Top 15 Flu and Cold Medications

Flu and cold are viral diseases and are spread through respiratory droplets of the patients. They cause various clinical signs. As with other viral diseases, it is not possible to eliminate viruses from the body and the treatment is focused on signs and symptoms. Every 5.7 people out of 100,000 in the UK have the flu and common cold, and the incidence rate is increasing (BMJ Health, 2020).  

As both illnesses take an average of 7-10 days, it is essential to know various treatment options. 

Best medications for common cold and flu

The purpose of cold and flu medications is to provide symptomatic relief until the virus is eliminated from the body. Various allopathic, herbal and homoeopathic products are available in the market. A description of the 15 best medications is given to help the readers make a well-informed choice. However, it should not be considered an alternative to professional medical advice. 

Decongestants  

Nasal congestion is the most irritating sign of the common cold and flu. It is due to the dilation (widening) of blood vessels in the nose and develops in conditions like flu, allergies, sinusitis and cold. Decongests target these blood vessels and shrink them. The common decongestants are pseudoephedrine and phenylephrine. Both are primarily found in combination with other medications like painkillers and antipyretics.

Some isotonic saline solutions alleviate nasal congestion by moisturising the nasal passages and thinning the mucus. A large-scale review published by Cochrane Library in 2022 noted that 70% of patients using a combination of decongestants and antihistamines reported a favourable response. 

Decongestants are associated with various side effects, e.g., vomiting, nausea, dizziness, sleeping difficulties, anxiety and hypertension. People with hypertension are advised to use spray-based products like Afrin 12 Hours as these products target locally, and only a limited amount reaches circulation. The long-term use of nasal decongestants is not advised due to the rebound effects. Welzo offers Nasofed Relief Saline Spray, an isotonic buffered saline solution and potent decongestant. Click here for more details and to place the order. 

Zinc lozenges and supplements 

Zinc lozenges, e.g., Cold Eeze® and Zicam®, are known to lessen the duration of signs of the common cold and flu. This effect is attributed to the antiviral and immunity-boosting properties of zinc. Most of these studies are small and need to fulfil the criteria of medical research. A review by Michelle Science, MD, and colleagues in 2012 found that people using zinc had a shorter duration of cold symptoms, an average of 1.65 days, compared to the placebo group.

Some users experience side effects, e.g., nausea, vomiting, diarrhoea, poor taste and poor absorption of copper and different antibiotics. So, prolonged use is only advised if recommended by the doctor. 

Welzo offers Zinc Tablets (15mg), which must be used as the doctor advises. Click here for more details. 

Vitamin C supplements

Large doses of vitamin C are known to ease the symptoms. Still, no concrete medical evidence is available, and its effects are due to the generalised immunity-enhancing properties of vitamin C. It is a water-soluble vitamin, with no issue in taking large quantities. Dr Harri Hemila (Department of Public Health, University of Helsinki, Finland) noted that vitamin C supplementation reduced the duration of the common cold by 14% in children and 8% in adults. 

The foods containing vitamin C provide many immunity-boosting nutrients that help fight viral infections. Adding vitamin C-rich foods like strawberries, broccoli, tomatoes, oranges, kiwifruit, peaches, and grapefruit is a good option. For more information about vitamin C, click here. 

Expectorants 

Expectorants dissolve the thick mucus draining into the back of the throat and help to move it up and cough out. Examples are guaifenesin (Mucinex®), bromhexine (Bisolvon®) and herbal products like ipecacuanha and eucalyptus tea. Helmut Albrecht (Florida International University) hails the guaifenesin, which treats chronic respiratory conditions and bronchitis. 

Expectorants cause side effects like nausea, dizziness, vomiting, headache, and itching in allergic people and must be taken cautiously, as the doctor recommends. Welzo offers Benylin syrup, which contains guaifenesin and is effective for coughing. Click here for more details.

Antihistamines

Sometimes, flu and cold symptoms develop due to or are worsened by allergic reactions. The allergic reactions involve the release of histamine, which the antihistamines prevent. They help relieve the scratchy and runny nose in the first 1-2 days. After this time, there are no particular benefits. Examples are diphenhydramine, loratadine, levocetirizine, etc.

Common decongestant brands available are Zyrtec®, Claritin® and Benadryl®. They cause side effects like dizziness, drowsiness, tiredness and sleepiness, which is good as the body needs rest. Welzo offers many antihistamine products. Click here to explore. 

Pain killers

Pain killers, particularly NSAIDs, are the first line of treatment as soon as the signs of the common cold appear, and these medicines deserve it. They help treat the fever and other initial signs of cold. Their anti-inflammatory effects help reduce tissue inflammation. Examples are naproxen (Aleve®), ibuprofen (Motrin®), and acetaminophen (Tylenol®). The health professionals, e.g., Soo Young Kim (Kangdong Sacred Heart Hospital, South Korea), think that NSAIDs relieve the cold and are of little help in reducing respiratory symptoms and must be supplemented with other medications. 

NSAIDs are linked to an increased risk of bleeding, stomach ulcers, stroke, heart attack and kidney damage. Their long-term use is not recommended unless asked by the doctor. Various painkiller medications in tablets, capsules and gel are available at Welzo. Click here to view. 

Anti-coughing agents (cough suppressants) 

Cough, particularly a dry cough, is a severe sign of a common cold, and cough suppressants like dextroamphetamine (Benylin®), codeine, hydrocodone, and benzonatate are helpful. However, expert opinions vary, and some experts think that cough signals the brain to remove allergens from the body and that stopping coughing is not a good idea. 

The cough suppressants must be used after consulting the doctor as they are associated with side effects, e.g., dizziness, seizures, hallucinations, vomiting, nausea, drowsiness, constipation and difficulty in breathing and urination. Benylin® cough syrup is available at Welzo. Click here for more information.

Vitamin D  

The medical community is divided on the issue of whether vitamin D helps in upper respiratory tract infections and the common cold. The researchers at the College of Medicine, Zhejiang University, China, noted significant improvement in influenza patients. According to NIH, vitamin D boosts immune health and allows the body to fight against bacterial and viral diseases. 

It is a fat-soluble vitamin, and overdosing is not advised. It is recommended to take a healthy diet containing vitamin D, e.g., sunlight, fortified foods, eggs, and fish, which are rich sources of vitamin D and strengthen the immune system. Welzo offers Ultra Vitamin D Tablets. Click here to buy. 

Theraflu 

It is a combination of dextromethorphan HBr (a cough suppressant), phenylephrine HCl (nasal decongestant) and acetaminophen (fever reliever and painkiller). It is a potent reliever of the common cold and flu symptoms. The higher doses and regular doses with other acetaminophen products and alcohol are contraindicated as they are associated with an increased risk of liver damage. 

The combination is practical, yet the side effects of ingredients are experienced at higher doses, and consultation with the doctor is necessary. 

Echinacea

It is a family of herbaceous plants with at least nine species used in traditional medicine. Some evidence (NCCIH) suggests that using Echinacea reduces the risk of getting a cold and flu. However, no concrete evidence exists that it provides relief once the disease has been established or reduces the duration of illness. The intended benefits depend on the preparation mode, e.g., tincture or juice. 

According to NCCIH, it is associated with side effects, e.g., stomach pain, nausea and rashes in children and its safety during pregnancy and breastfeeding is uncertain. Another critical point is that although allergic reactions to Echinacea are less common, it is associated with ragweed, and some people experience ragweed-triggered seasonal allergies.

Hylands Defend 

It is a homoeopathic medicine that helps relieve flu and cold symptoms, e.g., tickling cough, rattling and hacking. The research-based evidence is, however, limited. Drug regulatory bodies do not regulate homoeopathic products, and research-based evidence for most medicines is limited. 

It contains Natrum Muriaticum and other ingredients that promote the body's natural healing mechanisms. 

Pelargonium Sidoides extract and Ginseng

The extract of Pelargonium sidoides is used to treat respiratory tract infections. However, drug regulatory bodies, e.g., MHRA and FDA, do not approve it. A randomised controlled trial by Viktor Lizogub (National Medical University, Kyiv, Ukraine) found that the herbal preparation using the roots of Pelargonium sidoides effectively reduced the disease duration and severity of signs of common cold.

Likewise, some evidences (e.g., a randomised controlled trial at Chonbuk National University Medical School, Jeonju, Korea) suggest that taking ginseng regularly shortens the duration of flu and cold. The preliminary reports are promising, yet more research is required. 

Eucalyptus oil

Eucalyptus oil's pungent smell soothes congestion and other cold and flu signs. Some experts, e.g., Jack Maypole, MD, warn against it as it is highly volatile, and its strong smell is a risk factor for chemical pneumonia. Consequently, rubbing on the chest is not recommended. 

Its fragrance is, however, very soothing, and putting a few drops on the floor before taking a hot water bath is useful. Vicks Vapourub contains eucalyptus oil 1.50% w/v, an excellent topical preparation for the signs of the common cold. It is available at the Welzo Pharmacy. Click here to buy. 

Goldenseal  

It is an herbaceous plant, and the extract of this plant is thought to be helpful in traditional medicine for respiratory diseases, including flu and the common cold. However, more evidence is needed about how it works. Berberine, an ingredient found in Goldenseal, is studied, but no valuable effects on health were observed. 

Some experts warn about dangerous drug interactions as they interfere with metabolic enzymes that help in drug metabolism. Some well-known drugs that must be avoided are digoxin, cyclosporine and metformin.

Ginger tea  

Ginger tea is traditionally used to ease the symptoms of flu and common cold. However, there needs to be scientific evidence of how it works. In principle, sipping any steaming hot fluid helps reduce the symptoms of respiratory illnesses. 

Frequently Asked Questions

What is the best remedy for the common cold and flu?

The treatment of the common cold and flu is symptomatic. Depending upon the symptoms, the medicines used are paracetamol or ibuprofen to treat fever and pain, nasal sprays, saline nasal drops or decongestants to ease the blocked nose, expectorants to expel thick mucus, antihistamines to treat the allergic signs and alternative and complementary herbal products to complement the effects of the medicine.

Which antibiotic is best for flu and cold?

No antibiotic works. These are viral conditions and antibiotics do not work. They sometimes treat or prevent infections in complicated and infected cases. 

How do you speed up recovery from colds and flu?

Besides medicines, taking proper rest, staying at home in a well-ventilated and warm room, eating healthy foods and taking a lot of fluids hasten the recovery process. 

Are there any antiviral drugs available for flu and cold? 

Many antiviral drugs are approved to treat viral respiratory diseases, including flu and cold. These include Xofluza® (baloxavir carboxyl), Tamiflu® (oseltamivir phosphate), Relenza® (zanamivir) and Rapivab® (Peramivir). These are prescription drugs and must be used as advised by the doctor. 

What is the season of cold and flu? 

The common cold and flu viruses are found throughout the year. However, most cases are reported from October to May. In these months, environmental temperature and close living favour viral spread. 

What is the difference between cold and flu? 

Cold is a sign of flu and is less severe. Viruses cause flu and have colds and other signs. Flu demands more care.

Bottom-line

Colds and flu are widespread, mainly in the winter season. These are viral conditions and cause symptoms, e.g., fever, pain, nasal congestion and cough. The medications relieve these signs unless the virus is eliminated from the body. If the signs persist or worsen, it is time to get medical help. Click here to explore the Welzo world and consult with Welzo health professionals.