Analgesics relieve minor aches, headaches, muscle pain, and post-immunization reactions. Antipyretics are medications designed to reduce fever. Antihistamines dry up secretions of the respiratory tract and can minimize allergy symptoms. They are rarely effective against colds. Decongestants help unclog nasal passages and clear congestion.
Expectorants help loosen mucus in the lungs so it can be coughed up and expelled.
Supressants, or antitussives , relieve the irritation of dry, unproductive coughs. Suppressing a cough for several days may cause a buildup of mucus in the lungs, so these drugs should not be used for prolonged periods.