The complicated risks of simple cold remedies
Even the most common remedy can cause side effects and adverse drug interactions.
- Reviewed by Anthony L. Komaroff, MD, Editor in Chief, Harvard Health Letter; Editorial Advisory Board Member, Harvard Health Publishing

Brightly packaged cold remedies are easy to find and offer the promise of quick relief. That doesn’t mean you can take them without considering the risks of the medications they contain, such as decongestants, antihistamines, cough suppressants, and painkillers.
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About the Author
Heidi Godman, Executive Editor, Harvard Health Letter
About the Reviewer
Anthony L. Komaroff, MD, Editor in Chief, Harvard Health Letter; Editorial Advisory Board Member, Harvard Health Publishing
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