First, it’s usually best to take one medication for a particular symptom, rather than an all-in-one cold remedy. Combination drugs may have unnecessary ingredients and side effects.

Second, generic medicines have the same ingredients as brand-name drugs, so save some money and buy no-name cold medicines!

Also, if any of the cold medications you are taking contain aspirin, acetaminophen (the active ingredient in Tylenol), or aspirin, then decrease the amount of these drugs you are taking in addition to the cold medicine.

Finally, and most importantly, follow instructions! Read labels and take note of any side effects, contraindications, or drug interactions. Talk with your pharmacist about any concerns or questions you have.

Supplements
Clinical research findings have not unequivocally supported that dietary supplements (i.e., vitamins and minerals) effectively relieve cold symptoms. The following supplements may help you a bit, and seem to be most effective if taken at the first sign of a cold and only while symptoms are present.

• Zinc – The suggested dose is a 13.3 mg zinc lozenge every 2 hours. Some side effects include nausea and an unpleasant taste.
  
  
• Vitamin C – Take 1000 mg/day for only seven days. Possible side effects associated with an increased dose include stomach irritation and painful urination. Make sure to drink extra fluids along with this higher dose (which, of course, you’ll already be doing to help relieve cold symptoms in the first place).
  
  
• Echinacea – There is not a standardized, recommended dose for this herb, so follow the manufacturer’s instructions. People with autoimmune diseases (e.g., MS, AIDS, TB, leukemia, rheumatoid arthritis, lupus) should not use Echinacea.