How Do Analgesic Antihistamine Antitussive Decongestant Combos Work?

Analgesic/antihistamine/antitussive/decongestant combos are over-the-counter medicines used for temporarily relieving symptoms associated with cold and flu. 

Analgesics reduce pain and fever associated with cold and flu symptoms. They block pain signal generation and generation of prostaglandins from the central nervous system released during fever. Thus, blocking the generation of prostaglandins helps in lowering the body temperature.

Antihistamines block the release of a chemical called histamine. Histamine is responsible for the itching and swelling of the tissues in the nose. Thus, antihistamines help relieve runny noses and sneezing during a cold.

Although the exact mechanism of action of antitussives (cough suppressants) is not known; they suppress coughing by inhibiting a coordinating region for coughing located in the brain stem.

Decongestants work in the following ways:

• Relieve irritation of the upper respiratory tract infection
• Reduce swelling of the inner lining of the nose
• Relieve nasal congestion
• Reduce increased blood flow to the tissues

Analgesic/antihistamine/antitussive/decongestant combos are over-the-counter medicines used for temporary relief of symptoms associated with cold and flu.

Analgesic/antihistamine/antitussive/decongestant combos can cause the following side effects:

• Hypertension (high blood pressure)
• Palpitations
• Confusion
• Depression
• Fatigue
• Headache
• Insomnia
• Irritability
• Sedation
• Tremors
• Rash
• Wheezing
• Thrombocytopenia (low platelet count)
• Weight loss
• Nausea
• Vomiting
• Constipation
• Drowsiness
• Dizziness
• Blurred vision
• Indigestion
• Fatigue
• Gastrointestinal bleeding
• Lethargy

The information contained herein is not intended to cover all possible side effects, precautions, warnings, drug interactions, allergic reactions, or adverse effects. Check with your doctor or pharmacist to make sure these drugs do not cause any harm when you take them along with other medicines. Never stop taking your medication and never change your dose or frequency without consulting your doctor.

Generic and brand names of analgesic/antihistamine/antitussive/decongestant combos include:

• Acetaminophen/chlorpheniramine/dextromethorphan/phenylephrine
• Acetaminophen/doxylamine/dextromethorphan/phenylephrine
• Alka-Seltzer Plus Cold & Cough Effervescent
• Alka-Seltzer Plus Night Cold Formula
• Alka-Seltzer Plus Night Severe Cold, Cough & Flu
• Alka-Seltzer Plus Night Sinus Congestion, Allergy & Cough
• Aspirin/chlorpheniramine/dextromethorphan/phenylephrine
• Children's Dimetapp Multi-Symptom Cold & Flu
• Tylenol Cold Multi-Symptom Nighttime Liquid