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Common Cold — what to take?

The common cold is caused by over 200 viruses (rhinovirus in 30-50% of cases). It lasts 7-10 days, does not respond to antibiotics, and there is no specific vaccine. Treatment is symptomatic.

Also known as: head cold viral infection viral respiratory infection rhinopharyngitis
6 recommended OTC drugs
8,327 pharmacies available

In short: The common cold is a viral infection caused by more than 200 viruses (rhinoviruses in 30-50% of cases); it clears up on its own within 7-10 days and does not respond to antibiotics. Treatment stays strictly symptomatic: nasal decongestants such as xylometazoline for a stuffy nose, paracetamol or ibuprofen for fever and aches, plus vitamin C and zinc. On HartaFarmacii you can compare the price of these OTC options across Dr. Max, Tei, Catena and HelpNet, with prices updated daily. This information is for guidance only and does not replace a medical consultation; see a doctor if your fever exceeds 39°C or lasts more than 3 days.

Data verified on from public sources (OpenStreetMap, chain websites, ANM/MS) — updated daily.

OTC — no prescription

What you can take for common cold

Informational only — HartaFarmacii is not an approved medical site. Talk to your doctor or pharmacist before taking any medicine. Don't self-medicate. Emergencies: 112.

When to see a doctor

If any of these signs appear, consult a doctor — OTC treatment is not enough:

  • Fever above 39°C or lasting more than 3 days
  • Chest pain, shortness of breath
  • Intense, one-sided sinus pain
  • Ear pain
  • Symptoms that worsen after day 7
  • Abundant yellow-green nasal discharge for more than 10 days

How to recognize a cold

Gradual onset with watery rhinorrhea, sneezing, nasal congestion, mild sore throat, sometimes mild fever (below 38°C), fatigue, mild headache. Typical course: days 1-3 nasal symptoms dominant, days 4-6 productive cough, days 7-10 gradual remission.

Difference from the flu: in the flu the onset is sudden, with high fever (39°C+), severe muscle aches, extreme fatigue. In a cold, nasal symptoms predominate.

Symptomatic OTC treatment

Nasal decongestants — xylometazoline, oxymetazoline (Olynth, Bixtonim) — ease nasal breathing. Maximum 5 consecutive days (risk of rebound rhinitis).

Seawater or hypertonic sprays (Sinomarin, Physiomer) clean the nose mechanically, without adverse effects, usable even in infants.

Analgesics/antipyretics — paracetamol or ibuprofen — for fever and sore throat. Multi-symptom combinations (Theraflu, Coldrex) contain paracetamol + vitamin C + an oral decongestant (phenylephrine/pseudoephedrine) + sometimes an antihistamine.

Complementary remedies with evidence

  • Vitamin C 500-1000 mg/day does not prevent colds but shortens their duration by ~10%.
  • Zinc 75 mg/day taken within the first 24h shortens the duration.
  • Echinacea has modest effects in prevention.
  • Honey for nighttime cough, more effective than many syrups.

What does NOT work

Antibiotics are useless and harmful — they increase bacterial resistance. There are no antivirals for rhinoviruses. Treatments with steam inhalation, vinegar gargles, or other folk remedies have no scientific evidence, but are usually harmless.

Prevention

Frequent handwashing, avoiding contact with sick people, ventilating rooms, keeping air humidity at 40-60%, sufficient sleep, reducing stress (which lowers immunity). The flu vaccine does NOT protect against the common cold.

Medical disclaimer: the information in this guide is for informational purposes only and does not replace the advice of a doctor or pharmacist. For diagnosis and treatment, consult a healthcare professional.

Medicines compared

Medicines used for common cold

This list is for guidance only, generated automatically from the DCI/category match. It is not a medical recommendation — consult your doctor before starting any treatment.

This list is not a medical recommendation. Consult your doctor or pharmacist.

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Medicines for common cold

Step by step

How to find a pharmacy fast for common cold

Open the interactive map and grant location permission — you'll immediately see pharmacies sorted by distance, each with its opening hours and a one-tap route in Google Maps. If it's night or a weekend, switch on the 24/7 filter to keep only the on-call ones. For common cold most of the listed remedies are over the counter, so you can walk in without a prescription, but check stock and prices on the comparator page first to avoid wasted trips.

If you have a preferred active ingredient (paracetamol, ibuprofen, etc.), search it in the comparator before you leave — you'll see which chain has it cheapest near you and whether it's in stock. For chronic prescriptions, save your favourite pharmacy in the app and turn on hours notifications — it saves unnecessary trips, especially when treatment for common cold runs over weeks.

See also

Related symptoms and conditions

Symptom

Tuse

Tusea e un reflex de curățare a căilor respiratorii, nu o boală în sine. Se împarte în tuse seacă (neproductivă) și tuse umedă (productivă, cu expectorație). Tratamentul diferă radical între cele două.

 Symptom

Durere în gât

Durerea în gât (odinofagie) apare de regulă dintr-o infecție virală (80-90% din cazuri) sau mai rar bacteriană (streptococ beta-hemolitic). Majoritatea episoadelor se rezolvă în 5-7 zile cu tratament simptomatic.

 Symptom

Febră

Febra (>37,5°C axilar sau >38°C rectal) e un răspuns natural al sistemului imun la infecții. Nu e o boală, ci un simptom — important e să afli cauza și să scazi febra doar când deranjează pacientul.

 Symptom

Gripă

Gripa (influenza) e o infecție virală respiratorie serioasă, sezonieră (noiembrie-martie în România), care afectează 5-10% din populație anual. Se transmite prin picături respiratorii și contact cu suprafețe contaminate.

 Condition

Rinită cronică

Rinita cronică = inflamație nazală peste 12 săptămâni. Alergică (perenă), non-alergică (vasomotorie, medicamentoasă), asociată cu sinuzită cronică sau polipi nazali.

 Condition

Bronșită cronică

Bronșita cronică (parte a BPOC) = tuse productivă cronică minim 3 luni pe an, 2 ani consecutivi. Cauza principală — fumatul. Evoluție progresivă cu dispnee și insuficiență respiratorie.

Frequently asked

What else do you want to know?

How long does a cold last?
Typically 7-10 days. A residual cough may persist for 2-3 weeks after the other symptoms resolve. This is no cause for alarm if it does not worsen.
How do I treat a cold quickly?
There is no curative treatment — only symptomatic. Hydration, rest, paracetamol/ibuprofen for fever, a nasal decongestant, vitamin C, and zinc shorten the duration. Avoid antibiotics.
What is the difference between a cold and the flu?
Cold: gradual onset, predominantly nasal, mild fever. Flu: sudden onset, high fever, severe muscle aches, extreme fatigue. The flu has a specific antiviral (oseltamivir) if given within 48h.
Can I exercise when I have a cold?
If symptoms are above the neck (rhinorrhea, sneezing), light exercise is OK. If you have fever, productive cough, or muscle aches, take a complete break for at least 3-5 days.

See also

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