2017 RANKING & REVIEWS
TOP RANKING BEST COLD REMEDY
The Impact of Cold and Flu Season and Choosing the Best Cold Remedy
Sneezing, coughing, discomfort, missed school and work. These are just some of the side effects of having a cold. Most of us have been affected by the common cold throughout our lives, particularly in the winter months, and it can range from irritating to something that makes you feel genuinely awful.
While there isn’t necessarily a “cure” for a cold, there are some common cold treatment options that include the best over-the-counter cold medicines.
Award Emblem: Top 6 Best Cold Medicine
Before selecting the best cold medicine and the best over-the-counter cough medicine, remember the following:
- While even the best medicine for a cold isn’t a cure, these medicines can be used to lessen or alleviate some of the symptoms, including coughing, sneezing, stuffiness, and sore throat.
- Not all types of OTC medicines are the same, and they won’t treat a cold the same. For example, if you are primarily stuffed up, your best cold medicine options are probably a decongestant or an antihistamine.
- If you have a cough that’s the result of a cold, you should look for the best cough syrup for adults or the best OTC cough medicine, such as a suppressant or an expectorant.
- Many people may simply feel worn down and achy from a cold; in these situations, rather than looking for the best cold medicine, you might instead opt for a basic pain reliever.
While there are many types of OTC cold remedies, many of which tackle particular symptoms, some of the best over-the-counter cold medicine actually works to deal with multiple symptoms, and these types of common cold treatment options are highlighted in this ranking and review. Please note that this article is for general informational purposes only.
Nothing stated here should be regarded as medical advice, and if you need medical help, you should seek the help of medical professionals.
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AdvisoryHQ’s List of the Top 6 Best Over-the-Counter Cold Medicine
List is sorted alphabetically (click any of the names below to go directly to the detailed review section for that best cold medicine):
- Delsym® Cough+ Cold Day Time
- Genexa Cold Crush
- Mucinex® Fast-Max® Severe Congestion & Cough Liquid
- Sambucol® Cold & Flu Relief
- Theraflu® Daytime Severe Cold & Cough Hot Liquid Powder
- NyQuil™ Cold & Flu Nighttime Relief LiquiCaps™
Top 6 Best Over the Counter Cold Medicine | Brief Comparison
Best Cold Medicine | Symptoms It Relieves | Active Ingredients |
| Delsym® Cough+ Cold Day Time | Cough, sore throat, nasal and chest congestion, fever, headache | Acetaminophen Dextromethorphan Guaifenesin Phenylephrine |
| Genexa Cold Crush | Congestion and mucus, cough and sore throat, running nose, sneezing | Pulsatilla Nux vomica |
| Mucinex® Fast-Max® Severe Congestion & Cough Liquid | Cough, nasal congestion, chest congestion | Dextromethorphan Guaifenesin Phenylephrine |
| Sambucol® Cold & Flu Relief | Nasal and sinus congestion, fever, chills, coughing, fatigue, stiffness, headache, achiness | Black elderberry Zinc |
| Theraflu® Daytime Severe Cold & Cough Hot Liquid Powder | Nasal and sinus congestion, cough, headache, body aches, fever, sore throat | Acetaminophen Dextromethorphan Phenylephrine |
| NyQuil™ Cold & Flu Nighttime Relief LiquiCaps™ | Sneezing, sore throat, headache, aches and pains, cough, runny nose | Acetaminophen Dextromethorphan Doxylamine succinate |
Table: Top 6 Best Over-the-Counter Cold Medicine| Above list is sorted alphabetically
How Should You Choose the Right Over-the-Counter Medicine?
Unfortunately, there is a tendency with many people to believe that because a medicine is sold over-the-counter, which means without a prescription, that it’s safe.
That belief can lead to serious health problems and even death for people, which is why it’s important to understand how to choose the best over-the-counter cold medicine for you.
Image Source: Pixabay
Even though you don’t need a prescription to buy over-the-counter cold medicine, there are side effects that can come with these medications. It can also be dangerous with even the best over-the-counter cold medicine to mix it with certain other drugs, because there can be interactions.
The following are some important things to consider as you search for the best cold remedy and the best over the counter cold medicine:
- Know possible interactions with medications you already take. The label of the best over-the-counter cough medicine and the best medicine for a cold will typically list any possible drug interactions, but if you already take a medicine regularly, you should do your own research or ask a pharmacist to double check.
- There are some medicines, including even the best cold medicine, that isn’t appropriate for people with certain conditions, such as high blood presure, or for women who are pregnant. Ensure you read the label to make sure you’re aware of any such warnings.
- Paying attention to dosages is also incredibly important as you search for medicine for a cold and common cold treatment. Not only should you follow the instructions listed on the medicine’s label to make sure you don’t take too much of that particular drug, but you should also be aware if you’re taking more than one OTC drug at one time. They may have overlapping ingredients, such as acetaminophen, and if you’re taking both drugs at the same time, it could lead to an overdose situation.
Remember, even though you don’t need a prescription for common cold treatment options sold over the counter, you can still always talk to the pharmacist who’s working when you purchase the medication to ensure that it’s safe for you.
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Detailed Review – Top Ranking Best Over-the-Counter Cold Medicine
Below, please find the detailed review of each of the best cold medicine options. We have highlighted some of the factors that allowed these best cold remedy OTC medicines to score so well in our selection ranking. Again, please remember that this article is for general informational purposes only. Nothing stated here should be regarded as medical advice; for any specific questions, speak to a medical professional.
Delsym® Cough+ Cold Day Time Review
Delsym® Cough+ Cold Day Time is a combination therapy that we’ve opted to include on our ranking of the best OTC cough medicine and the best cold medicine for adults. This particular medicine is designed to relieve multiple symptoms associated with a common cold simultaneously.
Delsym in general is an OTC brand of cough and cold medicines. Some of their other products include Delsym 12-Hour, which can be used day or night to relieve cough. Delsym also manufactures products for children including Children’s Delsym 12-Hour.
In addition to offering some of the best cold medicine products, this company also features Delsym Cough + Soothing Actions lozenges, for both cough and sore throat pain.
Key Factors That Led to Our Ranking of This as One of the Best Over-the-Counter Cold Medicine Products
The following are key features and benefits of Delsym® Cough+ Cold Day Time, ranked as a leading common cold treatment and a best OTC cough medicine.
What It’s Used for
One of the top things about this particular best cold medicine that led to its inclusion on this ranking of the best cold remedy products is the fact that it’s used to treat multiple symptoms with one medicine, which can help reduce the risk of overdosing on something like acetaminophen.
This is a medicine that can tackle most if not all of the symptoms a person may be experiencing if they’re looking for the best cold remedy or the best cold medicine for adults.
Delsym® Cough+ Cold Day Time can help with not just cough and congestion but also pain, fever, airway irritation and throat irritation.
This liquid medicine is a decongestant as well as a cough suppressant, expectorant, and analgesic.
It works by constricting blood vessels in the nasal passage, which can help with swelling, as well as loosening mucus. It also affects the brain by reducing pain and reducing the feeling of the need to cough.
Active Ingredients and Considerations
Understanding the active ingredients of any medication before taking it is important, which is why we’re highlighting them on this ranking of the best over-the-counter cold medicine and the best over-the-counter cough medicine.
The primary active ingredient in this best cold medicine from Delsym is acetaminophen. It also contains dextromethorphan, guaifenesin, and phenylephrine.
Also important to note about each of the best over-the-counter cough medicine options and these best cold medicine products are potential warnings, side effects, and interactions.
Consumers can visit the Delsym website for a full list, but it shouldn’t be used by people who have allergies to any of the active ingredients, people who are taking another medicine with acetaminophen, or people with high blood pressure or serious heart problems.
Genexa Cold Crush Review
Genexa Cold Crush is unique from some of the other names on this ranking of the best cold remedy products, because it’s a natural and organic medicine for a cold. Cold Crush is designed to take care of the common symptoms associated with a cold through an organic combination of herbal ingredients. It’s a non-drowsy common cold treatment, and the tablets are not only organic but also chewable.
Image Source: Delsym
The Genexa company was created by two dads who wanted to find safe, organic medicines for their families. They couldn’t find them, so they put together a team of expert chemists, pharmacists, and other people from the medical industry to make healthier options available to more people.
Genexa has spent years on research and development and has developed proprietary technology that focuses on removing synthetic ingredients and toxins, which are key reasons Cold Crush is ranked as a best cold medicine.
Key Factors That Led to Our Ranking of This as a Best Medicine for a Cold
Features, ingredients, and benefits of Genexa Cold Crush are detailed below.
What It’s Used for
Cold Crush, ranked as a best cold remedy, is used to treat a wide variety of the symptoms associated with a common cold. This includes mucus, congestion, cough, sore throat, sneezing, and runny nose.
Some of the reviews on sites like Amazon.com cite the benefits of Cold Crush as being able to help clear sinus-related symptoms, alleviate headaches, and speed up over the overall recovery time from a cold.
Many people who review this best cold remedy also say that they enjoy the fact that it’s non-drowsy and has a pleasant acai berry flavor.
One of the primary reasons Cold Crush is included on this list of the best cold medicine treatment options is because when you search for reviews on Amazon and other sites, they’re overwhelmingly positive. In fact, 90% of Cold Crush reviews on Amazon are 5-star, and 8% are 4-star reviews.
Ingredients and Considerations
First and foremost with Cold Crush from Genexa, it’s important to note that this medicine for a cold is one of the best common cold treatment options if you like all-natural products without synthetic ingredients.
All of the medicines created by Genexa not only meet FDA compliance and regulatory standards, but the company is also a certified USDA organic company. This means Cold Crush is made only from certified organic materials that are rigorously tested. Genexa is also a non-GMO Verified Company.
This means they don’t put genetically modified ingredients such as artificial flavorings and corn syrup into their products.
The key ingredients in Cold Crush, a best over-the-counter cold medicine and best cold remedy, include Pulsatilla, which is from the pasqueflower and helps treat mucus problems. It also includes Nux vomica, which helps with congestion and stuff nose.
As noted above, this product is also non-drowsy, and there are no drug interactions that are possible with the use of Cold Crush.
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Mucinex® Fast-Max® Severe Congestion & Cough Liquid Review
The Mucinex brand offers a range of cold and flu medicines for adults and children, and Mucinex® Fast-Max® Severe Congestion & Cough Liquid is included on this ranking because it’s one of the best over-the-counter cold medicine options if you have severe symptoms.
Image Source: Genexa
Some of the names on this ranking, such as Genexa Cold Crush, are better suited to the mild, everyday symptoms associated with a cold, but this Mucinex best cold medicine for adults is designed to tackle the toughest and most stubborn colds and congestion.
Key Factors That Led to Our Ranking of This as a Best Cold Medicine for Adults
In terms of being a best remedy for a cold, a best OTC cough medicine and a best over the counter cough medicine, the following are some specific features of Mucinex® Fast-Max® Severe Congestion & Cough Liquid.
What It’s Used for
Mucinex® Fast-Max® Severe Congestion & Cough Liquid is a best medicine for cold symptoms that are otherwise difficult to get rid of. For example, if you have extreme congestion that is making it a challenge to breathe, or you can’t seem to stop coughing, this might be the best cold medicine for you.
This Mucinex best OTC cough medicine also helps with severe nasal congestion. It breaks up mucus in the chest as well, and it is considered a maximum strength formula.
While this is a great medicine for a cold if you primarily have cough and congestion-related symptoms, it should be noted that it doesn’t contain pain medicines or fever reducers.
Ingredients and Considerations
The primary active ingredients in Mucinex® Fast-Max® Severe Congestion & Cough Liquid are dextromethorphan, guaifenesin, and phenylephrine. Dextromethorphan acts as a cough suppressant, guaifenesin is an expectorant, and phenylephrine is a nasal decongestant.
This medication is a pick for a best cough syrup for adults, but it shouldn’t be used by children under the age of 12.
This best cold medicine was included on this ranking for several reasons, including the strong reviews it has from customers on sites like Walgreens.com.
For example, one user said they would use this product again and again, and they could tell a significant difference when using it. Mucinex, according to Walgreens.com, is the number one recommended brand by doctors and pharmacists as well as consumers.
Sambucol® Cold & Flu Relief Review
Sambucol® Cold & Flu Relief is another homeopathic medicine that we decided to include on this ranking of the best cold medicine for adults and the best cough syrup for adults. It was important with this ranking of the best medicine for cold symptoms to make sure we gave a wide variety of options, which included organic and homeopathic options.
A package of this medicine includes 30 fast-dissolving homeopathic tablets. Generally, Sambucol formulations are based on the use of Black Elderberry extract. This line of medications was developed by Dr. Madeleine Mumcuoglu, a virologist known around the world.
All Sambucol Black Elderberry medications utilize an extraction process that allows for the most beneficial properties of the extract to remain intact.
Key Factors That Led to Our Ranking of This as a Best Medicine for Cold Symptoms
Benefits and ingredients of Sambucol® Cold & Flu Relief that led to its inclusion on this ranking of the best over-the-counter cold medicine and best cold remedy options are detailed below.
What It’s Used for
Along with being a homeopathic, natural best medicine for cold symptoms, this common cold treatment from Sambucol was included on this ranking because it is designed to provide relief from such a wide variety of symptoms. These include:
- Nasal and sinus congestion
- Fever and chills
- Coughing
- Fatigue
- Stiffness and achiness
- Headache
- General cold and flu symptoms
This product can be taken everyday if necessary or as often as necessary with no known side effects or drug interactions. It’s non-habit forming and is considered safe for everyone in the family, although the manufacturers do note that with children under four, a doctor should be consulted before using it.
While many reviewers and medical professional say this is a best medicine for cold symptoms, it is important to start taking it as soon as symptoms occur.
Ingredients and Considerations
This pick for a best remedy for cold symptoms contains natural elderberry and zinc, and it dissolves fast without water.
Black elderberries are believed to be a natural way to boost the immune system and combat sickness and viruses. Sambucol is made from black elderberries, which have high amounts of antioxidants, and they support the entire immune system.
The manufacturers of this best cold remedy recommend using it in conjunction with Original Sambucol for even more immune-boosting power and the best possible results.
Also, the active ingredients in this medicine for cold symptoms are manufactured in adherence to the Homeopathic Pharmacopoeia of the U.S.
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Theraflu® Daytime Severe Cold & Cough Hot Liquid Powder
Review
Theraflu® Daytime Severe Cold & Cough Hot Liquid Powder is a best remedy for cold symptoms that range from minor aches and pains to cough and congestion. This particular formulation of this popular and well-rated medicine for cold symptoms is designed for daytime use, so you don’t become drowsy after taking it.
Theraflu also offers a nighttime formula of a similar medicine that helps users rest even in the wake of struggling with cold symptoms. This is a hot liquid powder, so it’s different from the other names on this ranking of the best medicine for cold symptoms, because it’s mixed into hot water and taken as a beverage, which some people prefer.
Key Factors That Led to Our Ranking of This as a Best Medicine for Cold Symptoms
When comparing the best cold medicine for adults, the following are specifics of why Theraflu® Daytime Severe Cold & Cough Hot Liquid Powder is part of this list of the best over-the-counter cold medicine.
What It’s Used for
This Theraflu formulation is a best medicine for cold symptoms that are relatively minor. Some of the symptoms it may treat, temporarily, include:
- Minor aches and pains
- Minor sore throat
- Headache
- Congestion (both nasal and sinus)
- Cough resulting from bronchial irritation and minor throat irritation
- May also temporarily relieve fever
This Theraflu common cold treatment should be taken every four hours while there are symptoms, but the manufacturers warn users not to take more than 5 packets in 24 hours. The contents are dissolved in eight ounces of hot water, and the entire drink should be taken within about 10 to 15 minutes.
The flavors of this medicine for cold symptoms include berry, green tea, and menthol.
Ingredients and Considerations
This common cold treatment includes three active ingredients. Each packet contains acetaminophen, which is included for pain relief and to reduce fever. Dextromethorphan is a cough suppressant, and phenylephrine is a nasal decongestant. This kind of Theraflu also contains potassium, which can help if you’re dehydrated from sickness.
Since this product does contain acetaminophen, it is important for users to be very conscious of how much they’re taking in a 24-hour period and if they’re taking any other medicines that also contain this ingredient. It’s also important that users don’t drink because of the possible liver complications that can occur when acetaminophen is paired with alcohol.
One of the big reasons this best cold medicine for adults is included on this ranking is because of the good reviews it gets from users. For example, on the Theraflu website, users say they enjoy the fact that it’s a simple-yet-powerful medicine, and it works even when other medications haven’t had an impact on their symptoms.
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NyQuil™ Cold & Flu Nighttime Relief LiquiCaps™ Review
NyQuil™ Cold & Flu Nighttime Relief LiquiCaps™ are from the NyQuil™ brand, which is well-known in terms of offering some of the best cold remedy options, the best cough syrup for adults, and the overall best cold medicine products. The goal of this particular best medicine for cold symptoms is to provide relief for people suffering with symptoms of the cold and flu so they can rest.
This is different from the other names on this ranking of the best over-the-counter cold medicine products because it is designed specifically for nighttime use, and it has certain ingredients that make it easier for users to fall asleep. There is also a daytime formulation of this medication.
Key Factors That Led to Our Ranking of This as a Best Cold Remedy
NyQuil™ Cold & Flu Nighttime Relief LiquiCaps™ details and ingredients that led to their ranking on this list of the best remedy for cold symptoms are highlighted below.
What It’s Used for
As mentioned above, this best remedy for cold symptoms is unique from the other common cold treatment options on this ranking because it delivers nighttime relief. Some of the symptoms that may be relieved by this best cold remedy include fever, runny nose, sneezing, headache, sore throat, cough, and minor aches and pains.
Since NyQuil contains acetaminophen, it can help relieve a variety of pains, although it doesn’t necessarily cure them.
It should be noted that while this is a best cold medicine overall in terms of treating a variety of symptoms associated with colds, there are options specifically designed just for coughs.
Ingredients and Considerations
The ingredient that makes up the largest portion of this best medicine for cold symptoms is acetaminophen, which serves as a pain reliever and fever reducer. While it is effective for those purposes, it’s important to realize that this medicine contains that ingredient so you don’t take too much.
This medicine for cold symptoms also includes Dextromethorphan, which is a cough suppressant and Doxylamine which is an antihistamine. This best cold medicine comes in the form of LiquiCaps™. One of the primary reasons this is included on our ranking of the best cold medicine for adults is because of user reviews.
For example, customers often say this is one of the best over-the-counter cold medicine options available and that they would certainly recommend it to friends and family.
They said it works to provide relief quickly, and they also like the fact that it doesn’t contain pseudoephedrine, which is a common cold medicine ingredient that can make it very difficult to sleep.
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Conclusion—Top 6 Best Over-the-Counter Cold Medicine Products
No one wants to be hit with a cold, particularly if you have busy days at work to contend with or a family to take care of. It can take valuable time out of your life if you’re sneezing, congested, coughing, or generally uncomfortable.
It’s the desire to alleviate these symptoms that leads people to look for the best cold medicine and the best cold remedy.
Since there is no cure for the common cold, people turn to the best OTC cough medicine and the best over-the-counter cold medicine to help them feel better while they recover.
Important to consider when choosing the best medicine for cold symptoms are the active ingredients, possible side effects, user reviews, and the symptoms it’s specifically designed to address.
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