When you're hit with a cold or the flu, it's important to have the best symptom-relieving meds on hand. (DayQuil, NyQuil, Mucinex, Sudafed, Tylenol)
While a stuffy nose, scratchy throat and body aches can stop you in your tracks, the best cold medicine can help you bounce back faster and feel more like yourself. But facing packed drugstore shelves when you're already miserable can make finding relief yet another headache.
This common challenge affects millions. With the average adult catching two to three colds each year per the CDC, it's no wonder 93% of Americans reach for over-the-counter (OTC) medications before calling their doctor. And since the typical U.S. household spends over $300 annually on flu and common cold meds, choosing the right treatment isn't just about feeling better — it's about saving money too.
That's why we took the guesswork out of your next drugstore run. I first consulted primary care physicians and pharmacists to zero in on the best flu and cold symptom soothers out there, then I used my own experience as a nurse to narrow down the options. Read on to find the perfect match for feeling better fast. But remember: While the best cold and flu medicine can ease symptoms, you need to call your doctor if you have a fever or sore throat lasting more than three days, or if symptoms worsen or continue beyond two weeks.
Update, Aug. 27, 2025: We checked all product prices and availability. Our No. 1 pick for the best cold and flu medicine remains unchanged.
Active ingredients: Acetaminophen, dextromethorphan HBr, phenylephrine HCl | Symptoms relieved: Pain, fever, cough, nasal congestion
When cold symptoms strike in clusters — think congestion, body aches and coughing — DayQuil Cold & Flu rises to the challenge as our best overall cold medication. This daytime formula effectively tackles multiple symptoms while keeping you alert and functional, unlike its nighttime counterpart.
One satisfied Amazon reviewer wholeheartedly agrees, noting it's "absolutely the best OTC cold remedy. Not unpleasant-tasting and alcohol-free."
What's great about DayQuil is that it simplifies symptom management by combining key ingredients in one convenient dose. "A nondrowsy formula containing both a decongestant and pain reliever is crucial for daytime relief," says Jennifer Bourgeois, a pharmacy and health expert at SingleCare, an app-based prescription-saving service.
If you can't find DayQuil or you're looking to save money, Bourgeois suggests checking the active ingredients and dosages on alternative brands. Many generic options offer similar formulations at lower prices, helping you find effective relief that fits your budget and symptoms.
Summer Kerley, pharmacist and vice president of clinical operations at Rite Aid, breaks down which key ingredients to take note of:
Acetaminophen, ibuprofen or naproxen: For fever, aches and pains
Pseudoephedrine: For nasal congestion
Dextromethorphan: For a dry cough
Guaifenesin: For a wet cough with mucus
Antihistamines (cetirizine, loratadine or fexofenadine): For runny nose and watery eyes
But be aware that a popular decongestant ingredient (phenylephrine, which is found in DayQuil) has recently been deemed ineffective for nasal congestion by the FDA.
Active ingredients: Acetaminophen, dextromethorphan HBr, doxylamine succinate | Symptoms relieved: Pain, fever, cough, runny nose
When nighttime rolls around and cold symptoms threaten your sleep, NyQuil Cold & Flu comes to the rescue. Our top pick for best nighttime relief combines symptom-fighting power with sleep-promoting ingredients to help you rest and recover.
Cold and cough symptoms often intensify at night, making it harder to get the sleep your body needs for healing, explains Kerley. That's where NyQuil's special formula comes in. It contains an antihistamine (doxylamine) that not only helps you sleep, but also tackles runny noses and other bothersome symptoms. (Look for antihistamines like doxylamine and diphenhydramine in store brands too.)
Amazon reviewers swear by its effectiveness. "Great product," one writes. "It really tampers down your symptoms and lets you get some sleep while you heal."
For the best results, match the formula to your specific symptoms, and always check for potential interactions with any medications you regularly take. And remember: Because NyQuil (and DayQuil) have multiple ingredients, it's easy to accidentally take too much. Read labels carefully and be cautious about mixing meds.
Active ingredients: Guaifenesin | Symptoms relieved: Congestion
When chest congestion has you feeling heavy and stuffed, triggering constant coughing, Mucinex stands out as one of the best meds for cold symptoms. Its star ingredient, guaifenesin, works as an expectorant to thin and loosen mucus, which helps your cough become more productive as you clear your airways.
While recommending a cold med that can spur coughing seems counterintuitive, doctors support this approach: "I typically don't recommend cough suppressants. Instead, I encourage letting your cough do its job," says Bayo Curry-Winchell, MD, a family physician and medical director at Saint Mary's Urgent Care in Reno, Nev. That's because your body uses coughing to clear congestion, and the guaifenesin in Mucinex helps this natural process by thinning the mucus.
In contrast, cough suppressants like dextromethorphan might quiet your bothersome cough but won't help clear the congestion.
The proof is in the relief: "I had instant results within days," reports one five-star Amazon reviewer. "Good product and results."
Before adding Mucinex to your cart, ask yourself if this is the best cold medicine for the job, reminds Kerley. For mucus-producing coughs, guaifenesin's mucus-thinning action makes Mucinex ideal. But if you're dealing with a dry, persistent cough without chest congestion, try a suppressant like dextromethorphan instead.
Active ingredients: Dextromethorphan polistirex| Symptoms relieved: Cough
Delsym wears the crown for the OTC that's best for a dry cough. Its star compound (yes, it's a mouthful) dextromethorphan polistirex suppresses your cough reflex, making it ideal for quelling any annoying throat tickles. (For wet coughs, you'll need expectorants that help clear mucus.)
"Delsym liquid is one of the BEST cough suppressants ever and it works SO fast because the liquid is absorbed quickly," shares one newly cough-free customer. "It ONLY contains dextromethorphan, so it's safe to take it alone or with other meds such as Tylenol or whatever to treat other symptoms such as fever, pain etc."
For additional relief while on Delsym, Bourgeois suggests trying a lozenge that contains benzocaine or menthol, which can further soothe irritation and dryness caused by a dry cough.
Active ingredients: Pseudoephedrine HCl | Symptoms relieved: Congested nose
Our top pick to nix a congested nose is Sudafed Sinus Congestion 12-Hour. It relies on pseudoephedrine HCl to reduce swelling in your nasal tissues, which then helps to open your airways and ease mucus buildup. In short: It tackles congestion at its source — and it does an A+ job.
One five-star Amazon reviewer raved about this medicine for stuffed up nose: "I can breathe again. Miracles are real."
Because pseudoephedrine is chemically similar to amphetamines, it's a stimulant that can increase your heart rate or cause jitteriness, warns Curry-Winchell. That's also the reason Sudafed Sinus Congestion 12-Hour is only available behind the pharmacy counter. Though you don't need a prescription, you'll need to show ID, as federal law restricts pseudoephedrine purchases to prevent bulk buying for illegal drug production.
Because pseudoephedrine can keep you awake, nighttime decongestant formulas include sleep-inducing ingredients to counter the stimulant effects. For daytime use, look for nondrowsy formulations, says Curry-Winchell. But note a couple of potential drawbacks: Some seniors complain that the blister packs are tricky to open. And some find that Sudafed can irritate a dry cough or sore throat.
Active ingredients: Acetaminophen | Symptoms relieved: Pain and fever
When cold and flu symptoms leave you with a pounding headache, body aches and fever, Tylenol (acetaminophen) is what you need. Not only is it a proven fever reducer and pain reliever, it does it without irritating your stomach, making it a safe and versatile option for most people.
"These tablets work fast and are really the best ones that Tylenol has to offer," wrote one Amazon reviewer. "I've tried them all. You can't beat the price as well. They're easy to swallow. I highly recommend."
Its simplicity and broad use set Tylenol apart, but that doesn't mean you can pop it like candy. It's important to stay within the daily limit of 4,000 milligrams to avoid toxicity, says Curry-Winchell, though some recommend 3,000 milligrams or less to be extra safe.
Because Tylenol's active ingredient, acetaminophen, is commonly found in combination cold and flu meds, you need to double-check labels to make sure you're not exceeding the recommended dose.
While there's no cure for the common cold, you can ease symptoms while your body heals. Over-the-counter medications can help, but Mayo Clinic experts recommend these proven natural cold and flu remedies, especially for those managing other medical conditions or prescriptions:
Saline nasal drops and rinses for congestion
Lukewarm baths or cool compresses to reduce fever
Water, electrolytes and herbal teas for hydration
Saltwater gargles for sore throat relief
Honey to soothe a sore throat (if over age 1)
A cool-mist humidifier to help ease stuffiness
These simple remedies have stood the test of time and scientific scrutiny. However, when it comes to other natural cold remedies, the evidence is less clear. Plus, none are FDA-approved. Always consult your health care provider before trying alternative approaches, especially if you take other medications or have underlying conditions. With that, here are a few of the most commonly used natural cold and flu remedies and what science says about them:
Elderberry: Rich in antioxidants and vitamins, it's thought that elderberries may help soothe cold and flu symptoms by reducing congestion and possibly making you sweat more. While some studies suggest its extracts and syrups can fight viruses, research remains inconclusive.
Zinc: This mineral plays a vital role in immune function, but research on its cold-fighting powers is mixed. While some studies suggest it may shorten colds, others show no benefit.
Echinacea: Available in teas, supplements or tinctures, this herb may slightly reduce cold symptoms if taken when symptoms first appear. However, research is mixed on its effectiveness.
With drugstores and grocery aisles full of OTC cold and flu medications, picking the right one can feel like a guessing game. The trick is to ensure the product matches your specific symptoms and situation. Here's what to consider when choosing the best cold medicine for you:
Symptoms: Select a product that specifically targets your symptoms, such as congestion, sore throat or cough. Don't use a combination medicine if you don't need it all, says Kerley.
Active ingredients: Check the label for active ingredients to ensure you're not doubling up on medications if you take multiple products.
Brand choice: While reputable brands are reliable, ask your pharmacist about generic versions. They often contain identical active ingredients at lower prices.
Form of medication: Pick what works best for you — tablets, liquids, capsules or dissolvable powders.
Age and dosage: Ensure the product is appropriate for the user's age and follow the dosage instructions carefully, using only the included dosing device.
Potential interactions: Consider how the medicine may interact with your OTC or prescription medications and supplements. When in doubt, consult your doctor or pharmacist.
Underlying conditions: Consult a health care professional if you have a chronic condition like high blood pressure, diabetes or heart issues, as some cold medicines may be unsafe.
Allergies or sensitivities: Check for ingredients that might trigger allergies or sensitivities, such as dyes, preservatives and artificial flavors.
Drowsiness effects: Be aware of whether the medicine may cause drowsiness or interfere with daily activities, especially if you need to drive or work.
To find the best cold and flu remedies, I first tapped my own expertise as a registered nurse who has seen countless patients suffer through cold and flu season. Next, I consulted pharmacists and medical doctors to discuss not only the most effective symptom-soothing ingredients, but also the ones backed by solid research with the strongest safety profile. Together, we carefully evaluated both over-the-counter and natural options, considering their effectiveness and potential side effects. After examining real-world experiences, this practical approach helped us zero in on the best cold and flu remedies worth adding to your medicine cabinet.
No, there is no cure for the common cold or flu. OTC medications are designed to ease symptoms, providing relief while the body fights off the illness. They won't cure, prevent or shorten how long your illness lasts.
While you can combine different medicines to target specific symptoms, be careful not to double up on active ingredients like acetaminophen, which can be dangerous. Many combination products that treat multiple symptoms are safer and more convenient than taking several separate medicines. When in doubt, check labels carefully or ask your pharmacist.
No. For example, children younger than 6 years old should not use over-the-counter cold medications. And those with unique health needs or folks taking other medications or supplements should exercise caution as well. Consult your provider to ensure any OTC or natural remedy you choose is safe and won't interfere with any preexisting conditions or medications you're already using.
Common side effects include dry mouth and jitteriness. Some cold medicines act as stimulants that may leave you wired, while others can make you drowsy. Read labels carefully to choose products that won't interfere with your daily activities.
Always follow the dosage and duration instructions on the label. Beyond that, if your fever or sore throat lasts more than three days, or if symptoms worsen or continue beyond two weeks, reach out to your health care provider. Do the same if you experience any unpleasant side effects.
Mucinex InstaSoothe Sore Throat Lozenges: The combo of honey and research-backed hexylresorcinol proves to be an effective sore throat soother. They're also menthol-free, which is a win for many who dislike that cooling sensation. Note that these drops contain corn syrup and artificial colors.
Tylenol Cold + Head Congestion Severe: Acetaminophen tackles fever and body aches, while guaifenesin helps break up chest congestion in this version of Tylenol. But be aware that its decongestant (phenylephrine) has recently been deemed ineffective for nasal congestion by the FDA.
Mucinex Fast-Max Cold & Flu Medicine: Yes, another Mucinex product! When regular Mucinex won't cut it, Bourgeois suggests this version. It contains numerous active ingredients that work together to relieve pain, quell cough, clear chest congestion and thin mucus — nearly everything you need when you need everything! (Just know, it also contains phenylephrine.)
Jennifer Bourgeois, PharmD, a pharmacy and health expert for SingleCare
Bayo Curry-Winchell, MD, a family physician and medical director at Saint Mary's Urgent Care in Reno, Nev.
Summer Kerley, PharmD, pharmacist and vice president of clinical operations at Rite Aid
Our health content is for informational purposes only and is not intended as professional medical advice. Consult a medical professional on questions about your health.
