what med is good for colds?
1 Acetaminophen. 2  This is generally marketed as Tylenol and is a good option for headaches and other aches and pains. 3  Non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drugs (NSAIDs). 4  This category of cold medication works by cutting down on inflammation in your body and includes aspirin, ibuprofen, and naproxen (Aleve).
Runny Nose, Watery Eyes, and Sneezing. When you have a cold, your body makes chemicals called histamines. That leads to sneezing, a runny nose, and watery eyes. Over-the-counter antihistamines such as chlorpheniramine and diphenhydramine block this process and can relieve those symptoms. They can also make you sleepy and dry out your eyes, nose, and mouth.