Reviewed by medical experts • For informational purposes only
Paracetamol, 5-day decongestant sprays and saline comfort a cold; antibiotics never treat it and syrups are not for small children.
Cold medicines treat symptoms, never the virus - nothing on any shelf shortens the cold meaningfully. Used wisely they buy comfort; used carelessly (especially antibiotics) they cause real harm. The honest tour.
Paracetamol or ibuprofen by weight for fever and discomfort; saline drops for the nose; honey over age 1 for cough; NO combination cold syrups under 6, no aspirin ever under 16 (Reye's syndrome risk).
Paracetamol for ache and fever, decongestant spray for up to 5 days, saline and honey for children - these comfort a cold; antibiotics never treat it and multi-ingredient syrups have no place in small children.
Written By
Dr. Daksh
BDS
Reviewed By
Dr. Varun Gupta
MD Pharmacology, MBBS
Last updated on
27 Sep 2022 • 06:23 PM (IST)
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