Is it worth drinking powders for colds?

Cold powders contain several components:

1. Paracetamolis a pain reliever and antipyretic .
2. Phenylephrineis a vasoconstrictor (decongestant) to relieve swelling of the nasal mucosa.
3. Pheniramineis an antiallergic and decongestant . Also, instead of pheniramine, other antihistamines can be added – loratadine or chlorphenamine .
4. Vitamins, flavonoids, minerals.Some cold powders may contain ascorbic acid, the antioxidant rutoside, and calcium gluconate.

The composition of the drugs may vary. All cold powders contain paracetamol and phenylephrine, but antiallergic drugs, vitamins and other active ingredients may not be present. The medicine may also contain an antiviral agent, such as rimantadine.

Do powders help cure colds?

Most often, a cold is called an acute respiratory viral infection (ARVI) – a harmless disease that in most cases goes away in 7-10 days without any treatment.

Powders for colds can provide short-term relief: eliminate nasal congestion, moderate headaches and reduce fever . At the same time, the product will not affect either the viruses that cause the disease or the immune system that fights invaders. The cough powder will not help either.

A 2022 Cochrane review noted that combination cold remedies have not been proven to be effective. After reviewing more than 30 studies, the authors concluded that the powders’ effects on individual symptoms were too small to be clinically significant. In other words, if you have a regular cold, the immune system will cope with the viruses, regardless of whether you drink something for a cold or not.

And you should not rely on ascorbic acid in the powder: it will not help strengthen the immune system. Even large doses of vitamin C (3 g per day) do not speed up recovery, and powders contain about 200 mg of this substance.

Can cold powders be harmful?

The same Cochrane review noted that side effects from powders may include:

• drowsiness;
• dry mouth;
• insomnia;
• dizziness;
• cardiopalmus;
• headache;
• anxiety;

However, they occur rarely and are mild. So if you take cold powders according to the instructions, they are unlikely to harm you.

What not to combine cold powders with?

There are several substances and medications that can cause side effects when taken together with powders:

1. Alcoholic drinks.With chronic excessive alcohol consumption, taking paracetamol and ethanol together can harm the liver .
2. Ketoconazoleis an antifungal drug. Taking ketoconazole and paracetamol together increases the load on the liver.
3. Immunosuppressantsteriflunomide and leflunomide. Taking these drugs together with paracetamol may increase the risk of liver damage.
4. Antidepressantsamitriptyline, clomipramine, imipramine – these drugs do not combine well with phenylephrine in the powder.
5. Ergotamineis an ergot alkaloid that increases uterine tone, constricts brain vessels and has a calming effect. In combination with felylephrine , it can increase blood pressure and limit blood flow to vital organs.
6. Furazolidoneis an antimicrobial and decongestant. When combined with phenylephrine, it may cause a dangerous increase in blood pressure.
7. Linezolidis an antibiotic for the treatment of infectious and inflammatory diseases. Taken together with phenylephrine may increase blood pressure.
8. Methylene blueis an antiseptic. Together with phenylephrine, it may increase blood pressure.
9. Potassium chloride and citrateare means for replenishing microelement deficiency. If you take supplements in tablet or capsule form, pheniramine powder may increase potassium irritation to the stomach and upper intestine.
10. Anticonvulsantstopiramate and zonisanide for the treatment of epilepsy. When combined with pheniramine, they may increase body temperature and decrease sweating, increasing the risk of overheating.

If you use any of the listed substances and medications , consult your physician before taking cold powder.

Is it worth buying cold powders?

If you do not tolerate the symptoms of ARVI well and want to alleviate the condition at least temporarily, cold powders can help. For example, relieve headaches, relieve muscle discomfort and reduce nasal congestion.

If the symptoms do not cause you much suffering and you are looking for a remedy for speedy healing, buying a powder will be a waste of money