What medicine should I take for a cold, cough, runny nose, and headache?
For a cold, cough, runny nose, and headache, an over-the-counter (OTC) multi-symptom cold medication (like DayQuil/NyQuil) is often most convenient. Alternatively, you can treat symptoms individually: take acetaminophen or ibuprofen for the headache, an antihistamine (like cetirizine or diphenhydramine) for the runny nose, and a cough suppressant (like dextromethorphan) for the cough. Avoid combining multiple products containing acetaminophen to prevent overdose. Stay well-hydrated, rest, and consider saline nasal sprays. Please consult a pharmacist to ensure these are safe for you, and see a doctor if symptoms worsen or last more than 10 days.