Are you using cold and flu medicine correctly?

It may seem simple. You cough, and you take some medication. Even over-the-counter drugs can have serious side effects so make sure you carefully read the labels and choose your medication carefully. These are some things to remember when you seek relief from flu and cold symptoms.

* Make sure not to exceed the recommended dosage. A significant decrease in the dosage of acetaminophen (the most commonly prescribed over-the-counter medication for fever relief and pain relief) was recommended by an FDA advisory panel. Acetaminophen overdoses can cause liver damage, even in small amounts. Tylenol products and many multi-symptom flu medications, including NyQuil, DayQuil and Theraflu, contain Acetaminophen.

* Do not take drugs longer than recommended. Oxymetazoline (a drug in most over-the counter nasal sprays) should not be used more than three consecutive days. A longer use could result in death.

This can cause a rebound effect which leads to more congestion. This drug can be found in brands like Zicam and Vicks Sinex.

* Never use over-the-counter pediatric cough and cold drugs in kids younger than four. After consulting with the FDA, drug manufacturers changed the label for pediatric cough and cold medicine. This was after the FDA had reviewed the safety of the drugs in children.

* Consider use of the growing number of natural or non-medicated alternatives with clinically proven effectiveness.

Research has shown that nasal sprays of capsaicin have been effective in relieving nasal congestion, sinus pressure, and headaches. Sinus Buster Nasal Gel (One brand).www.BusterBrands.comClinical studies have shown that Sinus Buster can break down congestion and provide sinus relief in as little as one minute. Sinus Buster was found to be safe. It had no rebound effect and did not cause any loss of smell.

Honey could be a safe and effective remedy for coughs. A study found that children who ate honey before going to bed slept better than those who took cough medicine.

If taken at the onset of symptoms, black elderberry extract has been shown to reduce flu duration. Sambucol, an elderberry extract brand, was shown to reduce flu duration by 4 days in a clinical study.

– The Neti-pots are a way to effectively clean the nasal passage using a salt-water solution. This helps eliminate allergens, irritants, and excess mucus which can cause sinus problems and pain.