When a cold strikes, you want fast, effective relief. And while grabbing the first over-the-counter cold medication seems like an easy solution, there’s no one-size-fits-all remedy. Doctors note that the best cold medicine for adults depends on your symptoms. Here, all you need to know about cold and flu medications, plus which options are the most effective.

Many people typically “get relief from a combination of over-the-counter (OTC) medications, which can include a decongestant (like pseudoephedrine or phenylephrine), an antihistamine (like diphenhydramine, which helps with sneezing and runny nose) and a pain reliever/fever-reducing medication (like acetaminophen or ibuprofen),” says Brynna Connor, MD, Healthcare Ambassador at NorthWestPharmacy.com.

“If your symptoms are mild, targeted single-ingredient medications might suffice,” says Jennifer Bourgeois, PharmD, a health expert at Single Care Pharmacy. “But a multi-symptom cold medicine like DayQuil or NyQuil may be best for multiple severe symptoms.”

Worth noting: Cold medicines only help manage symptoms; they don’t cure the cold itself. Dr. Connor says rest and fluids are just as important as medication.