How can I treat a cold with pharmacy medicines?

In most cases, colds disappear spontaneously. No treatment can get rid of the virus any faster. In fact, the main aim of treatment is to make the cold less painful by relieving the symptoms: sore throat, headache, nasal congestion. Since the common cold is caused by a virus, not bacteria, antibiotics have no effect.

Many brands offer cold remedies, usually combining a painkiller such as ibuprofen or acetaminophen, which also fights fever, and an oral decongestant (pseudoephedrine), sometimes in the form of day/night tablets. These drugs (Actifed®, Advil rhume et sinus®, Benylin rhume et grippe®...) can relieve symptoms, but do not speed healing, and are not recommended for children. Be sure to follow dosage instructions.

Colds, sore throats, coughs: buy your over-the-counter medicines at the pharmacy

Find our new range of medicines to treat colds, sore throats, coughs and ear, nose and throat problems in your pharmacy Agrée Ars en ligne pour la vente de médicaments. The term ENT (ear, nose and throat) refers to ailments affecting the nose-throat-ear area, which is a prime target for many viruses, bacteria and other allergens.

The sale of medicines online is reserved for customers residing in mainland France. No medicines will be delivered outside France. Minors under the age of 16 are not authorized to personally order medicines from our website.

The common cold is a very common infection of the nose (or more precisely the nasal cavities) and throat, usually caused by a virus (of the rhinovirus family). Also known as viral or acute rhinitis, it causes a sore throat, sneezing, a blocked nose (nasal congestion) and a runny nose, leading to a daytime dry cough and a nocturnal hacking cough. The duration of symptoms is often longer than commonly reported. These clinical signs resemble those caused by allergies.

From autumn to late spring, colds are more frequent. We spend more time indoors, which contributes to contagion. Also, during winter, the air in homes is generally drier, which dries out the mucous membranes of the nose. These become less effective in fighting viruses and preventing the onset of colds. In southern countries, colds are more common during the rainy season.

When you catch a cold, you have to be patient. On average, a cold lasts a week, and in most cases heals spontaneously. Don't automatically prescribe antibiotics to cure your cold, as it's not always a bacterial infection. There is no standard treatment to get rid of it. However, you can quickly alleviate the symptoms to better tolerate it.

What cold remedies are available in our Soin-et-Nature online pharmacy?

Soin-et-Nature offers a wide range of medicines designed to relieve the symptoms of colds and respiratory ailments. Here are the main categories available:

antihistamines and decongestants to relieve seasonal and chronic allergy symptoms, such as runny nose, sneezing and itching.
solutions to effectively treat cold symptoms, including nasal congestion, headaches and fatigue.
specific rhinitis treatments to relieve inflammation of the nasal mucosa, whether allergic or viral in origin.
Combination medications to relieve flu-like symptoms: to reduce fever, relieve aches and pains and soothe headaches associated with flu-like symptoms.
soothe throat irritation and pain with a selection of lozenges, sprays and tablets to soothe throat irritation and pain.
bronchitis: solutions to reduce bronchial inflammation and help eliminate bronchial secretions.
dry cough: cough suppressants to reduce non-productive coughs and soothe respiratory tract irritation .
wet coughs : expectorants to liquefy secretions and facilitate their evacuation.
Mixed coughs : medicines adapted to coughs with both a dry and a wet component, for effective relief of these mixed symptoms.
treatments to relieve ear pain and inflammation associated with ENT conditions.
Humex : a range of medicines to treat colds, nasal congestion, sore throats and coughs.
Lysopaine brand: antiseptic and analgesic lozenges for rapid relief of sore throats.
Stodal homeopathic syrup for dry and oily coughs, suitable for the whole family.
Strepsils lozenges: antiseptic and analgesic lozenges to soothe sore throats and reduce inflammation.
Vicks: a range of decongestants, balms and inhalers to relieve nasal congestion and breathe more freely.

Available without prescription from Soin-et-Nature, these products effectively treat the symptoms of colds and respiratory ailments, while complying with medical recommendations.

How to relieve cold symptoms

Until your cold is a thing of the past, which should only take a few days, you can reduce the symptoms that are bothering you:

taking paracetamol: this is an effective remedy for fever and the aches and pains sometimes caused by colds (be sure to respect the maximum doses authorized);
by moisturizing your nasal cavities with saline solution or sea water (sprays are available in pharmacies);
drinking water regularly;
avoid over-covering up if you're staying at home to rest, as this can raise your fever, but if you're going out, make sure you're properly covered up;
by airing the rooms in your home once a day, but keeping warm all the same;
elevate your head when sleeping to facilitate breathing.

Your pharmacist's advice

If you have a cold, it's the rhinovirus that's responsible, not bacteria. Taking antibiotics is therefore not an effective treatment for the common cold. It could even be counterproductive: antibiotics can decimate entire colonies of good bacteria, making you even weaker. Only a doctor can prescribe an antibiotic when necessary, especially in cases of bacterial superinfection.
Don't hesitate to contact your doctor again if the prescribed treatment doesn't provide sufficient relief.

Our naturopathic advice for adopting the right habits:

Blow your nose regularly
Take inhalations to thin mucus
Smoke less
Take a rest
Cover up well
Drink herbal teas, your winter ally
Make good old-fashioned toddies
Breathe healthy air by regularly ventilating your living space

What medicines are available in our pharmacy?

Soin-et-Nature offers a wide selection of medicines and medical devices to support your day-to-day health and well-being. Here are the main categories available:

A full range of medications designed to effectively relieve acute and chronic pain, including analgesics, anti-inflammatories and muscle relaxants.
Specific solutions to treat cold symptoms, such as nasal congestion, cough, sore throat and fever, to promote rapid recovery.
Adapted treatments for digestion: regulating intestinal transit, relieving heartburn, bloating and functional digestive disorders.
A selection of medications designed to improve blood circulation, reduce the sensation of heavy legs and prevent venous disorders.
Dermatological care products to treat common skin conditions such as acne, eczema, psoriasis and mycosis.
Products dedicated to women's health, including hormone treatments, contraceptives, and solutions for menstrual disorders and menopause.
A range of smoking cessation aids, including nicotine substitutes in various forms to reduce dependency and promote smoking cessation.
A selection of over-the-counter medicines to treat everyday aches and pains safely and independently.
Eye solutions to relieve irritation, dryness and infections, as well as treatments for vision disorders.
A wide range of medical devices, from blood pressure monitors and thermometers to orthotics and homecare equipment.
Orthopedic solutions for the support, rehabilitation and correction of musculoskeletal disorders, including splints, lumbar belts and knee braces.

These medicines and medical devices available on Soin-et-Nature enable you to take care of your health independently and effectively, while respecting medical recommendations.