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The common cold, flu, and allergies are different health conditions, but they also share a lot of the same symptoms. These symptoms can include nasal congestion, runny nose, sneezing, fever, headache, body aches, sore throat, cough, and chest congestion.
The common cold is often associated with several symptoms occurring at the same time. Multi-symptom cold medicines, also known as cough and cold combination products, are medicines that are used to treat multiple symptoms that can accompany a cold or flu. Be sure to review the general tips for the safe use of multi-symptom cold medicines.
Below is additional information regarding multi-symptom cold medicines that also contain an ingredient for stuffy nose.
Stuffy nose: Some multi-symptom cold medicines contain nasal decongestant active ingredients that shrink swollen membranes in the nose to make breathing easier.
OTC medicines that contain the active ingredient pseudoephedrine are located behind the retail sales counter.
*Not all products sold under a brand contain the same ingredients. Please read the OTC Drug Facts label carefully for active ingredient information for specific products.
For general tips on the safe use of OTC nasal decongestants, click here. Like most OTC medicines, however, there are some additional considerations when it comes to treating kids.
- Do not give a nasal decongestant medicine to a child that is only intended to be used by an adult.
- Do not use any oral nasal decongestant medicines on children under the age of four.
- Some topical nasal decongestants may be used on children under the age of four; however, dosage strengths may vary. Read the Drug Facts label carefully and contact a doctor as directed.
Keep all medicines out of the reach and sight of children.
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