Take care with cough and cold remedies

As winter approaches the number of people suffering from coughs and colds increases. In most cases there is no need to visit the doctor unless symptoms are severe or prolonged. Instead sufferers can buy over the counter medicines to treat symptoms, such as a blocked or runny nose, or an irritating cough.

Cough and cold remedies do not offer a cure but they can make you more comfortable until the symptoms go away. Antibiotics are never any use for a cold.

The most important thing when choosing a cough or cold medicine is to make sure that it is not going to interfere with any other medicines you take. A large number of remedies contain paracetamol, ibuprofen or aspirin which people may already be taking as a pain killer. There have been tragic cases where people have accidentally overdosed in this way.

It is always best to consult your local pharmacist before buying an over the counter medicine, to check that it is safe to take. For instance someone with a stomach ulcer should not take aspirin or ibuprofen. The pharmacist will also know if two or more medicines are safe to take together and what any side effects are likely to be. Always tell your pharmacist about any medicines you take before buying anything. If you are buying it for someone else please also say if the medicine is for a child or someone who is pregnant.

Your pharmacist may not be able to cure your cold but he can help stop you making it any worse!

Northumberland LPC

Brad Cheek 1998