10 Best Cold Medicines for Runny Nose

Struggling with a runny nose that just doesn't resolve? Cold can be the common cause of such a symptom. The constant nose drip can be really frustrating. The good news is that several over-the-counter medications are available that can help treat your cold. This blog has listed the best cold medicines for a runny nose with tips to choose the right one for you. 

10 Best Cold Medicines for a Runny Nose

Here are the top-rated medicines for the cold and runny nose that can ensure instant relief: 

1. Crocin Cold and Flu Max Tablets

Brand Name: Crocin Cold and Flu

Composition: Paracetamol, Caffeine, Phenylephrine

Price: INR 16

Benefits:

• Cause the shrinkage of blood vessels present in the blood vessels. 

• This decreases the production of mucus and prevents congestion, relieving a runny nose.

2. Pseudoephedrine Tablets

Brand Name: Sudafed

Composition: Pseudoephedrine HCl

Price: INR 1,470

Benefits:

• These non-drowsy cold and flu tablets temporarily relieve swollen noses, which helps manage sinus infections. 

• In addition, they help air and mucus move freely in the nasal passage.

3. Mucinex Nightshift

Brand Name: Mucinex

Composition: Acetaminophen, Dextromethorphan, Phenylephrine, and Triprolidine:

Price: INR 1,241.36

Benefits:

• Formulated to quickly manage the annoying nighttime cold and flu symptoms such as runny nose, body pain, and cough.

• This helps with better sleep and waking up refreshed the next morning.

4. Oxymetazoline Nasal Solution

Brand Name: Afrin spray

Composition: Oxymetazoline

Price: INR 85

Benefits:

• By compressing blood vessels present in the nasal passages, it decreases mucus production and swelling, relieving a runny nose.

• Provides quick relief from cold symptoms that last for about 12 hours. 

5. Filfast-180 Tablets

Brand Name: Filfast-180

Composition: Paracetamol, phenylephrine, HCL, Chlorpheniramine, Caffeine

Price: INR 115

Benefits: 

• Chlorpheniramine Maleate has anti-allergic properties that help treat the runny nose and associated symptoms. 

• Caffeine improves the alertness of an individual affected by a runny nose. 

6. Altriz-M Tablets

Brand Name: Altriz-M

Composition: Levocetirizine and Montelukast 

Price: INR 22.97

Benefits:

• Levocetirizine and Montelukast help treat allergies, sneezing, and a runny nose. 

• Levocetirizine can also treat hay fever and seasonal colds which aids in minimising the runny nose, sneezing, and itching. 

7. Peacemol-D Tablets

Brand Name: Pan-D

Composition: Paracetamol and domperidone

Price: INR 199

Benefits: 

• Alleviates nasal discharge and relieves sneezing by inhibiting histamine activity and narrowing swollen nasal passages.

• Control nasal flow for hours, making the breathing process easy and providing comfort throughout the day.

8. Xylid - PC Tablets

Brand Name: Xylid - PC

Composition: Paracetamol, Phenylephrine HCl, Chlorpheniramine

Price: INR 65

Benefits:

• Its triple-action formula efficiently relieves a runny nose and prevents associated symptoms such as sinus pressure and headache.

• By targeting the root cause of a runny nose like a cold, this medicine offers fast relief with just one tablet. 

9. ACCPAR-T4 Tablets 

Brand Name: Accpar - T4

Composition: Aceclofenac and Thiovochicoside

Price: INR 86

Benefits: 

• Its antihistamine action helps block the production of histamine, which, in turn, relieves a runny nose, sneezing, and irritation. 

• Reduces the discomfort caused by a runny nose, which helps with better sleep.  

10. 5-Zine-D Tablets  

Brand Name: 5-Zine or L-Zine

Composition: Phenylephrine, Caffeine, Diphenhydramine hydrochloride

Price: INR 65

Benefits: 

• The blend of four medications treats symptoms of cold and flu, such as a runny nose or sore throat. 

• By blocking the chemical messengers that are responsible for causing allergies, it relieves a runny nose.  

Potential Side Effects of Cold Medications

Though well-tolerated, some cold medicines can cause certain side effects that you need to be aware of. Those include:

Common Side Effects:

If you experience any of these symptoms that last longer or become worse, see a doctor without delay:

• Drowsiness

• Dizziness

• Blurred vision

• Upset stomach

• Nausea

• Nervousness

• Constipation

• Dry mouth, throat, or nose

Severe Side Effects:

Seek medical attention immediately if you notice these severe effects:

• Mental/mood changes like hallucinations or confusion

• Trouble urinating

• Fast, slow, or irregular heartbeat

• Shaking

• Seizure

• Allergic reaction with symptoms like swelling in the face, throat, or tongue, severe dizziness, skin rashes, trouble breathing, and itching.

How to Safely Use Cold Medicine?

To stay safe, consider these tips for using cold medicine:

• Check the label: Always check the ingredients, side effects, and warnings related to the medicine to prevent further health risks.

• Consult a doctor: Always seek a doctor or pharmacist's guidance to choose the best cold medicine for your symptoms.

• Follow the appropriate schedule: Do not take the medicine more often or longer than advised by a doctor or instructed on the label.

• Don't exceed the dose: Do not use more than the recommended dose at one time without medical guidance, as it can increase the risk of overdose. Immediately seek emergency help if you experience the overdose symptoms:

• Nausea

• Vomiting

• Loss of appetite

• Sweating

• Abdominal pain

• Extreme tiredness

• Flushing

• Hallucinations

• Yellowing of eyes or skin

• Dark urine

• Seizures

When to See a Doctor?

Cold can be treated with rest and staying well-hydrated most of the time. But, visit a doctor if:

• the symptoms last for more than 2 weeks.

• the symptoms get worse, or some new symptoms appear

• you have a sore throat or a fever above 100 F that continues for over 3 days.

• you experience shortness of breath or have difficulty breathing.

• you feel extreme chest pain.

Safety Precautions for Cold Medicines

Take these precautions when using cold medicines:

• Be cautious about the drowsy effect: Some nighttime formulas contain "diphenhydramine," which can make you extremely sleepy. So, avoid taking them with anti-anxiety medications, opioids, alcohol, and muscle relaxants to prevent severe sedating effects.

• Avoid combining medicines: Many medicines have active ingredients like acetaminophen, which can cause negative effects if taken in high doses from different medicines.

• Drink plenty of water: Certain ingredients, such as diphenhydramine, can lead to dry mouth. So, stay well-hydrated to prevent such risks.

• Consider your existing medical conditions: Inform a doctor about your existing health issues like diabetes, high blood pressure, breathing issues, or liver, heart, or kidney problems, as some cold medicines can worsen these conditions.

• Use caution during pregnancy: Cold medicine ingredients like acetaminophen are considered safe during all trimesters. However, a study reports that decongestants like pseudoephedrine (Sudafed) cause birth defects during pregnancy. So, it's crucial to always consult your gynecologist first before taking any cold medications.

• Take safety during breastfeeding: As cold medicines might pass into the mother's milk, they can cause undesirable effects on a child. So, seek a gynecologist's guidance first.

• Avoid giving cold medicines to children below 2 years: The Food and Drug Administration (FDA) recommends that do not give cold and flu medicines to children under 2 as they can cause severe and fatal side effects.

• Take caution in conditions that limit sugar, aspartame, and alcohol: Those conditions include diabetes, liver diseases, phenylketonuria (PKU), or alcohol dependence. Ask a doctor about the safe intake of these substances.

• Use carefully for elderly people: As older individuals are highly sensitive to the drug's side effects, use these medicines with caution, only under medical guidance. Side effects like drowsiness, dizziness, and confusion can raise falling. 

Home Remedies for a Runny Nose

Along with cold medicines, you can consider these home remedies to relieve a runny nose:

• Get a lot of rest to allow the body to fight off a nasal infection.

• Drink warm water to relieve a viral infection and thin out the mucus.

• Inhale steam 2 to 4 times a day to loosen the mucus and let it drain out.

• Use a humidifier to clear out the nasal passage.

• Place a warm compress on your face that helps thin out mucus and allow it to drain.

Summing Up 

These are the best cold medicines for a runny nose that you can take to treat your cold. However, never take medicine without a prescription. Some need a prescription strictly because it may contain some salt which can be dangerous to particular people. If your cough persists for a long period. Do always consult with a doctor.