You've got a cold and feel lousy. Maybe you already tried some over-the-counter meds. Time for something stronger, you think. Can antibiotics do the trick? Here's the plain truth: Colds are caused by viruses, and no
antibiotic in the world can fight one. They only treat an infection that's brought on by another small living thing -- bacteria. It might not seem like you're doing any harm if you take a medicine even though it doesn't treat your cold, but it can. When people take
antibiotics when they don't have to, over time, the medicine becomes less effective. Someday you'll really need one because you've got an illness caused by a bacteria, but it won't work. The reason has to do with the bacteria themselves. They can be sneaky. When they come into contact over and over with antibiotics, they may change in order to survive. These new
strains are "resistant" to some types of antibiotics. If you get an infection with one of these bacteria, your doctor may need to try several types of drugs until they find one that works. You could get a lot sicker while you wait for the one that can treat you. Antibiotics also have side effects, some very serious. Minor problems include dizziness,
vomiting, yeast infections and diarrhea, More serious problems include allergic
reactions, difficulty breathing and damage to the colon as the result of infection growing in the body. When they're used the right way, antibiotics can save lives. For example, they can treat
bronchitis, pneumonia, strep throat,
ear infection, and pinkeye -- as long as they're caused by bacteria. Sometimes, you get infected with a bacteria after you've got a cold. Some signs of bacterial sinus infection are pain around your face and
eyes that may get worse when you bend over. You might also cough up thick, yellow or green mucus. These symptoms may also occur with a cold. But if they last for more than a week or are severe, you may have a
bacterial infection and need antibiotics. Only your doctor can prescribe antibiotics. Talk to them if you think you might need them. Here are three things to remember when you're thinking about taking antibiotics: Listen to your doctor.
They'll let you know if you're sick because of a virus or a bacteria and will prescribe antibiotics if you need them. Can Antibiotics Treat My Cold?
Why Taking Antibiotics for a Cold Can Be a Problem
When Antibiotics Can Help
Take Antibiotics Responsibly
Follow instructions carefully. Finish all the medicine your doctor asks you to take and stick to the schedule. If there are pills left when your treatment ends, don't save them "just in case" you might get sick later on.
Don't share medicine. Never give antibiotics to anyone else, and don't take someone else's drugs. They're not the same. When you need one, it's important that you take the right medicine for your condition.
A comprehensive list of drugs used to treat Common Cold are listed here. View list of drugs used to treat 'Common Cold'. Click below on the listed drug to know more and this includes the brand name(s), price of the drug, its dosage, side-effects, adverse events, how and when should it be taken.
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Generic and Trade Names of Drugs for Treatment of Common Cold
For the convenience of the medical practitioners we have listed both the generic name and the multiple brand names of the drugs for Common Cold.
Acrivastine
Acrivastine is an antiallergic drug used to treat hay fever causing sneezing and watery eyes, itchy red eye due to allergic conjunctivitis, hives, and eczema.
Trade Names :
Aspirin and Codeine
Aspirin and Codeine is an analgesic combination, prescribed for moderate to severe pain.
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Benzonatate
Benzonatate is a non-narcotic cough suppressant, prescribed for cough.
Trade Names :
Chlorpheniramine
Chlorpheniramine is an antihistamine, prescribed for allergic conditions such as itchy and watery eyes, sneezing, runny nose, hay fever and common cold.
Trade Names :
More...Chlorpheniramine- Hydrocodone- Pseudoephedrine
Chlorpheniramine- Hydrocodone- Pseudoephedrine contains an antihistamine, narcotic cough suppressant, and decongestant, prescribed for common cold and upper respiratory allergies.
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Codeine
Codeine is a narcotic analgesic, prescribed for pain and cough.
Trade Names :
More...Colistimethate Injection
Colistimethate Injection is a polymyxin antibiotic, prescribed for infections caused by bacteria.
Trade Names :
More...Guaifenesin
Guaifenesin is an expectorant, prescribed for chest congestion.
Trade Names :
More...Homatropine
Homatropine is an anticholinergic agent, prescribed for dry cough along with hydrocodone.
Trade Names :
More...Hydrocodone and Chlorpheniramine
Hydrocodone and Chlorpheniramine is a combination of antihistamine and narcotic cough suppressant, prescribed for relief of cough and respiratory symptoms due to allergy or cold.
Levodropropizine
Levodropropizine is an antitussive, prescribed for cough.
Trade Names :
Noscapine
Noscapine is an antitussive, prescribed for cough.
Trade Names :
More...Oxymetazoline
Oxymetazoline is a decongestant, used to relieve nasal and sinus congestion due to colds, allergies, and hay fever.
Trade Names :
More...Peramivir
Peramivir is prescribed for the treatment of acute uncomplicated influenza in patients 18 years of age and above who have had the symptoms for not more than 2 days.
Pseudoephedrine
Pseudoephedrine is a decongestant, prescribed for cold, allergic rhinitis and hay fever.
Trade Names :
More...Triprolidine
Triprolidine is an antihistamine, prescribed for hay fever or other allergies, such as runny nose, sneezing, itching of the nose and throat, and itchy, watery eyes either used alone or in combination of other medications.
Trade Names :
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