Is Vanacof Effective in Treating the Common Cold?
It affects us way too often and leaves us feeling tired and worn out like no other common condition. Yes, you guessed it right, we are talking about the common cold. The common cold is generally a triggered viral infection that affects the upper respiratory system. One of the most commonly found infections in humans, the common cold is usually spread through the coronaviruses or rhinoviruses.
It is impossible for the body to build immunity and resistance against all the viruses that cause the common cold. Hence, colds occur with high frequency among most individuals. Normal instances of common cold include about 12 colds a year for adolescents and about seven colds a year for adults.
Symptoms Associated with the Common Cold
When the body reacts to the cold viruses, it gives rise to certain symptoms that patients experience. Some of the symptoms associated with the common cold include:
- Dryness of the throat
- Pain and soreness in the throat
- Cough that could be persistent or starts suddenly
- Slight fever
- Sneezing
- Hoarseness of the voice
- Blockage in the nose
- Headache and body pain
What triggers common colds?
There are a number of viruses that can trigger common colds in people. Around 50% of colds are triggered by rhinoviruses, while the other viruses include human parainfluenza virus, metapneumovirus, coronavirus, and adenovirus, just to name a few.
When the viruses causing colds become powerful, the body’s immune system sends out white blood cells to fight the infection. These white blood cells prevent the infection from spreading by naturally fighting the viruses. Cold viruses are contagious in nature and can transmit from one person to another even through the sneeze of the infected. Most of the viruses which cause common cold are known to thrive in conditions with low humidity. This is the main reason why cold and flu are seen very commonly in the winter season. The cold-causing viruses can even pass on from the infected surfaces such as the keyboard, door knobs, plates, or drinking from the same glass as that of the infected. If one person in the house gets cold, it normally gets passed on to the others living in the house.
What are the most effective ways of treating a cold?
As the body puts a lot of energy and force into fighting the viral infection, a cold causes immense tiredness and fatigue, and the best way to treat it is by giving your body time to rest. Colds are contagious mainly in the first three days from acquiring the infection. Hence, it is best advised to stay indoors and rest for better recovery and to avoid spreading the virus to others. Since common colds occur due to a viral infection, antibiotics are not normally prescribed in treating it, unless it comes with the flu that is caused by a bacteria. Over the counter drugs like antihistamines, decongestants, acetaminophen, and nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory medicines are often consumed by people to relieve symptoms of chest congestion, body aches, and other symptoms of a cold. Colds can cause dehydration in the body, and hence it is important to drink plenty of fluids in the form of warm water, juices, and soups to relieve throat pains and to avoid dehydration. Certain natural remedies such as consumption of zinc, vitamin C, and other home remedies from the kitchen are found beneficial by a number of people in treating symptoms of common cold.
It takes a few days for a cold to completely settle down in a person. If your cold worsens or does not improve after a week, it is important to go see a doctor. This is necessary to rule out bacterial infections or allergies, such as strep throats, which may require stronger doses of antibiotics. A persistent cold can make it difficult for people to breathe and swallow, and it generally leaves them feeling sick. Do not refrain from seeking medical treatment if your cold becomes bothersome.
What is Vanacof?
Vanacof is a combination drug that is used to alleviate symptoms associated with the common cold, flu, allergic reactions, and other illnesses, such as sinusitis and bronchitis. The symptoms of these conditions normally include a severe cough, watering of the eyes, itchy eyes/nose/throat, running nose, and sneezing. This medication comprises of cough suppressants like chlophedianol, which affect the brain in such a way that the natural urge to cough is reduced. This medication also has decongestants like pseudoephedrine and phenylephrine, which are useful in relieving symptoms associated with the stuffy nose. The antihistamine content in the medicine, like brompheniramine and triprolidine, is useful in relieving watering of the eyes, itching of the eyes, and so on.
This medicine may not work for coughs arising out of smoking habits, asthma, and other breathing problems. Coughs producing a lot of effective mucus may also not be treated by this medicine, as it may be associated with other underlying illnesses. For such conditions, it is important to seek medical advice.
This product is not proven to be effective in treating young children, mainly those younger than six years of age. Vanacof medicine may not work on children, as it does for adults and hence should not be administered without being specifically directed by the treating doctor.
Consuming this medicine does not mean the duration of the common cold can get shortened. In spite of the drug, the common cold may stay for its usual duration which is about a week. The medicine can also cause some serious side effects. To minimize the risk of side effects associated with this medicine, it is important to follow the instructions pertaining to dosage. You should refrain from using this product if it makes you feel very sleepy. Products do not cure or shorten the length of the common cold and may cause serious side effects. Also, it is important to check the ingredient list of other medications you are on. If you are consuming any other medication that has a similar composition list, it may increase the severity of the side effects experienced. Along with this medicine, it is important to follow the other ways of treating a cold, i.e. getting ample rest, drinking fluids, taking steam, and so on.
Vanacof medication is prescribed by doctors for treating various medical conditions such as the common cold, nasal inflammation due to allergies, runny nose, and cough.
Dosage and Usage instructions
This medication is for oral use only. The medicine can be taken with or without food. In case the medication causes side effects like a stomach upset, avoid taking it on an empty stomach and have it along with some food or milk. Drinking plenty of water and other forms of fluid is very important when taking this drug. The fluids help in loosening the mucus that accumulates in the lungs, thereby providing immediate relief.
The recommended dosage of this medicine depends on the age of the patient, overall medical and health condition, and how he or she responds to the drug. The doctor may recommend consuming this medicine every 4 to 6 hours for a specific period of time, which may be anywhere from 5 to 7 days or as the treating doctor may feel is required. It is highly recommended that one does not alter the medicine dosage as per their will or consume more than prescribed, as this could lead to some severe side effects. If you have been prescribed this medicine for hay fever or for allergy symptoms, you may be required to have this medicine for a long term. This medication is available in the form of syrup and chewable tablets, and both should be taken as per the exact dosage prescribed.
Final Thoughts
While there is no cure for the common cold, it is important to reduce bothersome symptoms through various treatments. In conjunction with normal home treatments and rest, Vanacof may reduce the symptoms of the common cold. However, Vanacof will not shorten the duration of the cold. Treatment with Vanacof may be recommended by your doctor, and you should always take the prescribed dosage.
