What Do You Take for Colds?

Hello everyone,

Hope all is well. Reaching out because I'm curious what other members take for medications when it comes to being congested or having a cold? I've noticed ever since getting my mechanical valve and PM there seems to be a list of meds I can't take (because they interact with my existing meds I would assume?). 
 

I figured someone on here must have the secrets to battling a cold!

Right now I'm on Warfarin, Metoprolol and Amlodipine Besylate.

My doctors said I can take Tylenol for pain reliever and melotonin for sleep, but to avoid anything with Advil or Sudaphedrine in it (no Sudaphed, NyQuil, Mucinx etc). I was even told to avoid Afrin nasal spray and instead try Flonase?

It seems like just about every OTC med has a warning about "don't take if you have heart issues" -- which confuses me. Is it just a weighing of the pros and cons or are there meds out there that are safe and shouldn't mess with the heart?

PS -- yes, I'm battling COVID. Just as I was starting to get my appts lined up for my vestibular therapy, I have to pause as I started feeling fever-ish. Oddly enough, the day I was supposed to get my booster shot was the day I tested positive. Luckily I've managed to keep the fever at bay, but I'm battling some intense congestion and can barely breathe or sleep. I tried Afrin because I thought, "it's a nose spray why would that matter" and then while reaching out to my doctor she basically said STOP THAT NOW (it worked great the one time I took it, but it also gave me insomnia). I'm typing this at 1am because I can't seem to sleep and am very tired and sick of feeling sick. Hopefully the worst is over and I can get back to "normal" soon.

Take care and Happy New Years!

Jer

 


9 Comments

Steam inhalation

by cardifflass - 2021-12-31 05:46:34

Try a few drops of eucalyptus oil in boiing water and inhale it.  Or use in an oil burner.

Try sleeping more upright.

This will pass but I feel your pain.

x

Common cold meds.

by Selwyn - 2021-12-31 06:50:51

Yes steam inhalations help for a short while.

Xylometazoline nasal spray is my personal choice ( only use for a few days).

Avoid oral medication (perhaps with the exception of paracetamol/acetaminophen).   Do not use ephedrine nasal spray/drops as I have seen a cot death from these in a baby with congenital heart disease.

Your pharmacist is able to advise.

Hydration hydration hydration !

by Gemita - 2021-12-31 08:09:34

Jer, Lots of warming lemon and honey drinks to soothe your throat and to keep you well hydrated.  Good nutrition with lots of vits and minerals.  Gentle exercise in the fresh air.

Unless I have a temperature, I try to avoid OTC meds, because they seems to prolong my cold symptoms by suppressing them rather than treating them.  I hope your Covid symptoms ease quickly.  What bad luck

Hypertonic saline nasal spray is also good and safe

by crustyg - 2021-12-31 08:16:28

You can buy aerosol cans of 'purified seawater' for nasal decongestion which works very well and is safe.  It's worth leaving it there for a minute and then clearing your nose in your usual way.

No drugs, no rebound (a big problem with any of the vaso-constrictor nasal sprays) and immediate relief.  And, if you like the sea, you can actually taste/smell the seawater/strong saline at the back of your throat.

Cold remedies

by AgentX86 - 2021-12-31 14:26:04

Any wive's tails are as good as any other. Steam helps clean out the sinuses, as does saline solution.  The nasal car wash, Navage should work very well but it sounds kinda gross to me.

Anything but remedies that have pseudoephedrine in them.  They'll usually have a "-D" in the name.  This stuff is really bad for those of us with heart problems. 

Thank You All!

by MinimeJer05 - 2021-12-31 18:03:20

Thank you all! My wife just picked me up some honey and lemon for some hot teas. She also got some nasal irrigation kit that's supposed to work well, plus a Flonase spray. 
 

Lucky for my wife, she's tested negative and able to keep good distance from me. I'm quarantined to the bedroom, my office and a bathroom, while she takes the rest of the house. Hopefully these symptoms die down and I can be back to good health soon. 
 

Happy Holidays all!

Jer

Cold remedies

by Julros - 2021-12-31 18:11:55

I find that most over the counter remedies do little, other than make me feel worse and poorer. I have had some sucess with nasal irrigation. I use flonase in the spring for seasonal allergies, but it can take several days to take effect. Plain dextromethorphan (Robitussin) or guafenisin (Mucinex) are generally safe, but I find they have no effect and make my tongue sore. 

One of the few things I find effective is a hot toddy: bourbon, hot water, lemon and honey. It sooths the throat and aids iwth sleep. I don't mean to offend anyone who avoids alcohol. 

 

Hot Toddy

by AgentX86 - 2021-12-31 21:36:54

Enough and you don't care.  ;-)

You're not going to cure the cold but whatever makes you feel better that won't harm, obviously, is goodness. Sleep is the most important, which is where stuff like NyQuil or Benadryl are good.  These make many drowsy, though like all drugs have their side-effects, some serious.

Cold remedies

by 21Aquarius21 - 2022-01-27 01:40:49

I use Mucinex but take about 1/2 a pill, I also use a Neti pot.  Make sure you use distilled water.

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