What are some of the main medical treatments for the common cold?

    Researchedby:
    Nick Milazzo

    Fact-checked

    by:

    Mike Murray, James Gaylor
    Last Updated: October 25, 2023

    There are no cures for the common cold; treatments are focused on managing symptoms until the cold ultimately resolves on its own. For this purpose, people may use:

    • Anti-inflammatory medications such as non-steroidal anti-inflammatory medications (NSAIDs) or acetaminophen.[1][2]
    • Decongestants such as ephedrine and pseudoephedrine.[3]

    References

    1. ^Kim SY, Chang YJ, Cho HM, Hwang YW, Moon YSNon-steroidal anti-inflammatory drugs for the common cold.Cochrane Database Syst Rev.(2015-Sep-21)
    2. ^Eccles REfficacy and safety of over-the-counter analgesics in the treatment of common cold and flu.J Clin Pharm Ther.(2006-Aug)
    3. ^Deckx L, De Sutter AI, Guo L, Mir NA, van Driel MLNasal decongestants in monotherapy for the common cold.Cochrane Database Syst Rev.(2016-Oct-17)