesis of prostaglandins in the central nervous system, providing antipyretic and analgesic effects. It effectively relieves symptoms of the common cold such as fever, headache, and muscle aches, while causing minimal irritation to the gastrointestinal tract.
2. Pseudoephedrine Hydrochloride Sustained-Release Capsules
Pseudoephedrine hydrochloride sustained-release capsules selectively constrict capillaries in the upper respiratory tract, reducing nasal mucosal congestion and swelling, thereby alleviating nasal congestion and runny nose caused by the common cold. They have minimal impact on systemic blood vessels and are less likely to cause significant fluctuations in blood pressure.
3. Dextromethorphan Hydrobromide Oral Solution
Dextromethorphan hydrobromide oral solution suppresses the cough center in the medulla oblongata, exerting an antitussive effect. It is suitable for dry cough caused by the common cold, helping to reduce irritation from frequent coughing and enabling patients to rest normally.
4. Compound Paracetamol and Amantadine Capsules
This is a compound formulation containing ingredients such as acetaminophen, amantadine hydrochloride, and chlorpheniramine maleate. It provides combined effects of fever reduction, pain relief, inhibition of viral replication, and relief of nasal congestion and runny nose, making it suitable for patients with complex cold symptoms.
5. Ribavirin Granules
Ribavirin granules belong to broad-spectrum antiviral drugs that inhibit viral nucleic acid synthesis. They are effective against some viruses causing the common cold, can shorten the duration of viral infection, and are suitable for patients with viral colds, especially those with severe symptoms or low immunity.
In daily life, it's important to maintain good habits: drink plenty of warm water to promote metabolism; avoid staying up late and ensure sufficient rest; eat a light diet rich in vitamin-containing fruits and vegetables, and avoid spicy or greasy foods to support recovery from the common cold.
