The 26 best cold flu medicine brands
Vicks, Alka-Seltzer and Cepacol lead our ranking of 26 cold flu medicine brands. Compare what each brand makes, visit its official site, or shop it online.
Cold Flu Medicine brands, ranked
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1
Vicks
Night and day cold formulas, from NyQuil nighttime liquids to DayQuil-style LiquiCaps, plus children's cough syrups.
Top products: NyQuil Cold and Flu Nighttime Relief· Day and Night Cough Relief Syrup· DayQuil and NyQuil LiquiCaps
Website: vicks.com |Brands like Vicks
Popularity 10.0/10
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2
Alka-Seltzer
Effervescent tablets that dissolve in water, with a citrus flavour, for multi-symptom cold and flu relief.
Top products: Alka-Seltzer Plus Severe Cold and Flu· Alka-Seltzer Plus Day + Night Cold And Flu
Website: alkaseltzer.com |Brands like Alka-Seltzer
Popularity 3.3/10
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3
Cepacol
Candy-style lozenges in honey lemon, cherry and sugar-free, aimed at sore throat pain.
Top products: Extra Strength Lozenges· Maximum Strength Throat Drop Lozenges
Website: cepacol.com |Brands like Cepacol
Popularity 3.2/10
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4
Betadine
Povidone-iodine antiseptic sprays and gargles, mainly used on wounds, with a throat spray option.
Top products: Cold Defence Nasal Spray
Website: betadine.com |Brands like Betadine
Popularity 2.7/10
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5
Sambucol
Elderberry tablets that dissolve quickly, a herbal option for shoppers wanting a plant-based cold remedy.
Top products: Black Elderberry Cold and Flu Relief· Cold and Flu Relief Quick Dissolve
Website: sambucol.co.uk |Brands like Sambucol
Popularity 2.6/10
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6
Theraflu
Hot powdered drink sachets with honey lemon flavour for flu aches, congestion and fever.
Top products: Flu Relief Max Strength
Website: theraflu.com |Brands like Theraflu
Popularity 2.4/10
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7
Hyland's
Homeopathic tablets for colds and flu, a long-running range that includes children's versions.
Website: hylands.com |Brands like Hyland's
Popularity 2.4/10
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8
TYLENOL
Acetaminophen-based liquids and caplets with fever and pain relief, plus cough and congestion options.
Top products: Cold + Flu Severe Liquid· Cold + Flu Severe Caplets
Website: tylenol.com |Brands like TYLENOL
Popularity 2.3/10
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9
Dimetapp
Decongestant and antihistamine syrups and tablets, often chosen for children's runny nose and congestion.
Website: dimetapp.com |Brands like Dimetapp
Popularity 2.3/10
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10
Robitussin
Long-running cough syrups in both dry and chesty formulas, plus a drug-free Naturals line.
Website: robitussin.com |Brands like Robitussin
Popularity 2.3/10
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11
Boiron
Single-dose homeopathic flu pellets in tubes, a popular option for shoppers wanting a non-drug approach.
Website: boironusa.com |Brands like Boiron
Popularity 2.3/10
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12
Kirkland Signature
Costco's own-label multi-symptom caplets, sold in large packs that suit households with regular colds.
Top products: Severe Cold & Flu Multi-Symptom Caplets· Severe Cold & Flu Plus Congestion
Brands like Kirkland Signature
Popularity 2.1/10
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13
BENYLIN
Cough syrups for dry and chesty coughs, plus an all-in-one liquid covering cold, flu and mucus.
Top products: All in One Cold And Flu Extra Strength Plus Mucus & Phlegm
Website: benylin.ca |Brands like BENYLIN
Popularity 2.0/10
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14
Panadol
Paracetamol caplets and liquids for day and night cold and flu, with non-drowsy options for daytime use.
Top products: Panadol Cold and Flu Day· Panadol Cold and Flu All in One
Website: panadol.me |Brands like Panadol
Popularity 2.0/10
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15
Strepsils
Whether you feel a sore throat coming down or are unwell with a troubling cough, Strepsils has just what you need! The leading brand caters to individuals of all ages and is a well-known brand in the medicinal industry. With...
Website: strepsils.co.uk |Brands like Strepsils
Popularity 1.8/10
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16
Chloraseptic
Do you have a sore throat and looking for treatment? Then you are at the right place. Chloraseptic is an American brand of oral pain-relieving that Tarrytown delivers, New York-based prestige consumer healthcare, utilized to alleviate sore throat and mouth...
Website: chloraseptic.com |Brands like Chloraseptic
Popularity 1.7/10
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17
Nature’s Way
Nature’s Way provides customers with supplements created only from natural ingredients. They believe in giving people what they are meant to have to ensure their wellness does not get compromised at any stage. Their passion for health has enabled them...
Website: naturesway.com |Brands like Nature’s Way
Popularity 1.7/10
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18
GoodSense
GoodSense sells over-the-counter healthcare products at affordable prices, with a range that covers many common needs. Its range spans remedies for allergies, heartburn, joint pain and digestion, plus nicotine gum and multi-purpose ointments. The line includes cold and flu syrups,...
Website: goodsense.com |Brands like GoodSense
Popularity 1.6/10
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19
Fisherman's Friend
Fisherman's Friend is just like what they say they are. They help the fishers by creating products that are useful for the industry. The company has been around for many years; it took its first step back in 1865. They...
Website: fishermansfriend.com |Brands like Fisherman's Friend
Popularity 1.4/10
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20
Jakemans
Jakemans sells throat lozenges and cough drops alongside other sweets. The range also includes marshmallows, sugar free candy and vegan sweets. The lozenges are meant to soothe a sore throat and chest.
Website: jakemans.us |Brands like Jakemans
Popularity 1.4/10
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21
Ricola
Emil Richterich founded the confectionary business Richterich & Compagnie in 1930 and, after ten years, founded the Ricola herb drop that relieves coughs and sore throats. Even though Nicola has improved its packaging and brand design, the herb drops recipe...
Website: ricola.com |Brands like Ricola
Popularity 1.3/10
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22
Advil
Not able to concentrate on your work due to a headache or feeling tired because of sleeplessness? Advil will resolve all those issues with their effective medicines. Their pain relievers contain ibuprofen, a non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drug that directly attacks the...
Website: advil.com |Brands like Advil
Popularity 1.2/10
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23
Zarbee's
Zarbees, a medicinal brand, has taken the traditional therapeutic use of honey a step ahead by dedicating themselves to producing the most effective and recommended cough syrups. Now, Zarbees has introduced a line of honey-induced wellness products for all ages!...
Website: zarbees.com |Brands like Zarbee's
Popularity 1.2/10
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24
Hamdard
Hamdard, commonly known as Hamdard Dawakhana, is one of the leading pharmaceutical companies in India. It believes in making a difference by contributing to society through healthcare. It tends to produce high-quality and amalgamated Unani medicines. It is turn out...
Website: hamdard.in |Brands like Hamdard
Popularity 1.1/10
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25
Zicam
Zicam's lineup opens with zinc-based homeopathic cold remedies, including an oral remedy taken at the first sign of a cold. This American company also sells medicated fruit drops in several flavors, plus nasal sprays and alcohol sprays for congestion and...
Website: zicam.com |Brands like Zicam
Popularity 1.0/10
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26
Nin Jiom
Nion Jiom is a Chinese brand offering effective herbal supplements and medicines to its broad customer base. Using the power of scientific research and natural ingredients, the brand curates a range of medications and formulas to help relieve and alleviate...
Website: usa.ninjiom.com |Brands like Nin Jiom
Popularity 1.0/10
Official websites and social accounts
| Brand | Website | X / Twitter | YouTube | ||
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Vicks | vicks.com | – | – | – | – |
| Alka-Seltzer | alkaseltzer.com | – | – | – | – |
| Cepacol | cepacol.com | – | – | – | – |
| Betadine | betadine.com | /BetadineUS | betadine_us | @BetadineUS | – |
| Sambucol | sambucol.co.uk | /sambucoluk | sambucoluk | – | – |
| Theraflu | theraflu.com | /TherafluUS | – | @theraflu | Theraflu US |
| Hyland's | hylands.com | /hylandscanada | hylandscanada | @HylandsHealth | HylandsHomeopathic |
| TYLENOL | tylenol.com | /ChildrensTylenolCanada | – | – | TYLENOL® Canada Brand Channel |
| Dimetapp | dimetapp.com | – | – | – | – |
| Robitussin | robitussin.com | – | – | – | – |
Cold And Flu Buying Guide
As the temperatures start to drop and the leaves start to fall, it's time to prepare for cold and flu season. Colds and flu are highly contagious viral infections that can cause a range of symptoms such as coughing, sneezing, fever, body aches, and sore throat. While there is no cure for colds and flu, there are many over-the-counter (OTC) products available that can help ease your symptoms and get you back on your feet. In this buying guide, we will provide an overview of the various types of OTC products available to treat colds and flu.
Cold and Flu Medications
Cold and flu medications are available in a range of forms, including tablets, liquids, syrups, and nasal sprays. These medications are designed to alleviate the symptoms associated with colds and flu, such as fever, headache, coughing, congestion, and sore throat.
Analgesics
Analgesics are medications that are designed to relieve pain and reduce fever. Common analgesics used to treat cold and flu symptoms include acetaminophen, aspirin, and ibuprofen. Acetaminophen is commonly used to alleviate fever and body aches, while aspirin and ibuprofen are effective in reducing inflammation and relieving pain associated with a sore throat or headache. It's important to note that aspirin should not be given to children under the age of 18, as it can cause a rare but serious condition called "Reye's syndrome."
Decongestants
Decongestants are medications that are designed to reduce nasal congestion and sinus pressure. These medications work by narrowing the blood vessels in the nasal passages, reducing inflammation, and opening up the airways. Common decongestants include pseudoephedrine and phenylephrine. These medications can be found in both oral and nasal spray forms. It's important to note that these medications should not be used for more than three days in a row as they can cause rebound congestion.
Antihistamines
Antihistamines are medications that are designed to relieve allergy symptoms such as sneezing, runny nose, and watery eyes. They can also help reduce symptoms associated with colds and flu, such as congestion and coughing. Antihistamines can cause drowsiness, so they should be taken before bedtime. Common antihistamines include diphenhydramine, loratadine, and cetirizine.
Cough Suppressants
Cough suppressants are medications that are designed to reduce coughing. They work by suppressing the cough reflex in the brain. Common cough suppressants include dextromethorphan and codeine. These medications can be found in both liquid and tablet forms.
Expectorants
Expectorants are medications that are designed to help loosen and expel mucus from the lungs. They work by thinning the mucus, making it easier to cough up. Common expectorants include guaifenesin. These medications are available in both liquid and tablet forms.
Natural Remedies
In addition to OTC medications, there are also many natural remedies available to treat cold and flu symptoms. These remedies are often rooted in traditional medicine and have been used for generations to alleviate cold and flu symptoms.
Vitamin C
Vitamin C is a powerful antioxidant that can help boost the immune system and reduce the duration and severity of cold and flu symptoms. You can get vitamin C from fruits and vegetables, or you can take a vitamin C supplement.
Zinc
Zinc is a mineral that can help boost the immune system and reduce the duration and severity of cold and flu symptoms. You can get zinc from foods like oysters, beef, and chicken, or you can take a zinc supplement.
Garlic
Garlic has antibacterial and antiviral properties that can help boost the immune system and reduce the severity of cold and flu symptoms. You can add garlic to your food or take a garlic supplement.
Echinacea
Echinacea is a natural herb that can help boost the immune system and reduce the duration and severity of cold and flu symptoms. Echinacea supplements are available in both liquid and tablet forms.
Buying Tips
When shopping for cold and flu medications, there are a few things to keep in mind to ensure that you get the right product for your symptoms.
Read the label
It's important to read the label of any medication you plan to take to ensure that it is safe and effective for your symptoms. Make sure to read the active ingredients, warnings, and dosage instructions carefully.
Ask for help
If you're not sure which product to buy, ask a pharmacist for help. Pharmacists can provide expert advice on which product is best for your symptoms and medical history.
Avoid combination products
Avoid combination products unless they are specifically recommended by a healthcare professional. Combination products can contain ingredients that you don't need or that can interact with other medications you may be taking.
Don't exceed the recommended dosage
It's important to follow the recommended dosage instructions for any medication you take. Taking more than the recommended dosage can cause side effects and may not provide additional relief.
Conclusion
Colds and flu can be uncomfortable and inconvenient, but there are many OTC products and natural remedies available to help alleviate your symptoms. When shopping for cold and flu medications, make sure to read the label, ask for help if needed, and follow the recommended dosage instructions. By following these tips and taking care of yourself, you can get through cold and flu season with ease.
