How to choose a cold remedy.(Up front: news / trends / advice)

Although conventional drugs can't shorten the course of a cold, they can relieve its symptoms. To simplify your choice of over-the-counter products, consider only targeted, single-ingredient remedies; multisymptom "shotgun" products generally cost more and pose unnecessary risks of side effects from ingredients you may not need. To narrow your search, follow the recommendations below We've listed a few widely sold brand-name, single-ingredient medicines. Most of the ingredients are also available in generic or store-brand products, Be sure to check labels for side effects and drug interactions.

If OTC drugs don't help, ask your doctor about ipratropium bromide (Atrovent), a new type of prescription nasal spray for runny nose from the common cold. It works by blocking a brain chemical that stimulates secretions in the nose. For more on cold comforts, see our report on echinacea, page 30.

 
Symptoms; treatment & ingredients Guide to choosing 
 
NASAL CONGESTION 
 
Drops, sprays: Oxymetazoline        Sprays and drops are generally 
(Afrin 12-Hour, Neo-Synephrine      safer, faster, more effective than 
12-Hour, Vicks Sinex 12-Hour);      pills. But don't use for more than 
Phenylephrine (4-Way Fast           2 or 3 days, to avoid "rebound" 
Acting, Neo-Synephrine 4-Hour,      congestion. 
Rhinall); Xylometazoline 
(Natru-Vent, Otrivin) 
 
Pills: Pseudoephedrine (Simply      Short-acting (4-6 hour) pills are 
Stuffy, Sudafed Non-Drowsy          less likely to cause side effects. 
Maximum ...