The Best Cold And Flu Remedies In Pharmacies

Here's a helpful guide to some of the most commonly used cold and flu remedies you can easily find at local pharmacies-also, when and how these remedies can be most effective. Since many products primarily relieve symptoms rather than actually "cure" a cold or flu, it will also highlight some general supportive measures you can take.

Cold and Flu Powders:

Lemsip Max Cold And Flu Sachets: With phenylephrine hydrochloride, a decongestant to clear your nose, and paracetamol for aches, pains and headaches.

Beechams Powders: Contains aspirin and caffeine for aches, pains, headaches and feverishness.

Tablets and Capsules:

Nurofen Day and Night Cold and Flu Tablets : Contains active ingredients phenylephrine hydrochloride and ibuprofen to ease the symptoms of a sore throat, fever, headache, congestion and aches and pains.

Benylin Cold And Flu Max Strength: Contains paracetamol, caffeine, phenylephrine hydrochloride for blocked nose, headaches, aches, pains and a sore throat.

Benylin Mucus All In One Tablets: Containing paracetamol, guaifenesin, phenylephrine hydrochloride to ease the symptoms of headaches, fever, loosen phlegm, clear nasal passages, to help you breathe more easily.

Covonia All in One Cough Cold & Flu Formula Contains: paracetamol, phenylephrine hydrochloride, guaifenesin and cetylpyridinium chloride to ease symptoms of a chesty cough, sore throat, blocked nose, fever, aches and pains.

Night Nurse Cold & Flu Liquid: Contains paracetamol, promethazine hydrochloride, dextromethorphan hydrobromide and ethanol (alcohol) 18%. Taken only at night to relieve cold and flu symptoms, dries a runny nose and aids restful sleep.

Practical advice:

Keep a multi-symptom remedy (like Lemsip or Night Nurse) on hand for common symptoms. Use targeted treatments based on your primary symptoms, such as decongestants or Cough Medicine.

Add non-medical care: stay hydrated with water and warm drinks, rest, and try honey and lemon or throat lozenges.

Monitor your symptoms; if you're not improving after a week or if symptoms worsen (like high fever or breathing issues), visit your GP.