Maybe it starts as a tickle in the back of your throat. Perhaps you have a few nights of restless sleep, or you just feel slightly tired. Before you know it, a cold has caught up with you in a storm of coughing, aching, sneezing and sniffling. Whether your symptoms range from mildly annoying to completely debilitating, the best cold medicine can help you feel better fast.
When a full day of work awaits but your cold symptoms won’t quit, Alka-Seltzer Plus Non-Drowsy Cold PowerFast Fizz Effervescent Tablets is the simple solution for fast relief.
What to know before you buy cold medicine
Symptoms
Not all cold medicines are designed to treat all symptoms. For example, the same over-the-counter allergy medications that treat sniffles and sneezing won’t do much for that when it’s cold-related. An antihistamine might help, but it will be a different class of antihistamines than those used for allergy relief.
In general, medications are targeted based on symptoms, and you should shop for the best cold medicine for the symptoms you are experiencing.
Cough suppressants — also known as antitussives — are most helpful when a hacking cough keeps you up at night. Dextromethorphan is a common cough suppressant, but some people with persistent cough that does not respond to this medication might end up with a prescription cough medicine that includes hydrocodone-acetaminophen.
Expectorants thin mucous and make a dry cough more productive. This helps relieve chest congestion. Guaifenesin is a common expectorant. It is sometimes paired with dextromethorphan for nighttime relief.
If congestion keeps you up at night, decongestants like pseudoephedrine help shrink swollen nasal passages to provide relief. Pseudoephedrine is most commonly delivered via nasal spray, but it should not be used for longer than recommended. Overuse can actually cause nasal membranes to swell.
Finally, many cold medicines will include pain relievers like ibuprofen or acetaminophen. These mild medications relieve aching muscles and throbbing heads to help you feel better.
Dosage
Cold medicine can come in extended release or regular levels of medication. Extended-relief cold medicine allows you to take less medicine less frequently. This can be helpful if you struggle with swallowing pills or if you just don’t want to take as much medication.
Form
Cold medicines are available in a wide range of forms. These include:
Gel tablets
Quick-dissolve strips
Traditional pills
Liquid
Effervescent tablets
Lozenges
Chews
Some of these are better suited for kids, while others are perfect for people on the go.
Cold medicine features
Flavors
Don’t add insult to injury by taking cold medicine that tastes terrible. The best cold medicine will have flavor options to suit most tastes. For those who prefer unflavored cold medicine, there are plenty of choices for you, too.
No added sugar
No matter what the song says, added sugar should not be used to help the medicine go down. Look for cold medicine with very little, if any, added sugar.
Low sodium
Sodium is sometimes used to help rehydrate those who have been suffering from particularly drying colds. While it can be beneficial for some people, most do not need excessive sodium in their cold medicine.
Fast relief
Everyone wants to feel better quickly. And while most cold medicine promises fast relief, everyone is different. Cold medicine that works for one person may be less effective for you. Stick with what works best for you.
Cold medicine cost
Depending on the brand and quantity, cold medicine usually costs between $6 and $15.
Cold medicine FAQ
Is cold medicine safe?
A. Cold medicines and the drugs that they contain are regulated by the U.S. Food and Drug Administration. In general, medications and formulations in traditional cold medicines are safe for most people.
That said, it’s always best to talk to your doctor if you are concerned about taking any medication. This is especially important if you are already taking medication for other health conditions, or if you are pregnant, breastfeeding or under 12.
If you are still concerned about taking over-the-counter medications, you can always look for natural remedies. Although these are not all backed by research as to their effectiveness, there are some respected therapeutic treatments for colds that do not contain manufactured medications.
How should you treat colds?
A. Talk to your doctor for specific treatment options tailored to you. In general, most doctors agree that colds need to run their course and treatment is largely palliative. Get plenty of rest if you can, and drink lots of water. You might add soothing herbal tea to relieve symptoms. A couple of good options are ginger and lemon with lots of honey.
For aches and pains, over-the-counter pain relievers work well. Follow the instructions for dosing, and do not mix and match. If you are taking cold medications, read the ingredients to make sure that it does not already include pain relievers.
Antibiotics are not recommended as a treatment for colds or viruses unless there is a secondary infection.
Which cold medicine should I get?
Best of the best cold medicine
Alka-Seltzer Plus Non-Drowsy Cold PowerFast Fizz Effervescent Tablets: available at Amazon
Our take: When you are walloped by cold symptoms but still have to go to work, this is a great choice for non-drowsy relief.
What we like: The flavor is pleasant, and the results are fast. It’s a good general cold-relief tablet that includes pain relievers, too.
What we dislike: This is only for adults, and it’s not recommended for people who cannot take aspirin.
Best bang for your buck cold medicine
Mucinex DM 12-Hour Expectorant and Cough Suppressant Tablets: available at Amazon
Our take: If you need extended relief of congestion and a hacking, dry cough, these 12-hour tablets are a great option.
What we like: Relief is long-lasting and immediate. Mucinex reduces coughing but makes it more productive with two layers: one of guaifenesin and another of dextromethorphan. It also reduces the amount of medicine you have to take — just one tablet every 12 hours.
What we dislike: They are not at all suitable for children. This medication can cause drowsiness, and it is also extremely dehydrating. Stay hydrated when you take this.
Honorable mention cold medicine
Sambucol Black Elderberry Cold and Flu Relief Dissolve Tablets: available at Amazon and iHerb
Our take: Try these when treating cold symptoms in small children (or if you’d prefer to try natural symptom relief).
What we like: These quick-dissolve tablets provide soothing relief of symptoms and are safe for children and adults (ages four and up). They use homeopathic remedies, are vegan and are also free of the most common allergens.
What we dislike: Homeopathic remedies are not regulated by the U.S. Food and Drug Administration but are generally recognized as safe for their intended use.
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Suzannah Kolbeck is a writer for BestReviews. BestReviews is a product review company with a singular mission: to help simplify your purchasing decisions and save you time and money.
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