In general, whether you take medicines or not for your cold, you'll get better in about a week. Rest and liquids are probably the best treatment for a cold. Antibiotics will not help. However, medications help relieve some cold symptoms, such as nasal congestion and cough.

Allergy symptoms, especially runny nose, often respond to antihistamines. Antihistamines are also found in many cold medications, often together with a decongestant. However, the value of antihistamines in treating cold symptoms is under debate.Decongestants make breathing easier by shrinking swollen mucous membranes in the nose, allowing air to pass through. They also help relieve runny nose and post-nasal drip, which can cause a sore throat.Decongestants can be taken orally or used as nose drops or sprays. Oral decongestants (pills) are probably more effective and provide longer relie£ but they cause more side effects. Sprays and drops provide rapid but temporary relief Decongestant Precautions. Do not give cold medicines or oral decongestants to infants under 6 months of age. Nonprescription cold medicines have not been proven effective for preschool children.

Do not use medicated nasal sprays or drops more than 3 times a day or for more than 3 days in a row. Continued use will cause a "rebound effect": your mucous membranes swell up more than before you used the spray.
Drink extra fluids when taking cold medications. Decongestants can cause problems for people who have certain health problems, such as heart disease, high blood pressure, glaucoma, diabetes, or an overactive thyroid. Decongestants may also interact with some drugs, such as certain antidepressants and high blood pressure medications. Read the package carefully or ask your pharmacist or doctor to help you choose one.

Cough Preparations Coughing is your body's way of getting foreign substances and mucus out of your respiratory tract. Coughs are often useful, and you shouldn't try to eliminate them. Sometimes, though, coughs are severe enough to impair breathing or prevent rest.
Water and other liquids, such as fruit juices, are probably the best cough syrups. They help soothe the throat and also moisten and thin mucus so it can be coughed up more easily.
You can make a simple and soothing cough syrup at home by mixing 1 part lemon juice with 2 parts honey. Use as often as needed. This can be given to children older than 1 year of age.

There are two kinds of cough medicines: expectorants and suppressants.
Expectorants help thin mucus and make it easier to cough mucus up when you have a productive cough. Suppressants control or suppress the cough reflex and work best for a dry, hacking cough that keeps you awake. Cough Preparation Precautions, Cough preparations can cause problems for people with certain health problems, such as asthma, heart disease or high blood pressure. Cough preparations may also interact with some drugs, such as sedatives and certain antidepressants. Read the package carefully or ask your pharmacist or doctor to help you choose one.

Cough suppressants can stifle breathing. Use them with caution if you give them to someone who is very old or frail or if you have chronic respiratory problems.