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Common
colds generally last approximately 10 days, although
some symptoms may not completely disappear until two
weeks or more. Symptoms usually begin improving
by the 7th or 8th
day. Colds are caused by viruses and do not resolve
more quickly by using antibiotics.
This
is what I use for my own cold symptoms:
- Generic
Afrin nasal spray - Two sprays in each nostril twice
a day, twelve hours apart. (Maximum use of five
consecutive days.)
- Generic
"old" Sudafed 60 mg or Sudafed PE 10 mg - One every 4 to 6 hours. Do not take
after 6:00 PM. (You will have to sign for "old" Sudafed at the pharmacy.)
- Generic
Benadryl 25 mg - One at bedtime.
- Continue
the Sudafed and Benadryl as long as needed for nasal
congestion. If symptoms show no sign of improvement
after 7 to 8 days or are worsening, please call the
office to make an appointment.
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