Funnily enough, one of the most common active ingredients in non-drowsy cold medicine and decongestants, Phenylephrine, that was sold over the counter for decades was recently reviewed and found to be equally as effective as placebo. So "Does cold medicine even work?"... in that they sometimes include acetaminophen or ibuprofen in them, both of which work fine for aches and pain, but as for helping with congestion.... some of them, really dont, no.

Reference: FDA Proposes Ending Use of Oral Phenylephrine as OTC Monograph Nasal Decongestant Active Ingredient After Extensive Review | FDA https://share.google/iwqlgBmr13L65jNqx