CCA Ingredients

Diphenhydramine

Anti-cholinergic effect that decreases secretions; Sedating; Non-selective

Doxylamine

Anti-cholinergic effect that decreases secretions; Sedating; Non-selective

Chlorpheniramine

Anti-cholinergic effect that decreases secretions; Sedating; Non-selective

Brompheniramine

Anti-cholinergic effect that decreases secretions; Sedating; Non-selective

Loratadine

Non-sedating

Fexofenadine

Non-sedating; Can't take with apple juice

Cetirizine

Non-sedating

Levocetirizine

Non-sedating

Phenylephrine (oral)

2024: Doesn't work (just oral); Insomnia with decongestants

Pseudoephedrine

Increases heart rate, blood pressure (by causing vasoconstriction, which reduces nasal congestion); Potentially bad to take with beta blockers; Insomnia with decongestants

Phenylephrine (topical)

Causes vasoconstriction to reduce nasal congestion; Works well topically; Shouldn't use >3 days to avoid rebound congestion

Oxymetazoline

Causes vasoconstriction; Longer acting than phenylephrine; Shouldn't use >3 days to avoid rebound congestion

Triamcinolone

Reduces inflammation in nasal passages; Takes several days to reach full effect; Good for allergic rhinitis

Fluticasone

Both forms reduce nasal inflammation; May take 1-2 weeks for maximum benefit; Safe for long-term use; Helps with congestion and allergies

Budesonide

Reduces nasal inflammation; Safe during pregnancy (Category B); Good for both allergic and non-allergic rhinitis

Azelastine nasal spray

Rapid onset of action for allergic rhinitis; Can cause bitter taste and drowsiness; Works locally in the nose

Cromolyn sodium

Prevents release of inflammatory chemicals; Needs to be used before exposure to allergens; Very safe but requires frequent dosing

Dextromethorphan

Euphoric effects when you drink 4 ounces (1/2 bottle, 1.5 mg/kg); Good for nonproductive cough; Acts on medulla to increase cough threshold

Benzocaine

Fast-acting numbing effect; Short duration; Risk of methemoglobinemia especially in young children

Dyclonine

Longer lasting than benzocaine; Good pain relief for sore throat; Less common than benzocaine

Menthol

Cooling sensation provides subjective relief; Very safe; Can help with perception of airflow

Phenol

Antiseptic and anesthetic properties; Less commonly used now due to safety concerns with high concentrations

Guaifenesin

Make a cough more productive (thinner mucus) if you need to cough stuff up

Sodium chloride nasal rinse

Helps clear mucus and irritants; Can reduce congestion and post-nasal drip; Very safe but technique-dependent

Honey

Natural cough suppressant; Soothes throat; Some antimicrobial properties; Don't use in infants under 1 year

Echinacea

May reduce duration of cold symptoms if started early, but evidence is mixed; Generally safe but can cause allergic reactions

Pelargonium

May help with bronchitis symptoms and reduce severity of respiratory infections; Evidence still emerging

Zinc

Must be taken 24 hours before the actual cold to help

Vitamin C

Bolus dose taken at the beginning of a cold doesn't work, but if you're continuously taking it regularly, it can shorten the duration of a cold

First generation oral antihistamines

Diphenhydramine, Doxylamine, Chlorpheniramine, Brompheniramine

Second generation oral antihistamines

Loratadine, Fexofenadine, Cetirizine, Levocetirizine

Oral decongestants

Phenylephrine, Pseudoephedrine

Topical nasal decongestants

Phenylephrine, Oxymetazoline

Topical nasal corticosteroids

Triamcinolone, Fluticasone (furoate and propionate forms), Budesonide

Topical Nasal Antihistamine

Azelastine nasal spray

Mast cell stabilizer

Cromolyn sodium

Antitussive/cough suppressant

Dextromethorphan, Diphenhydramine

Topical anesthetics

Benzocaine, Dyclonine, Menthol, Phenol

Expectorant

Guaifenesin

Alternatives

Sodium chloride nasal rinse, Sodium chloride nasal sprays/gels, Honey, Zinc, Echinacea, Pelargonium, Vitamin C