OTC drugs: Running nose

CHLOR-TRIMETON

If sniffling and a drippy nose are driving you nuts, an antihistamine such as Chlor-Trimeton (generic chlorpheniramine) should help. Another old reliable isBenadryl Allergy (generic diphenhydramine). But you might want to consider just stocking up on tissues and toughing it out for a few days. The side effects of those older antihistamines include drowsiness, dry eyes and mouth, and fluid retention, and might not be worth the bother. (Newer antihistamines such as Claritin andZyrtec help with allergies but are of less help for a cold.)

 

Alka-Seltzer Plus Cough & Cold also contains an antihistamine, so it might help control your runny nose. In addition, it has a pain reliever, which you may not need, as well as a cough suppressant and a decongestant that don’t tend to work well. In general, multi-symptom cold remedies are overkill, so our medical experts don’t recommend them. One big reason is that you subject yourself to possible side effects from drugs you don’t need. It’s smarter to take individual medications that target only your particular symptoms.