A report about effects and side effects of common cold remedies that are taken orally is presented. There are advantages and disadvantages in the use of either locally administered nose drops or orally taken cold remedies, which are compared to each other from the pharmacological point of view. Based on the experience of a great toxicological center and a pediatric clinic, the clinical symptoms of poisoning as a result of accidental ingestion are described and contraindications are pointed out. It is concluded that, especially in children, the dosage of both oral and local drugs should not exceed the recommended amount.