Dr. Stine's Cold Recipe

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:

1. Generic Afrin nasal spray - Two sprays in each nostril twice a day, twelve hours apart. (Maximum use of five consecutive days.)
   
   
2. 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.)
   
   
3. Generic Benadryl 25 mg - One at bedtime.
   
   
4. 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.