Skip to main content

Medications for Cold Symptoms

Other names: Cold; Common Cold; Coryza

Symptoms of a viral infection involving the upper respiratory tract and characterized by congestion of the nasal mucous membrane, watery nasal rhinorrhea, and general malaise, with a duration of 3–5 days.

Drugs used to treat Cold Symptoms

The medications listed below are related to or used in the treatment of this condition.

Drug name Rating Reviews Activity ? Rx/OTC Pregnancy CSA Alcohol
Benadryl 9.5 2 reviews for Benadryl to treat Cold Symptoms Rx/OTC B N X
Generic name:
diphenhydramine systemic
Drug class:
miscellaneous anxiolytics, sedatives and hypnotics, antihistamines, anticholinergic antiemetics, anticholinergic antiparkinson agents
For consumers:
dosage, interactions, side effects
For professionals:
Prescribing Information
Vicks NyQuil Cold & Flu Nighttime Relief Rate Add review OTC N N X
Generic name:
acetaminophen / dextromethorphan / doxylamine systemic
Drug class:
upper respiratory combinations
For consumers:
dosage, interactions, side effects
diphenhydramine 6.8 5 reviews for diphenhydramine to treat Cold Symptoms Rx/OTC B N X
Generic name:
diphenhydramine systemic
Brand names:
Benadryl, Benadryl Allergy, Banophen, Benadryl Children's Allergy, Diphedryl, Complete Allergy Relief, Diphen, Allermax, Dicopanol, Diphenhist, Dormin, Dytuss, Scot-Tussin Allergy, Siladryl Allergy, Silphen Cough, Twilite, Valu-Dryl, Vanamine PD
Drug class:
miscellaneous anxiolytics, sedatives and hypnotics, antihistamines, anticholinergic antiemetics, anticholinergic antiparkinson agents
For consumers:
dosage, interactions, side effects
For professionals:
AHFS DI Monograph, Prescribing Information
chlorpheniramine 7.5 4 reviews for chlorpheniramine to treat Cold Symptoms Rx/OTC B N X
Generic name:
chlorpheniramine systemic
Brand names:
Allergy Relief, Chlor-Trimeton, Aller-Chlor, C.P.M., Chlo-Amine, Chlor-Mal, ChlorTan, Ed Chlor Ped Jr., Ed ChlorPed, Ed-Chlortan, Wal-finate
Drug class:
antihistamines
For consumers:
dosage, interactions, side effects
For professionals:
Prescribing Information
Coricidin HBP Cold & Flu 6.3 7 reviews for Coricidin HBP Cold & Flu to treat Cold Symptoms OTC N N X
Generic name:
acetaminophen / chlorpheniramine systemic
Drug class:
upper respiratory combinations
For consumers:
dosage, interactions, side effects
Vicks DayQuil Severe Cold & Flu Rate Add review Rx/OTC N N X
Generic name:
acetaminophen / dextromethorphan / guaifenesin / phenylephrine systemic
Drug class:
upper respiratory combinations
For consumers:
dosage, interactions, side effects
Benadryl Allergy 7.0 1 review for Benadryl Allergy to treat Cold Symptoms Rx/OTC B N X
Generic name:
diphenhydramine systemic
Drug class:
miscellaneous anxiolytics, sedatives and hypnotics, antihistamines, anticholinergic antiemetics, anticholinergic antiparkinson agents
For consumers:
dosage, interactions, side effects
For professionals:
Prescribing Information
Vicks Dayquil Cold & Flu Relief Rate Add review OTC N N X
Generic name:
acetaminophen / dextromethorphan / phenylephrine systemic
Drug class:
upper respiratory combinations
For consumers:
dosage, interactions, side effects
Promethazine DM 8.5 2 reviews for Promethazine DM to treat Cold Symptoms Rx C N X
Generic name:
dextromethorphan / promethazine systemic
Drug class:
upper respiratory combinations
For consumers:
dosage, interactions, side effects
For professionals:
Prescribing Information
Vicks VapoRub 10 1 review for Vicks VapoRub to treat Cold Symptoms OTC N N
Generic name:
camphor / eucalyptus / menthol topical
Drug class:
topical rubefacient
For consumers:
side effects
Coricidin HBP Maximum Strength Flu Rate Add review OTC N N X
Generic name:
acetaminophen / chlorpheniramine / dextromethorphan systemic
Drug class:
upper respiratory combinations
For consumers:
dosage, interactions, side effects
Theraflu Nighttime Severe Cold & Cough 5.5 2 reviews for Theraflu Nighttime Severe Cold & Cough to treat Cold Symptoms Rx/OTC C N X
Generic name:
acetaminophen / diphenhydramine / phenylephrine systemic
Drug class:
upper respiratory combinations
For consumers:
dosage, interactions, side effects
Mucinex Fast-Max Severe Cold Rate Add review Rx/OTC N N X
Generic name:
acetaminophen / dextromethorphan / guaifenesin / phenylephrine systemic
Drug class:
upper respiratory combinations
For consumers:
dosage, interactions, side effects
acetaminophen / chlorpheniramine / phenylephrine 6.9 17 reviews for acetaminophen / chlorpheniramine / phenylephrine to treat Cold Symptoms Rx/OTC N N X
Generic name:
acetaminophen / chlorpheniramine / phenylephrine systemic
Brand names:
Contac Cold + Flu (Night Formula), Norel AD, Robitussin Peak Cold Nighttime Nasal Relief, Tylenol Sinus Congestion & Pain Nighttime, Comtrex Flu Therapy, Comtrex Severe Cold & Sinus, Dristan Cold Multi Symptom Formula, GNP Cold Relief Plus, Medicidin-D, Onset Forte, Relief-PE, Tylenol Allergy Multi-Symptom, Tylenol Plus Children's Cold
Drug class:
upper respiratory combinations
For consumers:
dosage, interactions, side effects
Banophen Rate Add review Rx/OTC B N X
Generic name:
diphenhydramine systemic
Drug class:
miscellaneous anxiolytics, sedatives and hypnotics, antihistamines, anticholinergic antiemetics, anticholinergic antiparkinson agents
For consumers:
dosage, interactions, side effects
Benadryl Children's Allergy Rate Add review Rx/OTC B N X
Generic name:
diphenhydramine systemic
Drug class:
miscellaneous anxiolytics, sedatives and hypnotics, antihistamines, anticholinergic antiemetics, anticholinergic antiparkinson agents
For consumers:
dosage, interactions, side effects
pseudoephedrine / triprolidine 8.1 14 reviews for pseudoephedrine / triprolidine to treat Cold Symptoms Rx/OTC C N X
Generic name:
pseudoephedrine / triprolidine systemic
Brand names:
Aprodine, A-Phedrin, Aphedrid, Histafed, Vi-Sudo
Drug class:
upper respiratory combinations
For consumers:
dosage, interactions, side effects
Diphedryl Rate Add review Rx/OTC B N X
Generic name:
diphenhydramine systemic
Drug class:
miscellaneous anxiolytics, sedatives and hypnotics, antihistamines, anticholinergic antiemetics, anticholinergic antiparkinson agents
For consumers:
dosage, interactions, side effects
Tussionex Pennkinetic 7.9 15 reviews for Tussionex Pennkinetic to treat Cold Symptoms Rx C 2 X
Generic name:
chlorpheniramine / hydrocodone systemic
Drug class:
upper respiratory combinations
For consumers:
dosage, interactions, side effects
For professionals:
Prescribing Information
Tylenol Cold 2.0 1 review for Tylenol Cold to treat Cold Symptoms OTC N N X
Generic name:
acetaminophen / chlorpheniramine / dextromethorphan / pseudoephedrine systemic
Drug class:
upper respiratory combinations
For consumers:
dosage, interactions, side effects
Complete Allergy Relief Rate Add review Rx/OTC B N X
Generic name:
diphenhydramine systemic
Drug class:
miscellaneous anxiolytics, sedatives and hypnotics, antihistamines, anticholinergic antiemetics, anticholinergic antiparkinson agents
For consumers:
dosage, interactions, side effects
Diphen Rate Add review Rx/OTC B N X
Generic name:
diphenhydramine systemic
Drug class:
miscellaneous anxiolytics, sedatives and hypnotics, antihistamines, anticholinergic antiemetics, anticholinergic antiparkinson agents
For consumers:
dosage, interactions, side effects
For professionals:
Prescribing Information
Allergy Relief Rate Add review Rx/OTC B N X
Generic name:
chlorpheniramine systemic
Drug class:
antihistamines
For consumers:
dosage, interactions, side effects
Allermax Rate Add review Rx/OTC B N X
Generic name:
diphenhydramine systemic
Drug class:
miscellaneous anxiolytics, sedatives and hypnotics, antihistamines, anticholinergic antiemetics, anticholinergic antiparkinson agents
For consumers:
dosage, interactions, side effects
Chlor-Trimeton Rate Add review Rx/OTC B N X
Generic name:
chlorpheniramine systemic
Drug class:
antihistamines
For consumers:
dosage, interactions, side effects
For professionals:
Prescribing Information

Frequently asked questions

View more FAQ

Topics under Cold Symptoms

Alternative treatments for Cold Symptoms

The following products are considered to be alternative treatments or natural remedies for Cold Symptoms. Their efficacy may not have been scientifically tested to the same degree as the drugs listed in the table above. However, there may be historical, cultural or anecdotal evidence linking their use to the treatment of Cold Symptoms.

Legend

Rating For ratings, users were asked how effective they found the medicine while considering positive/adverse effects and ease of use (1 = not effective, 10 = most effective).
Activity Activity is based on recent site visitor activity relative to other medications in the list.
Rx Prescription only.
OTC Over-the-counter.
Rx/OTC Prescription or Over-the-counter.
Off-label This medication may not be approved by the FDA for the treatment of this condition.
EUA An Emergency Use Authorization (EUA) allows the FDA to authorize unapproved medical products or unapproved uses of approved medical products to be used in a declared public health emergency when there are no adequate, approved, and available alternatives.
Expanded Access Expanded Access is a potential pathway for a patient with a serious or immediately life-threatening disease or condition to gain access to an investigational medical product (drug, biologic, or medical device) for treatment outside of clinical trials when no comparable or satisfactory alternative therapy options are available.
Pregnancy Category
A Adequate and well-controlled studies have failed to demonstrate a risk to the fetus in the first trimester of pregnancy (and there is no evidence of risk in later trimesters).
B Animal reproduction studies have failed to demonstrate a risk to the fetus and there are no adequate and well-controlled studies in pregnant women.
C Animal reproduction studies have shown an adverse effect on the fetus and there are no adequate and well-controlled studies in humans, but potential benefits may warrant use in pregnant women despite potential risks.
D There is positive evidence of human fetal risk based on adverse reaction data from investigational or marketing experience or studies in humans, but potential benefits may warrant use in pregnant women despite potential risks.
X Studies in animals or humans have demonstrated fetal abnormalities and/or there is positive evidence of human fetal risk based on adverse reaction data from investigational or marketing experience, and the risks involved in use in pregnant women clearly outweigh potential benefits.
N FDA has not classified the drug.
Controlled Substances Act (CSA) Schedule
M The drug has multiple schedules. The schedule may depend on the exact dosage form or strength of the medication.
U CSA Schedule is unknown.
N Is not subject to the Controlled Substances Act.
1 Has a high potential for abuse. Has no currently accepted medical use in treatment in the United States. There is a lack of accepted safety for use under medical supervision.
2 Has a high potential for abuse. Has a currently accepted medical use in treatment in the United States or a currently accepted medical use with severe restrictions. Abuse may lead to severe psychological or physical dependence.
3 Has a potential for abuse less than those in schedules 1 and 2. Has a currently accepted medical use in treatment in the United States. Abuse may lead to moderate or low physical dependence or high psychological dependence.
4 Has a low potential for abuse relative to those in schedule 3. It has a currently accepted medical use in treatment in the United States. Abuse may lead to limited physical dependence or psychological dependence relative to those in schedule 3.
5 Has a low potential for abuse relative to those in schedule 4. Has a currently accepted medical use in treatment in the United States. Abuse may lead to limited physical dependence or psychological dependence relative to those in schedule 4.
Alcohol
X Interacts with Alcohol.

Further information

Always consult your healthcare provider to ensure the information displayed on this page applies to your personal circumstances.

Medical Disclaimer