Rhinoviruses Medication

  • Author: Michael Rajnik, MD; Chief Editor: Burke A Cunha, MD   more...
 
Updated: Apr 15, 2011
 

Medication Summary

Drugs used in the symptomatic treatment include nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drugs (NSAIDs), antihistamines, and anticholinergic nasal solutions. These agents have no preventive activity and appear to have no impact on complications. The combined effect of NSAIDs and antihistamines often relieves nasal obstruction; therefore, decongestion therapy is rarely needed. Oral (pseudoephedrine) and topical (oxymetazoline and phenylephrine) decongestants are commonly used for symptomatic relief.

First-generation antihistamines reduce rhinorrhea by 25-35%, as do topical anticholinergics and ipratropium bromide. Second-generation or nonsedating antihistamines appear to have no effect on common cold symptoms. Corticosteroids may actually increase viral replication and have no impact on cold symptoms.

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Antihistamines

Class Summary

These agents act by competitive inhibition of histamine at the H1 receptor.

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Diphenhydramine (Benylin, Benadryl)

 

Occasional drowsiness and is suitable for use on a day-to-day basis. Oral H1-blocker used in the treatment of allergic conjunctivitis and rhinitis, angioedema, pruritus, and urticaria.

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Chlorpheniramine (Telachlor, Chlo-Amine, Chlor-Trimeton, Aller-Chlor)

 

Competes with histamine or H1-receptor sites on effector cells in blood vessels and respiratory tract.

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Brompheniramine (Bromphen, Nasahist B, Dimetane Extentabs)

 

Does not tend to cause drowsiness and is suitable for use on a day-to-day basis. Oral H1-blocker used in the treatment of allergic conjunctivitis and rhinitis, angioedema, pruritus, and urticaria.

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Anticholinergics

Class Summary

These agents have antisecretory properties and, when applied locally, inhibit secretions from serous and seromucous glands lining the nasal mucosa.

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Ipratropium intranasal (Atrovent)

 

Two strengths of nasal spray: 0.03% for treatment of rhinorrhea associated with allergic and nonallergic perennial rhinitis and 0.06% for treatment of rhinorrhea associated with common cold. Chemically related to atropine.

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Nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drugs (NSAIDs)

Class Summary

These agents have analgesic, anti-inflammatory, and antipyretic activities. Their mechanism of action is not known but may inhibit cyclooxygenase activity and prostaglandin synthesis. Other mechanisms also may exist (eg, inhibition of leukotriene synthesis, lysosomal enzyme release, lipoxygenase activity, neutrophil aggregation, various cell membrane functions).

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Naproxen (Anaprox)

 

For relief of mild to moderate pain and antipyretic action; inhibits inflammatory reactions and pain by decreasing activity of cyclooxygenase, which results in a decrease of prostaglandin synthesis.

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Ibuprofen (Ibuprin, Motrin)

 

For relief of mild to moderate pain and antipyretic action; inhibits inflammatory reactions and pain by decreasing activity of cyclooxygenase, which results in a decrease of prostaglandin synthesis.

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Contributor Information and Disclosures
Author

Michael Rajnik, MD  Associate Professor, Department of Pediatrics, Program Director, Pediatric Infectious Disease Fellowship Program, Uniformed Services University of the Health Sciences

Michael Rajnik, MD is a member of the following medical societies: American Academy of Pediatrics, Armed Forces Infectious Diseases Society, Infectious Diseases Society of America, and Pediatric Infectious Diseases Society

Disclosure: Nothing to disclose.

Specialty Editor Board

Gregory William Rutecki, MD  Associate Professor, Program Director, Department of Internal Medicine, Feinberg School of Medicine, Northwestern University

Gregory William Rutecki, MD is a member of the following medical societies: Alpha Omega Alpha, American College of Physicians, American Society of Nephrology, National Kidney Foundation, and Society of General Internal Medicine

Disclosure: Nothing to disclose.

Francisco Talavera, PharmD, PhD  Adjunct Assistant Professor, University of Nebraska Medical Center College of Pharmacy; Senior Pharmacy Editor, eMedicine

Disclosure: eMedicine Salary Employment

Gordon L Woods, MD  Consulting Staff, Department of Internal Medicine, University Medical Center

Gordon L Woods, MD is a member of the following medical societies: Society of General Internal Medicine

Disclosure: Nothing to disclose.

Eleftherios Mylonakis, MD  Clinical and Research Fellow, Department of Internal Medicine, Division of Infectious Diseases, Massachusetts General Hospital

Eleftherios Mylonakis, MD is a member of the following medical societies: American Association for the Advancement of Science, American College of Physicians, American Society for Microbiology, and Infectious Diseases Society of America

Disclosure: Nothing to disclose.

Chief Editor

Burke A Cunha, MD  Professor of Medicine, State University of New York School of Medicine at Stony Brook; Chief, Infectious Disease Division, Winthrop-University Hospital

Burke A Cunha, MD is a member of the following medical societies: American College of Chest Physicians, American College of Physicians, and Infectious Diseases Society of America

Disclosure: Nothing to disclose.

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