What are the main ingredients in cold and flu remedies?
There are several, including: • Pseudoephedrine, phenylephrine and ephedrine, systemic decongestants that work by narrowing blood vessels in the lining of the nose. This reduces how much blood flows through the area so that swollen tissue inside the nose shrinks and air can pass through more easily. Decongestants can help relieve a blocked-up nose caused by a cold, flu, sinusitis or allergies. • Chlorphenamine, triprolidine, diphenhydramine, promethazine and doxylamine are antihistamines included in cold remedies for their drying and often sedative effect (avoid if you have glaucoma). • Xylometazoline and oxymetazoline are decongestants used in nasal sprays or drops. • Guaifenesin is an expectorant for chesty coughs. Patients with dry coughs may take dextromethorphan and/or pholcodine instead. • Caffeine is also used in some cold and flu remedies for its mild stimulant effect. • Menthol, eucalyptus and camphor are just three of the volatile substances found in vapour drops and rubs. Th
