5 Other Medications for Respiratory Conditions
Learn how antihistamines, decongestants, cough suppressants, and expectorants relieve respiratory symptoms, along with key medication and age-related safety precautions.
Match medicines to symptoms
Antihistamines, decongestants, and cough medicines mainly relieve symptoms. They do not cure a viral cold or necessarily shorten its course. Choose a medicine that matches the symptom, check its active ingredients, and follow the product label.
Relieve allergy symptoms
An blocks histamine-related allergy symptoms such as sneezing, itching, and a runny nose. Some antihistamines, including diphenhydramine, can cause drowsiness; others tend to cause less sleepiness.
Drowsiness is a common concern with diphenhydramine. Avoid driving or operating machinery until you know how it affects you, and be aware that alcohol can increase drowsiness.
Relieve nasal congestion
is an oral decongestant that relieves nasal congestion primarily by narrowing blood vessels in the nasal passages. It can also cause restlessness or difficulty sleeping. Decongestants may be unsuitable for people with high blood pressure or certain heart conditions, so ask a health professional before taking one if these concerns apply.
Topical nasal decongestant sprays can cause if used longer than the product label recommends. Follow the specific label and use these sprays only for the recommended short period.
Manage cough and mucus
An suppresses coughing. Dextromethorphan temporarily suppresses cough, while is a prescription that reduces the cough reflex in the airways. capsules must be swallowed whole: chewing or dissolving them can numb the mouth or throat and cause choking.
An such as guaifenesin helps loosen mucus so it is easier to cough up.
Use products safely
Check the Drug Facts label for active ingredients before using a cough-and-cold combination product, especially if another medicine is being taken. Products can contain overlapping ingredients, which may lead to accidentally taking duplicate ingredients or too much medicine.
The FDA advises against cough-and-cold products containing an or decongestant for children under age 2. Many manufacturers label these products “do not use” for children under age 4. Follow the specific product label and consult a health professional with questions.