Best Otc Cold And Flu Meds

Robitussin Honey Adult Maximum Strength Cough + Chest

If you have a seriously sore throat, there is no better cold medicine than Robitussin Honey Adult Maximum. Each bottle contains more than 19% honey, as well as dextromethorphan and guaifenesin to open up your airways.

What we like: Robitussin Honey Adult Maximum Strength effectively addresses congestion, while relieving your sore throat so you can sleep. It is both high-powered and free of allergens. And it is reasonably affordable.

Flaws: Tastes like medicine. And with the high honey content, it is definitely not for diabetics.

Pharmacist Recommended Cold & Flu Medicines That Wont Break The Bank

As a pharmacist for 12 years, two of the most common questions I am asked are, What is the best medicine to take for the cold and flu? And, How much does it cost? Here are my top recommendations that wont break the bank:

1) Headache, Fever, Muscle Aches, Sore ThroatIbuprofen & Acetaminophen

I often use a combination of the two drugs, separating each by 3-4 hours so that I maintain a more consistent pain relief. Ibuprofen is the best treatment for a sore throat. Acetaminophen is great for a fever. Most people already have one or both of these at home, so the cost is zero.

2) Nasal CongestionPseudoephedrine or Oxymetazoline

I recommend pseudoephedrine over phenylephrine , which is useless. PSE can be a mild stimulant, so start with the 30mg tablets, as opposed to the 12 & 24-hour dosages, to avoid disrupting sleep. PSE should not be used in certain conditions like high blood pressure. In that case, I recommend a topical nasal decongestant like oxymetazoline. The generic formulations of both drugs are inexpensive.

3) CoughingMucinex/No Suppressant or Delsym

4) Other Symptoms, as needed: Loperamide , diphenhydramine

Diarrhea Loperamine is best

Sneezing Diphenhydramine is best, and can help dry out your sinuses. Allergy drugs like Zyrtec take a day or more to start working, so are not the best option.

5) Combination Drugs

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Manukora Multifloral Raw Manuka Honey $1499

Not everyone does well with guaifenesin, which is a good cough medicine because it can raise your blood pressure, she said. Ill recommend manuka honey or buckwheat honey. Studies have shown it helps with your cough, especially if you take it at nighttime.

Gandhi explained that the only precaution with buckwheat or manuka honey is if youre pre-diabetic or diabetic just watch your blood sugar levels.

Ill usually recommend using a nasal saline spray when you already have a cold, she said. Its good to help rinse out pathogens from your nasal pathway to help improve breathing.

Plus, it can be used with other over-the-counter or prescribed medications, per Gandhi.

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Is It Safe To Take A Decongestant If I Have High Blood Pressure

This type of medicine can increase blood pressure and heart rate, and raise the risk of heart attacks and strokes.

Pseudoephedrine is the main decongestant taken by mouth thats available. In general, if your blood pressure is well controlled with medications, then a decongestant shouldnt be a problem as long as you closely watch your BP. This may not be true with certain types of blood pressure drugs, so check with your doctor or pharmacist about what may be best for you.

Combined Remedies To Treat Multiple Symptoms

Daytime examples: Benylin All-In-One Cold and Flu Caplets Robitussin Total Cough, Cold & Flu Vicks DayQuil Cold & Flu Multi Symptom Relief LiquiCaps.

Nighttime examples: Tylenol Complete Cold, Cough & Flu Benylin All-In-One Cold and Flu Night Caplets Vicks NyQuil Cold & Flu LiquiCaps.

How they work: If youre suffering from severe and multiple cold and flu symptoms fever, aches, nasal congestion, cough then a combination remedy could be your best choice for relief. These medications combine pain- and fever-reducers with decongestants, cough suppressants, expectorants and, in the nighttime products, antihistamines. There is almost any combination of ingredients available for any combination of symptoms, says Kalyn. Speak to your pharmacist to get help finding the product thats the best match.

Need to know: Follow package directions. Since these treatments contain several different drugs, its especially important to rule out any contraindications with your pharmacist and to avoid taking them with any other cold and flu medications.

If you dont have all of the symptoms listed on the package, consider an alternative product. You could experience unnecessary side effects if youre taking something for a symptom that doesnt need to be treated, says Kalyn. Also, she says, taking multi-symptom medications along with other cold or flu products may result in double dosing.

Try: Tylenol Complete Cold, Cough and Flu Day + Night Capsules, $13, well.ca

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Skip The Otc Cold Meds For Your Kids

Something else to consider: Over-the-counter cold medications are generally not recommended for young children. The American Academy of Pediatrics suggests that parents should only offer cold medicine to children between the ages of four and six if their childs doctor specifically recommends doing so.

For kids, theyre less effective and they can have a number of side effects, says pediatrician Dr. Elizabeth Mack, MD, professor and division chief of pediatric critical care at MUSC Childrens Health.

So, if youre a parent, dont feel that you should go stock up at the drugstore on cold meds for your sniffly, sneezy toddler. Try putting a humidifier in their room at night to keep the air moist, which can help with some of that nasal congestion.

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Best Nighttime Cold Medicine For Sleep

Antihistamines may help repress coughing and also make you feel sleepy.

Drugs that contain the antihistamines doxylamine or diphenhydramine might help you sleep easier when you have a cold.

Toddlers and infants have different safety concerns when it comes to choosing a medication. Generally, you should consult with your childs pediatrician before giving them cold medication.

Your childs weight, development, age, and symptom severity help to determine the medication and dosage.

If your child is younger than 6 months, stick to the recommended dose of acetaminophen for pain relief.

Child-safe OTC versions of ibuprofen, antihistamines, and cough suppressants are available for children age 2 and older.

Overuse of cough and cold medicine in children can have serious side effects. When in doubt, contact your childs doctor for advice.

avoiding the following active ingredients if you are living with high blood pressure:

• pseudoephedrine

Instead, take an expectorant, such as guaifenesin, and look for OTC drugs that are manufactured for people with high blood pressure in mind.

The AHA also recommends avoiding NSAIDs, like ibuprofen, if youre living with high blood pressure, as these can also have negative effects when taken too often.

Follow dosing instructions carefully and speak with a doctor if youre unsure about how cold medications might interfere with your blood pressure treatment.

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So What Exactly Is This Bug Thats Going Around

Rhinovirus is one of the bigger types of the common cold, where you may experience a cough, cold, congestion and sometimes a mild fever,Bindiya Gandhi, MD, board-certified in family and integrated medicine with more than 10 years of experience, told The Post. Sometimes, it can be confused with allergies, depending on the time of year, because there are fall allergies aside from spring.

The common cold can last anywhere from three to 10 days, she added.

What Should I Do If I Think I Am Sick With Flu

If you get sick with flu, antiviral drugs are a treatment option. Check with your doctor promptly if you are at higher risk of serious flu complications and you develop flu symptoms. Flu signs and symptoms can include feeling feverish or having a fever, cough, sore throat, runny or stuffy nose, body aches, headache, chills, and fatigue. Your doctor may prescribe antiviral drugs to treat your flu illness.

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How Do You Get Rid Of A Cold Fast

Generally, once infected with the common cold you simply must allow it to run its course. The average cold lasts anywhere from several days to several weeks. Even though you wont beat a cold in 24 hours, with proper medicine and home remedies, you should be able to get symptom relief quickly which may help you feel like yourself in just a few days. Here are some of the best cold remedies:

Staying at home while youre treating your cold is always a good idea if youre able to do so. The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention recommends staying home if you have a cold to help prevent spreading it to others. Keeping children out of school or daycare if they have a cold is also a good idea to help keep others from getting sick.

Flu Treatment #: Use Zinc For An Immune System Boost

According to The National Center for Complementary and Integrative Health , Oral zinc lozenges may reduce the duration of the common cold , when started within 24 hours and taken for a time period of less than 2 weeks. They advise against the use of intranasal zinc. Some clinicians warn, however, that side effects can result from use with several medications. Limit zinc use to one week only, and stop if you get side effects.

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Best Cold Medicine For Sore Throat And Coughing

If your coughing is making your throat sore, look for a medication that contains dextromethorphan. Dextromethorphan helps control your brains signal to your body that you need to cough. This can decrease your coughing symptoms enough to promote healing of a sore throat, but it doesnt treat the cause of your coughing.

Some medications that contain dextromethorphan also contain an ingredient called guaifenesin. This ingredient is an expectorant, which thins out mucus and helps your cough to be productive, meaning that youre coughing out mucus that could be aggravating your throat and chest.

If Your Symptoms Keep You Up At Night

Tylenol PM Extra Strength Pain Reliever & Sleep Aid

Tylenol PM Extra Strength Pain Reliever & Sleep Aid

Youve probably noticed that a lot of cold and flu meds have nighttime or PM versions in the drugstore aisle. These can help you sleep better if your symptoms are preventing you from getting quality sleep, but note that they may make you feel overly groggy in the morning. As with all of the above remedies, dont take more than the recommended dosage.

Ultimately, the common cold can be a nuisance every year, but chances are you can find something to alleviate your symptoms. Always talk to your doctor if you suspect you might be dealing with something more serious, and dont forget to get your flu shot.

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What Is The Best Cold Medicine To Use

Unlike the flu medicine, Tamiflu , there is no antiviral medication available for the common cold. The best cold medicine to use will vary depending on the symptoms someone has. For example, someone who has a cold and cough may need to take a cough suppressant, whereas someone with a cold and stuffy nose might need to take a decongestant. Taking a decongestant when you dont have a stuffy nose probably isnt going to help you if youre searching for relief from a sore throat.

Finding the best cold medicine depends on which cold symptoms you want the most relief fromfind a medication that treats those symptoms. Some treatments even provide multi-symptom relief and would say so on the label.

If youre still unsure about which cold medicine to choose, you can always ask your healthcare provider, including your pharmacist, for advice. Its also a good idea to ask your doctor or pharmacist if taking cold medicine will interfere with your prescription medications, as drug-drug interactions can cause unwanted side effects.

Best Cold Medicine For Stuffy Nose

A stuffy nose can leave you feeling like youre struggling to take in fresh air. It can also linger in your sinuses even after other symptoms fade.

To relieve a stuffy nose, try a decongestant with the active ingredient pseudoephedrine . It helps at the level of the small blood vessels in your nasal passageways to reduce the swelling and dry up the mucus that your body produces, allowing you to breathe a little easier.

Phenylephrine is another decongestant available for stuffy nose.

However, its not advisable to take either of these two decongestants more than four times a day.

triggered by inflammation in your body. Treating the inflammation can bring down your pain levels and soothe discomfort.

Fever and aches can be eased by taking ibuprofen. Ibuprofen is a nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drug , as is naproxen. Although not an NSAID, acetaminophen is another pain reliever that can help ease fever and aches.

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Who Needs Cold Medicine

Any otherwise healthy individual suffering from the cold or seasonal flu can likely benefit from using a cold medicine. There are a few caveats, however. Children under six, healthy or not, should not take cold medicines. Nor should those already taking medication for heart disease or high blood pressure. Diabetics should also be very careful when choosing a cold medicine, since many medications contain sugar and other carbohydrates. Finally, seniors need to be careful when selecting and using cold medicines since antihistamines can increase the risk of falling.

Cold And Allergy Medicine Safe For Breastfeeding

The following medicines are considered safe for nursing parents, but it’s always a good idea to check with a healthcare provider or pediatrician before taking any new medications. Some medications can reduce your milk supply.

Pain relievers and fever reducers that are safe to take while breastfeeding include:

Allergy medicines and decongestants generally reduce symptoms such as itchy eyes, sneezing, and a runny nose. Safe options to take while breastfeeding include:

• Claritin : Claritin is safe to use based on supporting data but may have a negative effect on your milk supply when combined with a decongestant such as Sudafed .
• Zyrtec : Zyrtec is safe in occasional, small doses, but in large doses, it can reduce milk supply.
• Allegra Allergy : Allegra is safe in occasional, small doses, but it may have a negative effect on milk supply when combined with a decongestant such as Sudafed.
• Mucinex : Mucinex is most likely safe in occasional small doses, but more studies are needed.
• Afrin : This decongestant is sprayed into the nose and is not likely to enter the milk supply. Anyone taking this medicine should only use it for three days at most, because your body can become dependent on it. Oxymetazoline should be avoided if the infant has cardiac symptoms or high blood pressure.

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Okay But What Types Of Cold Medicine Can You Take While Pregnant

Most medicines taken during pregnancy cross the placenta and reach the fetus, so its important to know which ones are safe, and which should be avoidedand what some natural remedies are instead.

The American Pregnancy Association recommended getting plenty of rest , drinking lots of fluids and trying some natural remedies.

For instance, to reduce congestion, place a humidifier in your room, elevate your head during rest time, or try nasal strips, per the American Pregnancy Association. To soothe a sore throat, gargle with warm salt water, drink warm tea, or suck on ice chips.

As far as OTC medications go, the American Pregnancy Association advised keeping the number to a minimum during pregnancy. Among the safest options for pregnant people are:

• Acetaminophen can work for fevers, headaches, and body aches.
• Most cough drops are generally considered safe to help ease a cough.
• Anesthetic throat lozenges can relieve a sore throat.

Cold medicines that you may need to avoid, however, include:

• Some pain relievers and fever reducers, such as aspirin, ibuprofen and naproxen
• Afrin and other non-steroidal nasal decongestant sprays containing oxymetazoline
• OTC herbal remedies like echinacea

To be on the safe side, always get your cold meds approved by your pharmacist or healthcare provider. Many healthcare providers advise staying away from all medicines during the first trimester.

Is It Safe To Take Sinus Decongestants While Pregnant

It depends on the active ingredient. OTC pseudoephedrine and phenylephrine should only be used during pregnancy under your doctors supervision. They should not be used during the first trimester, only after, and even then, only with your doctors recommendation.

Talk with your doctor before using drugs containing these ingredients if you are pregnant or plan to become pregnant. Research in animals has shown adverse effects on the fetus when the mother takes these drugs. There havent been enough studies with humans to be certain how the drug might affect the fetus. These drugs should only be used if the potential benefit justifies the potential risk.

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Nyquil And Dayquil Severe Sinus Pressure And Pain Non

Price: $16.94

Fighting a cold or the flu can require you to take medicine all day and all night long. Thats where an over-the-counter medicine that offers dual benefits can help. NyQuil and DayQuil Severe Sinus Pressure and Pain offers medication for any hour, any time. This combination pack of medicine can relieve both cold and flu symptoms, including coughs, sore throats, fevers, and congestion.

The DayQuil medicine included in this double pack is non-drowsy, and the NyQuil can help you get the rest your body needs. Its the ideal combination for fighting the effects of a cold or the flu 24 hours a day.

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