I used to watch a lot of House when I was in skool. No cure for common cold. Colds are self limiting and it might last up to 10 days. You are only treating the symptoms or make it tolerable while you are sick. Depending on what you have then you treat accordingly. Those cold meds take a shotgun approach to treating the symptoms. They contain a few drugs to help with the symptoms.
The acetaminophen or NSAID for fever and aches or sore throat. Dextromethorphan for cough suppressant. Antihistamines or oral decongestants such as pseudoephedrine or phenylephrine for congestion issues. You use what you have at home and what you aren't contraindicated for use. Some people with uncontrolled high blood pressure or diabetes can't take oral decongestants. You use what you like to make the duration of illness seem shorter. Some sherbros here like oxymetazoline but I can't tolerate it. It works for a few times then I get a rebound effect. Symptoms don't get worse but the medication stops working. Oh yea drink lots of water and get plenty of rest.