when facing a cold, be careful with decongestant medications

What is the benefit-risk balance of taking anti-cold medications? The benefit is moderate. This concerns decongestants. Medications that are put in the nose or taken by mouth and contain pseudoephedrine, which will constrict blood vessels. It’s supposed to unclog your nose.

Risk of stroke

For a simple cold, taking the risk of a hypertensive crisis, a stroke, or convulsions… it seems a little disproportionate. The alert from the National Agency for the Safety of Medicines and Health Products (ANSM) is not new. Health authorities have been recommending against these medications for years. There is a medication that is very simple: you put physiological serum or sea water in your nose, there is no risk and it has almost the same effect, notes Doctor Gérald Kierzek.