Tables

Table 1: Treatment for Influenza
ANTIVIRAL MEDICATIONS
PURPOSE
COMMENTS
 
Influenza A
Influenza B
  
  Treats
Prevents
Treats
Prevents
  

Oseltamivir Tamiflu®
X

X

X

X

Treats and prevents for those one year and older. May be effective in reducing secondary complications. Comes in pill and liquid form. May cause mild stomach problems. Effective if given within 48 hours of symptom onset with fever.

Zanamivir Relenza®

X

X

X

X

 Treats those seven years and older. Prevents for those 5 years and older. May precipitate chest tightness and wheezing in people with asthma. Effective if given within 48 hours of symptom onset with fever.

Table 2: Symptom Relief for Colds and the Flu
Note: All of the medications in this table are availabe over-the-counter, except when noted.

MEDICATIONS1

SYMPTOMS        

COMMENTS

  Fever

Aches
& Pains

 Conges-tion Sinus
Press-ure		 Runny
Nose		 Watery
Eyes		 Cough Sore
Throat
Analgesics                
Acetaminophen                 Some studies suggest acetaminophen worsens asthma. Over the counter medications may be available under "other" brand names.
  Tylenol®

X

X

  

X

      

X

  Children's Tylenol®

X

X

  

X

      

X

Aspirin                  Aspirin should not be used in children with flu or cold symptoms because it has been associated with the development of Reye Syndrome and may cause GI distress by users.
  Ascription®

X

X

  

X

      

X

  Bayer®

X

X

  

X

      

X

  Anacin®

X

X

  

X

      

X

Ibuprofen                 Some studies suggest ibuprofen may worsen asthma. See your health care provider before taking it. Over the counter medications may be available under "other" brand names.
  Motrin IB®

X

X

  

X

      

X

  Advil®

X

X

  

X

      

X

  Children's Motrin®

X

X

  

X

      

X

  Children's Advil®

X

X

  

X

      

X

Decongestants                 Oral dosage.
Psuedoephedrine
  Sudafed®		    

X

X 

        
Naphazoline
  Privine®		    

X

X

         Nose Drops/Nasal Sprays: Nasal sprays should never be used for more than three days. The body gets used to the effects of nasal sprays quickly. As a result, they become less effective with repeat use.  They may also be available in pill form.
Oxymetazoline
  Afrin®		    

X

X

        
Phenylephrine
  Neo-Synephrine®		    

X

X

        
Antihistamines                 Some antihistamines may be effective as cough suppressants. With the exception of Claritin®, the antihistamines listed in this table may cause drowsiness. This side effect may be beneficial in cold and flu sufferers who are irritable and have trouble sleeping.
Brompheniramine
  Dimetapp®		      

X

X 

X 

X 

  
Chlorpheniramine
  Chlor-Trimeton®		      

X

X 

X 

X 

  
Clemastine
  Tavist-1®		      

X

X

X 

X 

  
Diphenhydramine
  Benadryl®		      

X

X

X 

X

  
Loratadine
  Claritin®		      

X

X

X 

    
Cough Suppressant                  Dextromethorphan is the most widely used non-prescription cough suppressant and may be useful in relieving cough. Recently products with Dextromethorphan have been abused by adolescents.
Dextromethorphan
  Pertussin DM® 		            

X

  
Expectorants                 Guaifenesin is an ingredient in many multi-symptom cough and cold medications. There is little evidence of its usefulness.
Guaifenesin
  Robitussin®		            

X

  
Local Anesthetics                 These medications are available as throat sprays and lozenges. In either form, these anesthetics provide short-term relief. Lozenges can pose a risk of choking and therefore should not be used by young children.
Benzocaine
  Cepacol®		              

X

Dyclonine
  Sucrets®		              

X

Phenol
  Cepastat®		              

X

Multi-Symptom Products                  
Acetaminophen/
Pseudoephedrine/
Dextromethorphan 

 

 

 

 

         Non-drowsy.
  Tylenol® Cold Non-Drowsy

X

X

X

X

    

X

X

  Maximum Strength Tylenol® Flu

X

X

X 

X 

    

X

X 

Acetaminophen/
Pseudoephedrine/
Chlorpheniramine
  TheraFlu®

X

X

X

X

X

X

X

X

 Can cause drowsiness and should not be taken before driving or operating machinery.
Acetaminophen/
Pseudoephedrine/
Dextromethorphan/
Doxylamine
  NyQuil®

X

X

X

X

X

X 

X

X

 Can cause drowsiness and should not be taken before driving or operating machinery.
Acetaminophen/Caffeine
  Aspirin-Free Excedrin®

X

X 

  

X

      

X

 Caffeine may not be tolerated by some people and may cause dehydration.
Ibuprofen/Pseudoephedrine
  Advil® Cold and Sinus

X

X

X

X 

      

X

 Non-drowsy.
Fexofenadine/
Pseudoephedrine
  Allegra-D®		    

X

X 

X 

X 

     Allegra-D is available by prescription only.
Loratadine/Pseudoephedrine
  Claritin-D®		    

X

X 

X 

X 

     Claritin-D is available over the counter.