OTC Products: Cold and Flu

OTC cold and influenza medications offer symptomatic relief using various active ingredients, such as decongestants, cough suppressants, expectorants, and pain relievers, to ease discomfort caused by, for example, fever, body aches, and congestion, while the body fights the virus. Pharmacists play an essential role in managing these symptoms by expertly guiding patients through the overwhelming array of products. They assess the patient's specific symptoms, check for potential drug interactions with prescriptions and other OTC products—especially to avoid an accidental acetaminophen overdose—and consider preexisting health conditions, such as high blood pressure for which certain decongestants are contraindicated. This consultation helps patients select the most appropriate, safe, and effective single or multisymptom product, while the pharmacist advises on proper dosing and when to seek further medical care.

Best for Cough and Chest Congestion

Robitussin Cough and Chest Congestion DM

Dextromethorphan hydrobromide (HBr) and guaifenesin

Manufactured by Haleon

Robitussin Cough and Chest Congestion DM is a medication formulated to address frequent coughing and chest congestion simultaneously. It utilizes an effective combination of a tough cough suppressant and an expectorant, which helps control the cough while thinning mucus to provide relief from congestion. The formula is available in a new, better-tasting version.

• This product contains the active ingredients dextromethorphan HBr and guaifenesin, which pair a tough cough suppressant with an effective expectorant.
• The medication is formulated to simultaneously control and relieve a frequent cough. Furthermore, the expectorant component works to thin mucus, which helps provide relief from chest congestion.
• This remedy is identified as maximum strength cough and chest congestion DM and is categorized for use by adults. When purchasing the product, consumers can choose from 3 sizes: 4 oz, 8 oz, and 12 oz.
• Robitussin has introduced a new, better-tasting formula for this medication. The improved taste is noted when compared to the original Robitussin Cough and Chest Congestion DM 10 mL size.

Best for Cold and Influenza

Mucinex Maximum Strength Fast-Max Cold, Flu & Sore Throat

Acetaminophen, dextromethorphan HBr, guaifenesin, phenylephrine hydrochloride (HCI)

Manufactured by Reckitt

Mucinex Maximum Strength Fast-Max Cold, Flu & Sore Throat liquid gels provide multisymptom relief in a single, convenient dose. This medication is designed to combat the worst cold and influenza symptoms simultaneously, including body aches, fever, cough, and congestion, delivering maximum strength relief.

• This medication is formulated to temporarily relieve 6 common cold and influenza symptoms simultaneously. It provides relief from body pain and headache, chest congestion, cough, and sore throat, while also reducing fever and alleviating nasal congestion.
• Mucinex Maximum Strength Fast-Max Cold, Flu & Sore Throat contains a powerful combination of 4 active ingredients in each liquid gel. These ingredients are acetaminophen (325 mg), dextromethorphan HBr (10 mg), guaifenesin (200 mg), and phenylephrine HCI (5 mg).
• This product is available in convenient, on-the-go liquid gels and is designed to provide daytime relief. Consumers should note that this multisymptom formulation is also available in a fluid format and qualifies as a health savings account/flexible spending account–eligible expense.
• Its directions state that adults and children 12 years of age and older should take 2 liquid gels every 4 hours. It is critically important not to exceed 12 liquid gels within any 24-hour period, and this medication should not be used by children younger than 12 years.

Best for Sinus Congestion

Sudafed Sinus Congestion 12 Hour Relief Maximum Strength Decongestant Caplets

Pseudoephedrine HCI extended release

Manufactured by Kenvue Brands

Sudafed Sinus Congestion 12 Hour Relief Maximum Strength Decongestant Caplets are designed to provide powerful, nondrowsy relief from sinus pressure and congestion. Each maximum strength caplet contains 120 mg of the active ingredient pseudoephedrine HCl to deliver 12 hours of lasting relief from nasal and sinus congestion caused by the common cold or allergies.

• The active ingredient in these caplets is pseudoephedrine HCl, which functions effectively as a nasal decongestant. The caplets' maximum strength formula is nondrowsy and designed to provide powerful relief from nasal congestion, sinus congestion, and accompanying sinus pressure.
• The drug is formulated as extended-release caplets, which enable it to provide continuous congestion symptom relief for 12 hours. This temporary relief is designed to alleviate congestion and pressure resulting from the common cold, hay fever, or other upper respiratory allergies.
• The dosage labeling for this product instructs adults and children 12 years and older to take one tablet every 12 hours. It is critically important for users to note that they must not exceed 2 caplets in a 24-hour period. This medication is not intended for use by children younger than 12 years.