What are the cold and cough remedies?

Cough and cold medicines are used to alleviate the symptoms associated with cold. However, they often come with side effects and must not be used for children who are less than 2 years old.
Here are the most common cough and cold medicines that doctors prescribe:
Multisymptom Cold Remedies: These medicines are used for different symptoms associated with cold: such as, congestion of the nasal passages, coughing, ache and soreness of the muscles, headache and fever. However, these medicines must be used only if the person is suffering from all the symptoms that these medicines cure. In addition, the person must be careful that he or she is not taking an overdose of the medicine. Cough Syrups: These syrups reduce coughing. Coughing is not a very annoying symptom; however, sometimes constant coughing can make sleeping and other activities difficult. These syrups should never be used during an asthma attack and during pneumonia. They also may cause sleepiness. Dextromethorphan, codeine and hydrocone are the most used cough syrups. Decongestants: These medicines are usually taken orally. They prevent the noses from blocked. In this way, they can prevent allergies and infections that occur from congestion of the nasal passages. Phenylephrine, phenylpropanolamine, oxymetazoline, phenylephrine and pseudoephedrine are the most widely used decongestants. Expectorants: These have guaifenesin – a substance that releases mucus and prevents the blockage of nose.