The best cold pills for adults
We are used to the fact that nasal sprays or drops help to relieve congestion and runny nose. However, these are drugs that only relieve symptoms. For treatment, you need cold pills for adults, but how to choose a really effective drug?

A runny nose, although it is not considered a serious condition, is extremely unpleasant. Nasal congestion, persistent discharge of watery or thick mucus, crusting in the nose, and reduced sense of smell1 – extremely uncomfortable sensations. The runny nose itself is not a disease, but only a symptom of various pathologies: colds, allergies, inflammatory processes in the paranasal sinuses2.

Sometimes nasal congestion and runny nose can be signs of special conditions, such as pregnancy, hormonal imbalances, or vascular disorders. Therefore, choosing drugs to effectively eliminate symptoms is not easy.

It is generally accepted that drugs for the common cold are available only in the form of nasal sprays or drops. However, these drugs, although popular, have a predominantly symptomatic effect (that is, temporarily suppress the production of mucus and reduce congestion)3. Therefore, today they produce other forms – tablets for the common cold for adults. In childhood, these drugs are also used, but somewhat less frequently, strictly according to the doctor’s prescription.

Tablets fight not only with the common cold, but also with other manifestations of the disease. These drugs are especially useful for prolonged rhinitis of infectious or allergic origin.1.

Rating of the top 10 tablets for the common cold according to KP

Considering the fact that cold pills have a more active effect on the body than drops and sprays, you need to select medicines together with your doctor. The specialist will determine the specific tablets that the patient will need, their dosage and the duration of the course of treatment.

1. Rinza

The drug is available in the form of tablets and powders for the preparation of a solution (Rinzasip). The medicine is dispensed in pharmacies without a prescription, there are forms for adults and for children from 6 years old. Belongs to the category of anti-cold drugs of combined action. Active ingredients in the composition:

  • paracetamol – has antipyretic and analgesic effect;
  • chlorphenamine – has an antihistamine, mild sedative effect;
  • caffeine – enhances the effect of other components, has a slight stimulating effect;
  • phenylephrine – a vasoconstrictor component, has a decongestant effect.

The main indication for taking the drug:

  • ARVI, influenza with nasal congestion, runny nose.

The drug has a combined effect that occurs within an hour after ingestion.

Tablets are contraindicated during pregnancy and lactation, in children under 15 years of age, with severe atherosclerosis, severe hypertension, against the background of severe diabetes, allergies to the components of the drug.

Important! The drug has a sedative effect, it is forbidden to take it while driving a car and during activities associated with extreme concentration. Incompatible with alcohol, people with liver pathologies should be used with extreme caution.

Side effects are rare, among the key ones are dry mouth, drowsiness, increased pressure, increased heart rate.

Advantages and disadvantages

complex action, fast effect.
many contraindications, during treatment you can not drive a car.
show more

2. Colact

It is produced in the form of Flu Plus (long-acting) and in the form of Coldact with vitamin C. It is released from pharmacies without a doctor’s prescription, it refers to combined preparations. The main active ingredients of the drug are paracetamol in combination with chlorphenamine and phenylephrine. The composition of the second form additionally contains ascorbic acid.

It has an antipyretic, analgesic effect, reduces runny nose and nasal congestion, moderately suppresses acute inflammation of the mucous membranes.

The main indication for taking tablets:

  • SARS, colds and flu with runny nose, fever, general malaise.

Contraindicated in case of allergy to any component of the drug, during pregnancy, against the background of breastfeeding, in children under 12 years of age. You can not take medicine for severe diabetes mellitus, severe atherosclerosis, hypertension, gastric ulcer and duodenal ulcer, hyperthyroidism, glaucoma.

Important! The drug has a sedative effect, is incompatible with alcohol, is prohibited when driving a car and works that require utmost attention. Caution should be taken by people on a diet, with liver disease.

Advantages and disadvantages

helps to reduce runny nose and nasal congestion, the therapeutic effect comes quickly, the capsules have a prolonged action.
can cause drowsiness, reduces attention and concentration.
show more

3. Cetrin

The drug is available in tablets, sold in pharmacies without a doctor’s prescription. The main active ingredient is cetirizine, an antihistamine drug that suppresses the effects of allergies in the form of a profuse watery runny nose, nasal congestion, burning of mucous membranes, and sneezing.

Indications for admission:

  • allergic rhinitis (both year-round and seasonal – hay fever);
  • for the complex treatment of colds and flu with severe nasal congestion.

Prohibited for admission in children under 6 years of age, during pregnancy and lactation, with allergies to the components of the drug.

Side effects include dry mouth, mild drowsiness, flatulence, and abdominal pain.

The drug is incompatible with alcohol, prohibited when driving.

Advantages and disadvantages

suitable for children over 6 years old, effective for various types of allergic rhinitis.
may cause drowsiness.
show more

4. Sinupret

Available in the form of tablets and drops, dispensed from pharmacies without a prescription. Belongs to the category of herbal combined preparations, the main active ingredients are gentian roots, verbena grass, elder flowers, primrose, sorrel grass. Due to the composition, it has an anti-inflammatory effect, stimulates the liquefaction and active removal of mucus from the sinuses and nasal cavity, reduces mucosal edema, and restores nasal breathing.

Shown:

  • with combined therapy of chronic rhinitis caused by congestive and inflammatory phenomena in the paranasal sinuses;
  • enhances the action of antibiotics.

Contraindicated in case of allergy to herbs from the composition, children under 6 years of age (tablet form), prescribed with caution to pregnant and lactating women.

Among the side effects, allergies, itching and skin rashes, nausea, and abdominal pain are possible. Does not affect the management of transport, it is not recommended to combine with alcohol.

Advantages and disadvantages

herbal preparation, minimum contraindications.
a day you need to take a large number of tablets – from 3 to 6.
show more

5. Isoprinosine

The drug is available in the form of tablets, dispensed by prescription. The main substance – inosine pranobex, has an immunostimulating and antiviral effect.

Shown:

  • in the treatment of viral infections, especially prone to protracted course;
  • used in the complex treatment of sinusitis, sinusitis, viral rhinitis.

Contraindicated in pregnant and lactating women, children weighing up to 15 kg, with severe kidney disease, gout and urolithiasis, arrhythmias.

Among the side effects are allergies, mild digestive disorders, headache, drowsiness.

Advantages and disadvantages

a wide range of indications, acts on the cause of the common cold – a viral infection.
a large list of contraindications, a large daily dose – 6-8 tablets for adults.

6. Caffetine

The composition of the tablets includes: dextromethorphan, paracetamol, pseudoephedrine and ascorbic acid. Caffetin constricts the vessels of the mucous membrane of the nasopharynx, relieves swelling, and facilitates breathing. In addition, the drug has analgesic, antipyretic and antitussive effects.4.

Caffetin is prescribed for the treatment of:

  • colds and flu, in particular in the presence of a runny nose;
  • nasal congestion and paranasal sinuses.

The drug is contraindicated in arterial hypertension, angina pectoris and coronary heart disease, impaired liver and kidney function, hepatitis. Do not take Caffetin during pregnancy, breastfeeding and children under 12 years of age.

The main side effects can occur from the gastrointestinal tract in the form of pain in the stomach, nausea and vomiting.

Advantages and disadvantages

complex action – anesthetizes, reduces temperature, reduces runny nose.
you need to take 4 to 8 tablets per day.

7. Tonsilotren

Tonsilotren is a homeopathic medicine available in lozenges. This is a complex drug with several active ingredients. Tonsilotren is used in the treatment of:

  • various types of angina (catarrhal, lacunar, follicular),
  • chronic tonsillitis,
  • after removal of the tonsils for faster healing of the mucous membrane. 

There are few contraindications for the drug: individual intolerance to the components of the drug, intolerance to lactase, fructose, and children under three years of age. Carefully it is worth taking the drug for diabetes and hyperthyroidism. If you are pregnant or breastfeeding, consult your doctor before use.

As adverse reactions, an allergic reaction and salivation may occur.

Advantages and disadvantages

many herbal ingredients, the drug is usually well tolerated.
inconvenient way of taking – 1 tablet every hour (up to 12 tablets per day), can cause an allergic reaction.
show more

8. Cinnabsin

Cinnabsin is also a homeopathic remedy with anti-inflammatory and immunostimulating effects. The drug reduces swelling of the nasal mucosa and paranasal sinuses, greatly facilitates nasal breathing. Virtually no contraindications. You can not take Cinnabsin with hypersensitivity to the components of the drug and children under three years of age.

Cinnabsin is prescribed in the complex therapy of inflammatory processes in the paranasal sinuses: sinusitis, frontal sinusitis, etc.

When using the drug, side effects may occur in the form of an allergic or skin reaction, increased salivation.

Advantages and disadvantages

herbal ingredients in the composition, the minimum number of contraindications.
high price in the segment, tablets need to be taken every hour (up to 12 pieces per day).
show more

9. Rhinital

The last two drugs belong to the group of antiallergic drugs and do an excellent job with allergic rhinitis. The first of them is Rinital. This is a homeopathic anti-allergic remedy, which is available in the form of lozenges. The drug eliminates the symptoms of allergic reactions, including nasal congestion and runny nose. Rinital is prescribed for:

  • allergic rhinitis caused by plant pollen;
  • perennial allergic rhinitis.

The drug has no contraindications except for hypersensitivity to the components of Rhinital. It can be used by children from 6 years of age. Of the side effects: an allergic reaction to the components of the drug may occur.

Advantages and disadvantages

well tolerated, practically has no contraindications.
high price, not too comfortable regimen – 1 tablet every hour.
show more

10. Espa-bastin

Ebastine is a long-acting anti-allergic drug. After taking one tablet, the effect occurs in an hour and lasts for two days. After 5 days of taking the duration of the effect increases to 72 hours. The drug is produced in the form of tablets and is prescribed for allergic reactions:

  • allergic rhinitis of various etiologies;
  • hives.

The drug is contraindicated in patients with severe hepatic impairment. Do not prescribe Espa-Bastin to pregnant and lactating mothers, children under 12 years of age and with individual intolerance to the components of the drug.

The drug can cause drowsiness and headache, dryness of the oral mucosa, sometimes dyspepsia and diarrhea.

Advantages and disadvantages

efficiency, ease of use – 1 tablet per day.
may cause drowsiness and dry mouth, not sold in all pharmacies.
show more

How to choose cold pills for adults

The choice of the best tablets for the common cold in adults depends on the effects that are expected when taking the drugs. All drugs are aimed at suppressing nasal congestion and eliminating nasal discharge, which can be triggered by infections, allergies, or vascular reactions.

With viral infections, a runny nose is caused by the influence of pathogens on the mucous membrane, the development of acute inflammation with edema and mucus secretion. In this case, drugs with an antiviral, immunostimulating and decongestant component are needed. This is necessary to suppress the infection and eliminate symptoms.

With allergies, the basis of the common cold is inflammation when the allergen comes into contact with the mucous membranes. Tablets are needed that suppress the release of histamine and the development of vascular reactions. These remedies eliminate swelling and copious discharge from the nose, reduce sneezing and itching in the nose.

With a runny nose, which is complicated by a bacterial infection (for example, acute and chronic sinusitis), antibacterial components are needed. In this case, the doctor may recommend antibiotic treatment in combination with cold tablets.

Popular questions and answers

How to treat a runny nose and other popular questions answers doctor-therapist of the highest category Mikhail Lystsov.

Why can there be a runny nose?

– Runny nose (medical name – rhinorrhea) – a protective reaction of the body to irritation of the nasal mucosa. There can be many reasons: from exposure to cold, dust, chemicals, various allergens, to reactions to pathogens and viruses. The most common cause is a cold or flu and allergens. A runny nose can also occur with vasomotor rhinitis, with polyps, the presence of a foreign body in the nasal cavity. Therefore, it is important to establish the cause of the common cold before the use of certain drugs. The effectiveness and duration of treatment depends on this.

What to do if you have a runny nose?

As a rule, in most cases, a runny nose goes away on its own. It is enough to eliminate the irritating factor, periodically rinse the nasal cavity with saline. Perhaps short-term use of vasoconstrictors or antiallergic drugs for seasonal allergies.

If a runny nose does not go away for more than a week, nasal discharge becomes yellow-greenish in color, an unpleasant odor, blood impurities appear, fever and general malaise appear, you should consult a doctor. Also, the reason for contacting the doctor is the lack of effect from the drugs you are used to, for example, with seasonal allergies.

When should you call an ambulance?

– The reason for calling an ambulance with a runny nose is the appearance of critical conditions against its background: a sharp and significant increase in body temperature, severe breathing difficulty, the appearance of nosebleeds, conditions after a nose and head injury, severe malaise, fever and other signs of general intoxication of the body. In these cases, do not self-medicate, consult a doctor.

Can I treat myself?

– With mild forms of a runny nose (especially if this is your usual reaction of the body), you can cope with it yourself. It is enough to eliminate the irritating factor, take plenty of fluids, rinse the nasal cavity with saline and humidify the air in the room. In this case, folk remedies and the usual drugs for you will help well.

How long does a runny nose last?

– Mild forms of the common cold, as a rule, pass without a trace for a maximum of a week and do not require special treatment. With a “normal” state of immunity, you can get rid of it in 3-4 days. If a runny nose bothers you for more than 10 days and is not treatable, this is a reason to see a doctor.

How to narrow the vessels in the nose without pills and drops?

– If there are no vasoconstrictors at hand, or you are against the use of drugs, you can get rid of a mild form of a runny nose with simple manipulations: washing the nasal cavity with 2% warm saline solution, warming the legs in warm water, applying mustard plasters on the feet at night, inhaling essential oils (menthol , eucalyptus). It will help to instill aloe or Kalanchoe juice into the nose and massage the bridge of the nose, nose and frontal sinuses. However, these remedies are good only for a mild form of the common cold and the absence of complications.

Sources of:

  1. Approaches to the treatment of acute rhinitis. Kryukov A.I., Kunelskaya N.L., Izotova G.N., Gurov A.V., Yushkina M.A. Medical Council, 2016. https://cyberleninka.ru/article/n/podhody-k-terapii-ostrogo-rinita
  2. “The use of antihistamines of the second generation in the complex therapy of ENT pathology.” Kryukov A.I., Kunelskaya N.L., Tsarapkin G.Yu., Izotova G.N., Arzamazov S.G. Medical Council, 2015. https://cyberleninka.ru/article/n/primenenie-antigistaminnyh-preparatov-ii-pokoleniya-v-kompleksnoy-terapii-lor-patologii/viewer
  3. Prevention, diagnosis and treatment of rhinitis. R.A. Abyzov, NV Bozhko. https://www.mediasphera.ru/issues/rossijskaya-rinologiya/2020/4/1086954742020041222
  4. Register of medicines of Russia. https://www.rlsnet.ru/

Leave a Reply