Colds: Reminder of the rules for proper use of anti-inflammatory drugs

What are the usual tips in case of colds

• wash your nose with saline or thermal or sea water sprays;
• drink enough;
• sleeping with your head elevated;
• be sure to keep the atmosphere cool (18-20°C) and regularly air the rooms.

The cold resolves spontaneously in 7 to 10 days without treatment.

Treatment with a vasoconstrictor should be reserved as a second line in case of non-relief of symptoms.

Precautions to be observed

Patients who wish to use a vasoconstrictor drug in case of colds will be given by their pharmacist an information sheet on the risks associated with these treatments and the precautions to follow when using them:

• take the dose of your medicine exactly as it is;
• do not take your medicine for more than 5 days;
• do not use in children under 15 years of age;
• do not use during pregnancy or breast-feeding;
• do not combine with any other medicine containing another vasoconstrictor (oral or nasal);
• do not combine with any other medicinal product containing paracetamol, ibuprofen or cetirizine.

Check the package leaflet of the medicine if you are not sure. If symptoms persist or if there is no improvement after 5 days, consult a doctor.

What are the risks?

The ANSM points to the serious risks that can result from over-the-counter decongestant cold medicines.

Associated risks include:

• stroke: deformity of the mouth, weakness on one side of the body, arm or leg, speech problems, balance problems, severe headache or decreased vision;
• heart disorders such as myocardial infarction: chest pain such as a vise that may extend into the jaws, left arm or both arms and back, paleness, malaise, sweating, shortness of breath, nausea, anxiety, unexplained fatigue;
• high blood pressure;
• convulsions;
• psychiatric disorders: anxiety, agitation, behavioral disorders, hallucinations, insomnia, manic symptoms;
• inflammation of the colon which may cause bloody stools (ischaemic colitis);
• serious skin reactions: reddening of the skin throughout the body, associated with pustules and possibly accompanied by fever;
• sudden impairment of vision due to decreased blood flow to the eyes (ischaemic optic neuropathy).

These side effects can occur at any dose and for any length of time.

Discontinue treatment and seek medical attention if symptoms persist or worsen.

Testing for COVID-19 and influenza viruses may also be required.

Which medicines are affected?

The products listed for oral forms are:

• Active Lp Allergic Rhinitis;
• Active common cold;
• Active Cold day and night;
• The common cold Paracetamol and Pseudoephedrine;
• Dolirhumepro Paracetamol Pseudoephedrine and Doxylamine;
• Humex Cold;
• Nurofen Cold;
• Rhinadvil Cold Ibuprofen/Pseudoephedrine;
• Rhinadvilcaps Cold Ibuprofen/Pseudoephedrine;
• Rhinureflex;
• Rhumagrip.