Cold medications contain a number of different ingredients to tackle all symptoms of the common cold--cough, congestion, fever and sneezing, to name a few. And while that combination of ingredients offers relief from cold symptoms, they can also cause some side effects that should be considered before taking cold medications. Though most are minor, it's important to understand the possible effects of cold medicine and make sure it's safe for you to take.
Decongestants
These chemicals can alleviate the congestion of a stuffy nose, helping you to breathe easier. But some decongestants can cause tremors, anxiety and restlessness, says the Minnesota Poison Control Center. They can also speed up heart rate, raise blood pressure and lead to insomnia and difficulty sleeping. Nasal spray decongestants can cause congestion to worsen if you take them for longer than three days.
Antihistamines
Antihistamines are chemicals that can help to relieve itchiness of the nose, throat and eyes; eyes that water; and frequent sneezing that are common with a cold. Most often, antihistamines leave you feeling sleepy and drowsy, says the MPCC, so be careful when driving or doing other activities that require you to be alert. In children, antihistamines may cause the opposite effect and make them more excitable. Seniors are likely to experience dizziness.
Expectorants and Antitussive Ingredients
Expectorants are drugs that help you to cough up mucus by breaking it up in the chest. Then you can cough it up and get it out of your system. Side effects are rare and minor, but expectorants can lead to loose stools (diarrhea), frequent headaches, feeling sick to your stomach or feeling sleepy, says the MPCC.
Anti-tussive ingredients are cough suppressants; they help to suppress the cough reflex to give you a little relief. According to the MPCC, cough suppressants can lead to feelings of nausea or dizziness, constipation and sleepiness.
Analgesics
These pain-relieving medications can ease the aches and pains of the common cold, including headaches. Some analgesics may lead to stomachache or nausea but otherwise cause very few side effects. The MPCC says it's important not to take more than the amount recommended per day--3.2 grams daily for an adult--to prevent liver problems. Always read the labels to find out how much is in the medication you're taking, and stay within the limit.
