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Common cold - Management
Basis for recommendation
The recommendation that paracetamol or ibuprofen should be used to treat symptoms of the common cold is based on historical use and extrapolated evidence from randomized controlled trials, and it is consistent with most guideline groups [ICSI, 2004; MeReC, 2006].
- Aspirin and other nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drugs are not recommended, as they are more likely to cause serious adverse effects. In particular, aspirin should be avoided in groups including:
- Children younger than 16 years of age, because of the risk of Reye's syndrome.
- Older people who are more prone to its adverse effects, or who are taking concomitant nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drugs or aspirin for cardiovascular purposes.
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