TL;DR
- Nasal congestion: intranasal decongestants (short‑term) and saline; oral decongestants offer modest benefit with side effects.
- Cough: honey (adults/children over 1 year) may help; evidence for many OTCs is mixed.
- Always check labels to avoid duplicate acetaminophen or antihistamines in combo products.
Symptom‑based approach
- Fever/aches: consider acetaminophen or ibuprofen as appropriate.
- Congestion: topical decongestants for up to 3 days to avoid rebound; saline sprays/rinses are safe.
- Cough: honey, throat lozenges; limited evidence for dextromethorphan or guaifenesin.
Safety cautions
- Avoid multi‑ingredient products when possible; match treatments to symptoms.
- Beware of stimulant effects of oral decongestants and drug interactions.
- Children: follow age restrictions and weight‑based dosing; consult a clinician when unsure.
Disclaimer
Informational only, not medical advice. Follow local products’ labels and consult a clinician if symptoms worsen.
References
- Cochrane Reviews on common cold treatments. cochranelibrary.com
- CDC. Common Cold. cdc.gov