Compare self-care over-the-counter OTC cold and flu medicines

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	Ingredients	Use For	Onset	Duration	Pros	Cons	Our Take	User Votes	Avg. Cost
Tylenol Cold + Flu®	TYLENOL® Cold + Flu Severe Day/Night Caplets (Daytime): Acetaminophen 325 mg, Dextromethorphan HBr 10 mg, Guaifenesin 200 mg, Phenylephrine HCI 5 mg per caplet. Caplets (Nighttime): Acetaminophen 325 mg, Chlorpheniramine maleate 2 mg, Dextromethorphan HBr 10 mg, Phenylephrine HCI 5 mg per caplet. TYLENOL® Cold + Flu Severe Caplets: Acetaminophen 325 mg, Dextromethorphan HBr 10 mg, Guaifenesin 200 mg, Phenylephrine HCl 5 mg in each caplet. Liquid: Acetaminophen 325 mg, Dextromethorphan HBr 10 mg, Guaifenesin 200 mg, Phenylephrine HCl 5 mg in each 15 mL TYLENOL® Cold Max Daytime Caplets: Acetaminophen 325 mg, Dextromethorphan HBr 10 mg, Phenylephrine HCl 5 mg in each caplet. TYLENOL® Cold + Head Severe Caplets: Acetaminophen 325 mg, Guaifenesin 200 mg, Phenylephrine 5 mg / caplet. TYLENOL® Sinus + Headache Daytime Caplets Acetaminophen 325 mg, Phenylephrine HCl 5 mg in each caplet. TYLENOL® Sinus Severe Daytime Caplets Acetaminophen 325 mg, Guaifenesin 200 mg, Phenylephrine HCl 5 mg in each caplet. TYLENOL® Cold Max Nighttime Liquid (Cool Burst): Acetaminophen 325 mg, Dextromethorphan HBr 10 mg, Doxylamine succinate 6.25 mg, Phenylephrine HCl 5 mg in each 15 mL TYLENOL® Cold + Mucus Severe COOL BURST® Liquid: Acetaminophen 325 mg, Dextromethorphan HBr 10 mg, Guaifenesin 200 mg, Phenylephrine HCl 5 mg in each 15 mL TYLENOL® Cold Max Daytime Citrus Burst Liquid: Acetaminophen 325 mg, Dextromethorphan HBr 10 mg, Phenylephrine HCl 5 mg in each 15 mL TYLENOL® Cold + Sore Throat COOL BURST® Liquid Acetaminophen 500 mg in each 15mL	Depending on ingredients - Temporarily relieves these common cold/flu symptoms: Minor aches and pains, headache, sore throat, nasal congestion, cough, sinus congestion and pressure, helps clear nasal passages, promotes nasal and sinus drainage, fever.	30 mins average. Depending on symptoms. Headache usually goes first. If nose still stuffed up after 1 hour, that means it is not working. Get a decongestant nasal spray for relief.	4 to 6 hours	We particularly like the Liquid Cool Bursts® formulations. Especially the one for sore throat. It has a unique blend that soothes the throat for adequate relief. Stick to brand name. Store brands do not have this unique blend and do not work the same. Trust us. Tylenol did not pay us for this. It is our duty to give you the right information.	Not as effective for stuffy nose as preparations containing pseudoephedrine. If mainly stuffy nose, prefer medications with pseudoephedrine or get a decongestant nasal spray.	Take this if headache is the main cold symptom you are experiencing. For Tylenol Cold + Sore Throat®, Stick with the brand name. Store brands not as effective and varies from store to store.	Did this medication help you? 0% (0 out of 0) found medication helpful. What about you?	Retail Pharmacy Price: $9.99
Vicks®	NYQUIL™ COLD & FLU NIGHTTIME RELIEF LIQUICAPS™ Acetaminophen 325 mg, Dextromethorphan HBr 15 mg, Doxylamine succinate 6.25 mg in each liquicaps. NYQUIL™ SEVERE COLD & FLU CAPLETS Acetaminophen 325 mg, Dextromethorphan HBr 10 mg, Doxylamine succinate 6.25 mg, Phenylephrine HCl 5 mg in each caplet. NYQUIL™/DAYQUIL™ COLD & FLU RELIEF LIQUICAPS™ Nyquil: Acetaminophen 325 mg, Dextromethorphan HBr 15 mg, Doxylamine succinate 6.25 mg in each LiquiCap™. LIQUICAPS™ Dayquil: Acetaminophen 325 mg, Dextromethorphan HBr 10 mg in each LiquiCap™. DAYQUIL™ COLD & FLU RELIEF LIQUICAPS™ Acetaminophen 325 mg, Dextromethorphan HBr 10 mg, Phenylephrine HCl 5 mg in each Liquicap. DAYQUIL™ SEVERE COLD & FLU RELIEF CAPLETS Acetaminophen 325 mg, Dextromethorphan HBr 10 mg, Guaifenesin 200 mg, Phenylephrine HCl 5 mg in each caplet. DAYQUIL™ HBP COLD & FLU LiquiCaps Acetaminophen 650 mg, Dextromethorphan HBr 30 mg in each LiquiCap. NYQUIL™ COLD & FLU NIGHTTIME RELIEF LIQUID Acetaminophen 650 mg, Dextromethorphan HBr 30 mg, Doxylamine succinate 12.5 mg in each 30 mL. NYQUIL™ SEVERE COLD & FLU RELIEF LIQUID Acetaminophen 650 mg, Dextromethorphan HBr 20 mg, Doxylamine succinate 12.5 mg, Phenylephrine HCl 10 mg in each 30 mL NYQUIL™ HBP COLD & FLU Liquid Acetaminophen 650 mg, Dextromethorphan HBr 30 mg, Doxylamine succinate 12.5 mg in each 30 mL. DAYQUIL™ COLD & FLU RELIEF LIQUID Acetaminophen 325 mg, Dextromethorphan HBr 10 mg, Phenylephrine HCl 5 mg in each 15 mL. DAYQUIL™ SEVERE COLD & FLU RELIEF LIQUID Acetaminophen 325 mg, Dextromethorphan HBr 10 mg, Guaifenesin 200 mg, Phenylephrine HCl 5 mg in each 15 mL.	Depending on ingredient, temporarily relieves common cold/flu symptoms: Nasal congestion, Sinus congestion & pressure, Cough, Minor aches & pains, Headache, Fever, Sore throat, Runny nose & sneezing, swelling of nasal passages.	About 30 minutes	Every 4 to 6 hours	Popular for night time cold symptoms.	Not as effective for stuffy nose compared to preparations with pseudoephedrine or decongestant nasal spray.	If severe stuffy nose, you may have to combine this with a decongestant nasal spray for adequate relief of stuffy nose. Good for night time cough. But will not help with stuffy nose.	Did this medication help you? 0% (0 out of 0) found medication helpful. What about you?	- - - -
Sudafed PE®	SUDAFED PE® PRESSURE+PAIN+COLD Caplet: Acetaminophen 325 mg, Dextromethorphan HBr 10 mg, Guaifenesin 100 mg, Phenylephrine HCl 5 mg in each caplet. SUDAFED PE® PRESSURE+PAIN+COUGH Caplet: Acetaminophen 325 mg, Dextromethorphan HBr 10 mg, Phenylephrine HCl 5 mg in each caplet. SUDAFED PE® PRESSURE+PAIN+MUCUS Caplet: Acetaminophen 325 mg, Guaifenesin 200 mg, Phenylephrine HCl 5 mg in each caplet.	Depending on the ingredients, temporarily relieves these symptoms due to the common cold: Nasal congestion, headache, minor aches and pains, cough, sore throat, fever, helps loosen phlegm (mucus).	About 30 mins. If it's past 1 hour and no relief for stuffy nose, get a decongestant nasal spray. Don't wait. It means it is not working.	4 to 6 hours	Get Sudafed® behind the pharmacy counter if you have stuffy nose and sinus pressure or pain and want to breathe.	We can only recommend Sudafed® behind the pharmacy counter.	- - - -	Did this medication help you? 0% (0 out of 0) found medication helpful. What about you?	- - - -
Theraflu®	Theraflu® ExpressMax® Daytime Severe Cold & Cough Caplets Acetaminophen 325mg, Dextromethorphan HBr 10mg, Phenylephrine HCl 5 mg in each caplet. Theraflu® ExpressMax® Nighttime Severe Cold & Cough Caplets Acetaminophen 325 mg, Diphenhydramine HCI 12.5mg, Phenylephrine HCl 5 mg in each caplet. Theraflu® ExpressMax®Severe Cold & Flu Caplets Acetaminophen 325 mg, Dextromethorphan HBr 10 mg, Guaifenesin 200mg, Phenylephrine HCl 5 mg in each caplet. Theraflu® Multi-Symptom Severe Cold Hot Liquid Powder Acetaminophen 500 mg, Dextromethorphan HBr 20mg, Phenylephrine HCl 10mg in each packet. Theraflu® Nighttime Multi-Symptom Severe Cold Hot Liquid Powder Acetaminophen 500mg, Diphenhydramine HCl 25 mg, Phenylephrine HCl 10mg in each packet. Theraflu® Daytime Severe Cold & Cough Hot Liquid Powder Acetaminophen 650mg, Dextromethorphan HBr 20mg, Phenylephrine HCl 10mg in each packet. Theraflu® Nighttime Severe Cold & Cough Hot Liquid Powder Acetaminophen 650 mg, Diphenhydramine HCI 25 mg, Phenylephrine HCl 10mg in each packet. Theraflu® Flu & Sore Throat Hot Liquid Powder Acetaminophen 650mg, Pheniramine maleate 20mg, Phenylephrine HCl 10mg in each packet. Theraflu® ExpressMax®Severe Cold & Flu Syrup Acetaminophen 650mg, Dextromethorphan HBr 20mg, Guaifenesin 400mg, Phenylephrine HCl 10mg in each 30 ml. Theraflu® ExpressMax® Daytime Severe Cold & Cough Syrup Acetaminophen 650mg, Dextromethorphan HBr 20mg, Phenylephrine HCl 10mg in each 30 ml. Theraflu® ExpressMax® Nighttime Severe Cold & Cough Syrup Acetaminophen 650 mg, Diphenhydramine HCl 25 mg, Phenylephrine HCl 10 mg in each 30 ml. Theraflu® ExpressMax® Flu, Cough & Sore Throat Syrup Acetaminophen 650 mg, Diphenhydramine HCl 25 mg, Phenylephrine HCl 10 mg in each 30 ml.	Depending on the ingredients, temporarily relieves these symptoms due to a cold: Minor aches and pains, minor sore throat pain, headache, nasal and sinus congestion, cough, fever	Average 30 minutes.	Every 4 to 6 hours	Packet in hot water as vehicle helps open the sinuses and thin mucus faster compared with pills or syrups.	Theraflu® Max-D was very good. Don't know when it will become available.	Prefer the packets in hot water . It opens the sinuses and thin mucus faster than pills or syrups.	Did this medication help you? 0% (0 out of 0) found medication helpful. What about you?	- - - -
Alka-Seltzer Plus®	ALKA-SELTZER® PLUS NIGHT COLD & FLU LIQUID GELS Acetaminophen 325 mg, Dextromethorphan hydrobromide 10 mg, Doxylamine succinate 6.25 mg, Phenylephrine hydrochloride 5 mg in each capsule. ALKA-SELTZER® PLUS DAY COLD & FLU LIQUID GELS Acetaminophen 325 mg, Dextromethorphan hydrobromide 10 mg, Phenylephrine hydrochloride 5 mg in each capsule. ALKA-SELTZER® PLUS COLD & COUGH LIQUID GELS Acetaminophen 325 mg, Chlorpheniramine maleate 2 mg, Dextromethorphan hydrobromide 10 mg, Phenylephrine hydrochloride 5 mg in each capsule. ALKA-SELTZER® PLUS SEVERE COUGH, MUCUS & CONGESTION DAY LIQUID GELS Acetaminophen 250 mg, Dextromethorphan hydrobromide 10 mg, Guaifenesin 200 mg, Phenylephrine hydrochloride 5 mg in each capsule. ALKA-SELTZER® PLUS SEVERE COUGH, MUCUS & CONGESTION NIGHT LIQUID GELS Acetaminophen 250 mg, Dextromethorphan hydrobromide 10 mg, Doxylamine succinate 6.25 mg, Phenylephrine hydrochloride 5 mg in each capsule. ALKA-SELTZER® PLUS SEVERE SINUS, COLD & COUGH LIQUID GELS Acetaminophen 250 mg, Dextromethorphan hydrobromide 10 mg, Guaifenesin 200 mg, Phenylephrine hydrochloride 5 mg in each capsule. ALKA-SELTZER PLUS SEVERE SINUS, ALLERGY & COUGH LIQUID GELS Acetaminophen 325 mg, Dextromethorphan hydrobromide 10 mg, Doxylamine succinate 6.25 mg, Phenylephrine hydrochloride 5 mg in each capsule. ALKA-SELTZER PLUS SEVERE SINUS CONGESTION & COUGH DAY & NIGHT LIQUID GELS Acetaminophen 325 mg, Dextromethorphan hydrobromide 10 mg, Phenylephrine hydrochloride 5 mg ( + Doxylamine succinate 6.25 mg fro nighttime) in each capsule. ALKA-SELTZER PLUS MULTI-SYMPTOM COLD & COUGH EFFERVESCENT TABLETS Aspirin 325 mg (NSAID), Chlorpheniramine maleate 2 mg, Dextromethorphan hydrobromide 10 mg, Phenylephrine bitartrate 7.8 mg in each tablet. ALKA-SELTZER PLUS MULTI-SYMPTOM COLD NIGHT EFFERVESCENT TABLETS Aspirin 500 mg (NSAID), Dextromethorphan hydrobromide 10 mg, Doxylamine succinate 6.25 mg, Phenylephrine bitartrate 7.8 mg in each tablet. ALKA-SELTZER PLUS COLD SPARKLING ORIGINAL EFFERVESCENT TABLETS Aspirin 325 mg (NSAID), Chlorpheniramine maleate 2 mg, Phenylephrine bitartrate 7.8 mg in each tablet. ALKA-SELTZER PLUS SEVERE COLD & FLU EFFERVESCENT TABLETS Acetaminophen 250 mg, Chlorpheniramine maleate 2 mg, Dextromethorphan hydrobromide 10 mg, Phenylephrine hydrochloride 5 mg in each tablet. ALKA-SELTZER PLUS SEVERE COLD + FLU DAY Hot Drink Mix Acetaminophen 500 mg, Dextromethorphan hydrobromide 20 mg, Guaifenesin 400 mg, Phenylephrine hydrochloride 10 mg in each packet. ALKA-SELTZER PLUS SEVERE COLD + FLU NIGHT Hot Drink Mix Acetaminophen 650 mg, Dextromethorphan hydrobromide 20 mg, Doxylamine succinate 12.5 mg, Phenylephrine hydrochloride 10 mg in each packet.	Depending on the ingredients, temporarily relieves these symptoms due to a cold or flu: Minor aches and pains, headache, nasal and sinus congestion, cough, sore throat, runny nose , sneezing, fever.	30 mins average	4 to 6 hours	Effervescent tablets for people who cannot swallow tablets. Choice between aspirin or acetaminophen. Know that effervescent tablets contain aspirin (except for severe cold & flu), liquid-gels contain acetaminophen.	Hard to tell which product contain Aspirin or Acetaminophen without reading the ingredients. Wish they had acronyms like ASP, APAP, HBP and so on to tell which is aspirin, acetaminophen, blood pressure.	--- Know that effervescent tablets contain aspirin. Not for use in children less than 12 yrs of age.	Did this medication help you? 0% (0 out of 0) found medication helpful. What about you?	- - - -
Mucinex® Fast-Max	Mucinex Fast-Max Cold, Flu & Sore Throat Caplets Acetaminophen 325 mg, Dextromethorphan HBr 10 mg, Guaifenesin 200 mg, Phenylephrine HCl 5 mg in each caplet. Mucinex® Fast-Max® Severe Congestion & Cough Caplets Dextromethorphan HBr 10 mg, Guaifenesin 200 mg, Phenylephrine HCl 5 mg in each caplet. Mucinex Day Time Congestion & Cough + Night Time Cold & Flu Caplets Mucinex Fast-Max Day Time Severe Congestion & Cough: Dextromethorphan HBr 10 mg, Guaifenesin 200 mg, Phenylephrine HCl 5 mg in each caplet. Mucinex Fast-Max Night Time Cold & Flu: Acetaminophen 325 mg, Diphenhydramine HCl 12.5 mg, Phenylephrine HCl 5 mg in each caplet. Mucinex® Fast-Max® Day Severe Cold & Night Cold & Flu Caplets Mucinex FAST-MAX DAY TIME Severe Cold: Acetaminophen 325 mg, Dextromethorphan HBr 10 mg, Guaifenesin 200 mg, Phenylephrine HCl 5 mg in each caplet. Mucinex FAST-MAX NIGHT TIME Cold & Flu: Acetaminophen 325 mg, Diphenhydramine HCl 25 mg, Phenylephrine HCl 5 mg in each caplet. MUCINEX® Fast-Max® Severe Cold Caplets Acetaminophen 325 mg, Dextromethorphan HBr 10 mg, Guaifenesin 200 mg, Phenylephrine HCl 5 mg in each caplet. MUCINEX® Fast-Max® Congestion & Headache Caplets Acetaminophen 325 mg, Guaifenesin 200 mg, Phenylephrine HCl 5 mg in each caplet. Mucinex® Fast-Max® Cold, Flu & Sore Throat Liquid Gels Acetaminophen 325 mg, Dextromethorphan HBr 10 mg, Guaifenesin 200 mg, Phenylephrine HCl 5 mg in each Liquid gel. Mucinex® Fast-Max® Day Severe Cold & Night Cold & Flu Liquid Gels Day: Acetaminophen 325 mg, Dextromethorphan HBr 10 mg, Guaifenesin 200 mg, Phenylephrine HCl 5 mg in each liquid gel. Night: Acetaminophen 325 mg, Dextromethorphan HBr 10 mg, Doxylamine succinate 6.25 mg, Phenylephrine HCl 5 mg in each liquid gel. Mucinex® Fast-Max® Night Time Cold & Flu Liquid Gels Acetaminophen 325 mg, Dextromethorphan HBr 10 mg, Doxylamine Succinate 6.25 mg, Phenylephrine HCl 5 mg in each liquid gel. MUCINEX® Fast-Max® Severe Cold Liquid Gels Acetaminophen 325 mg, Dextromethorphan HBr 10 mg, Guaifenesin 200 mg, Phenylephrine HCl 5 mg in each liquid gel. MUCINEX® Fast-Max® Congestion & Headache Liquid Gels Acetaminophen 325 mg, Dextromethorphan HBr 200 mg, Phenylephrine HCl 5 mg in each liquid gel. Mucinex® Fast-Max® Cold, Flu & Sore Throat Liquid Acetaminophen 650 mg, Dextromethorphan HBr 20 mg, Guaifenesin 400 mg, Phenylephrine HCl 10 mg in each 20 ml. Mucinex® Fast-Max® Clear & Cool, Severe Congestion & Cough Liquid Dextromethorphan HBr 20 mg, Guaifenesin 400 mg, Phenylephrine HCl 10 mg in each 20 ml. Mucinex® Fast-Max® Clear & Cool, Cold, Flu & Sore Throat Liquid Acetaminophen 650 mg, Dextromethorphan HBr 20 mg, Guaifenesin 400 mg, Phenylephrine HCl 10 mg in each 20 ml. Mucinex® Fast-Max® Night Time Cold & Flu Liquid Acetaminophen 650 mg, Diphenhydramine HCl 25 mg, Phenylephrine HCl 10 mg in each 20 ml. Mucinex® Fast-Max® Severe Congestion & Cough Liquid Dextromethorphan HBr 20 mg, Guaifenesin 400 mg, Phenylephrine HCl 10 mg in each 20 ml. Mucinex® Fast-Max® DM Max Liquid Dextromethorphan HBr 20 mg, Guaifenesin 400 mg in each 20 ml MUCINEX® Fast-Max® Severe Cold Liquid Acetaminophen 650 mg, Dextromethorphan HBr 20 mg, Guaifenesin 400 mg, Phenylephrine HCl 10 mg in each 20 ml. MUCINEX® Fast-Max® Congestion & Headache Liquid Acetaminophen 650 mg, Guaifenesin 400 mg, Phenylephrine HCl 10 mg in each 20 ml.	Depending on ingredients, temporarily relieves these common cold and flu symptoms: Nasal congestion ■ minor aches and pains ■ headache ■ cough■ sore throat ■ runny nose and sneezing■ fever	About 30 mins.	Every 4 to 6 hours	The cool burst is great if you have nasal and sinus congestion. But you have to be a fan of mint flavor to try it.	Stay away from the clear and cool if you don't like mint flavor. May be too minty and make you want to throw up.	A good choice if you have chest congestion and cough along with other cold symptoms. But we still recommend Mucinex D behind the pharmacy counter if you have nasal and chest congestion.	Did this medication help you? 0% (0 out of 0) found medication helpful. What about you?	- - - -
Mucinex D®	Regular: Guaifenesin 600 mg, Pseudoephedrine HCL 60 mg in each tablet Maximum Strength: Guaifenesin 1200 mg, Pseudoephedrine HCL 120 mg in each tablet	Temporarily relieves nasal congestion due to: Common cold ■ hay fever ■ upper respiratory allergies■ promotes nasal and/or sinus drainage■ sinus congestion and pressure.	About 30 minutes	10 to 12 hours	High dose of guaifenesin in a sustained release form. Sustained release form gradually loosen dried mucus which you can cough out as the medication continues to work.	Need a government issued ID to get it at the pharmacy counter Maximum strength may be too big to swallow if you have a sore throat. Can be expensive Does not contain a cough suppressant like Mucinex DM.	Must continue to drink lots of water while using this medication for maximum effectiveness Prefer the regular strength to the maximum strength due to tablet size - especially if you also have a sore throat. Reserve this for the last stage of a cold to thin and expectorate the dried up mucus. Do not get this at the beginning of a cold	Did this medication help you? 0% (0 out of 0) found medication helpful. What about you?	- - - -
Advil®	Cold & sinus Ibuprofen 200 mg, Pseudoephedrine HCL 30 mg in each tablet or liquid gel. Allergy Sinus Ibuprofen 200 mg, Pseudoephedrine HCL 30 mg, Chlorpheniramine maleate 2 mg in each caplet. Sinus Congestion and Pain Ibuprofen 200 mg, Phenylephrine HCL 10 mg in each tablet. Allergy & Congestion Relief Ibuprofen 200 mg, Phenylephrine HCL 10 mg, Chlorpheniramine maleate 4 mg in each tablet.	Depending on ingredient, temporarily relieves these symptoms associated with hay fever or other upper respiratory allergies and the common cold: Runny nose, itchy, watery eyes, itching of the nose or throat, sneezing, nasal congestion, sinus pressure, headache, minor body aches & pains, fever	30 minutes	6 to 8 hours	Anti inflammatory properties helps with inflamed sinuses and pain	Stick with those behind the pharmacy counter that contain pseudoephedrine	Ask for the first two with pseudoephedrine at the pharmacy counter. They are more effective for sinus pressure and stuffy nose.	Did this medication help you? 0% (0 out of 0) found medication helpful. What about you?	- - - -
Aleve-D®	Aleve-D Sinus & Cold Naproxen sodium 220 mg (naproxen 200 mg)(NSAID), Pseudoephedrine HCl 120 mg in each caplet. Aleve-D Sinus & Headache Naproxen sodium 220 mg (naproxen 200 mg)(NSAID), Pseudoephedrine HCl 120 mg in each caplet.	--- Headache, Body Aches --- Stuffy Nose --- Sinus Pressure and Pain	30 minutes	8 to 12 hours average	Require less daily dosing compared to competition.	Sinus and Cold, Sinus and Headache --- All the same thing. Not for runny nose, cough or chest congestion relief.	Take this if you are experiencing mainly sinus pressure and pain with stuffy nose. Will not work with runny nose, cough or chest congestion	Did this medication help you? 0% (0 out of 0) found medication helpful. What about you?	- - - -
Contac®	Contac® Cold + Flu Day Acetaminophen 500mg, Phenylephrine HCL 5mg in each caplet. Contac® Cold + Flu Night Acetaminophen 500mg, Chlorpheniramine maleate 2mg, Phenylephrine HCL 5mg in each caplet. Contac® Cold + Flu Night Cooling Relief Liquid Acetaminophen 500mg, Dextromethorphan HBr 15 mg, Doxylamine succinate 6.25 mg in each 15 ml.	Depending on ingredients, temporarily relieves common cold/flu symptoms: headache, cough, fever, sore throat, runny nose and sneezing, minor aches and pains	30 minutes	4 to 6 hours	Simple product line. Good reviews.	- - - -	Keeping the product line simple is a plus for people who like Contac® before the cold medicine reformulations.	Did this medication help you? 0% (0 out of 0) found medication helpful. What about you?	- - - -
Coricidin HBP®	CORICIDIN® HBP CHEST CONGESTION & COUGH Dextromethorphan HBR 10 mg, Guaifenesin 200 mg in each softgel. CORICIDIN® HBP COLD & FLU Acetaminophen 325 mg, Chlorpheniramine maleate 2mg in each tablet. CORICIDIN® HBP COUGH & COLD Chlorpheniramine maleate 4mg, Dextromethorphan HBR 30 mg in each tablet. CORICIDIN® HBP MAXIMUM STRENGTH FLU Acetaminophen 500 mg, Chlorpheniramine maleate 2mg, Dextromethorphan HBR 15 mg in each tablet. CORICIDIN® HBP DAY & NIGHT MULTI-SYMPTOM COLD DAY: Dextromethorphan HBR 10 mg, Guaifenesin 200 mg in each softgel. NIGHT: Acetaminophen 500 mg, Chlorpheniramine maleate 2mg, Dextromethorphan HBR 15 mg in each softgel. CORICIDIN® HBP NIGHTTIME MULTI-SYMPTOM COLD Liquid Acetaminophen 325 mg, Dextromethorphan HBR 15 mg, Doxylamine succinate 6.25 mg in each 15 ml.	Depending on ingredients, temporary relief of cold symptoms of: Chest Congestion, Cough, Runny Nose, Sneezing, Cough, Body Aches and Pains, Fever, Headache, Sore Throat.	30 minutes	4 to 6 hours	Decongestant free for people with high blood pressure. But don't depend on it if you have nasal congestion. Key word is decongestant free!	No good if you have stuffy nose.	If you have high blood pressure and nasal congestion: Borderline or Controlled? Go with Pseudoephedrine Extended Release kept behind the pharmacy counter if you want to breathe at night. If you cannot breathe, your blood pressure is going to go up anyway. Do not get the immediate release (red pills). This push all the pseudoephedrine in the blood at once and will produce a spike in blood pressure and heart rate. If the pharmacy is closed, go with decongestant nasal spray. But not for more than 2 days. Make sure you take your blood pressure medicine! (Warning: Skip this if you have heart beat problems). Not Controlled? Use Saline nasal spray or Neti-pot.	Did this medication help you? 0% (0 out of 1) found medication helpful. What about you?	- - - -
Mucinex® Sinus Max	Mucinex® Sinus-Max® Pressure & Pain Caplets Acetaminophen 325 mg, Guaifenesin 200 mg, Phenylephrine HCl 5 mg in each caplet. Mucinex® Sinus-Max® Severe Congestion Relief Caplets Acetaminophen 325 mg, Guaifenesin 200 mg, Phenylephrine HCl 5 mg in each caplet. Mucinex® Sinus-Max® Severe Congestion Pain Liquid Gels Acetaminophen 325 mg, Dextromethorphan HBr 10mg, Phenylephrine HCl 5mg in each liquid gel. Mucinex® Sinus-Max® Pressure & Pain Liquid Acetaminophen 650 mg, Guaifenesin 400 mg, Phenylephrine HCl 10 mg in each 20 ml Mucinex® Sinus-Max® Severe Congestion Relief Liquid Acetaminophen 650 mg, Guaifenesin 400 mg, Phenylephrine HCl 10 mg in each 20 ml. Mucinex® Sinus-Max® Night Time Congestion & Cough Liquid Acetaminophen 650 mg, Diphenhydramine HCl 25 mg, Phenylephrine HCl 10 mg in each 20 ml. Mucinex® Sinus-Max® Clear & Cool, Severe Congestion Relief Liquid Acetaminophen 650 mg, Guaifenesin 400 mg, Phenylephrine HCl 10 mg in each 20 ml.	Depending on the ingredients, temporarily relieves: Nasal congestion ■ headache ■ minor aches and pains ■ cough ■ sinus congestion and pressure ■ runny nose and sneezing ■ temporarily promotes nasal and/or sinus drainage	30 mins.	4 to 6 hours	- - - -	Too many products to choose from. Sinus Max, Fast Max, what the heck?	- - - -	Did this medication help you? 0% (0 out of 0) found medication helpful. What about you?	- - - -
Robitussin® Cold	SEVERE MULTI-SYMPTOM COUGH COLD + FLU Liquid Acetaminophen 650 mg, Dextromethorphan HBr 20 mg, Guaifenesin 400 mg, Phenylephrine HCl 10 mg in each 20 ml . SEVERE MULTI-SYMPTOM COUGH COLD + FLU NIGHTTIME Liquid Acetaminophen 650 mg, Diphenhydramine HCl 25 mg, Phenylephrine HCl, 10 mg in each 20 ml. SEVERE COUGH + SORE THROAT Liquid Acetaminophen 650 mg, Dextromethorphan HBr 20 mg in each 20 ml. MULTI-SYMPTOM COLD CF Liquid Dextromethorphan HBr 20 mg, Guaifenesin 200 mg, Phenylephrine HCl 10 mg in each 10 ml.	Depending on ingredients, temporarily relieves: Cough, Nasal Congestion, Chest Congestion, Sore Throat, Body Ache, Fever.	30 mins.	4 to 6 hours	- - - -	May be expensive for the tiny size.	Robitussin is know for cough. Know that this has acetaminophen in a high dose (650mg). Do not take with acetaminophen.	Did this medication help you? 0% (0 out of 0) found medication helpful. What about you?	- - - -

	Ingredients	Uses	Onset	Duration	Pros	Cons	FYI	User Votes	Avg. Cost	Brand Names
Pseudoephedrine	60 mg tabs 120 mg tabs 240 mg tabs 30 mg / 5 ml liquid	First oral choice for nasal congestion and relief of sinus pressure. Causes nasal vasoconstriction. Increases clearance of the nasal passages.	30 to 45 minutes	60 mg: 4 to 6 hours 120 mg: 8 to 12 hours 240 mg: 16 to 24 hours 30 mg / 5 ml: 4 to 6 hours	Most potent oral nasal decongestant and sinus pressure relief. Our only choice for oral nasal decongestant.	Require Government issued ID for purchase. If you use it often, see if your doctor will give you a prescription. Much better and no price difference. (Read our blog on this.) May cause sleepless nights. May increase the heart rate.	If nasal congestion is just starting, start with a decongestant nasal spray for about 3 days, and if congestion continues, switch to pseudoephedrine. Do not use nasal spray with pseudoephedrine together. If borderline and or controlled high blood pressure, take the 12 or 24 hour for a controlled release. The 60 mg tabs releases all the medication in the system which may result in a spike in blood pressure. (But check with your doctor before use.) Take the evening dose before 6 pm to prevent sleepless nights.	Did this medication help you? 0% (0 out of 0) found medication helpful. What about you?	Pharmacy Counter Only: $14.99 / 48 ct/regular $12.99 / 20 ct /12 hr $12.99 / 10 ct /24 hr	Sudafed®, Store brands
Phenylephrine	10 mg tablets 0.5%, 1% nasal spray.	Causes constriction of the blood vessels resulting in the shrinkage of swollen nasal passages. Strength of 10 mg / tab approved by the FDA not enough to produce reliable results. Taking more can produce a significant rise in blood pressure. For this reason, we do not recommend the tablet form for sinus pressure or nasal congestion. Don't waste your money.	10 mg tabs: If it works, 30 to 45 minutes. Nasal spray: 15 minutes	10 mg tabs: 4 to 6 hours, if it is working. Nasal spray: 3 to 4 hours.	Nasal spray is a better decongestant for fast relief. But skip the tabs. May not give as much heart palpitations as Psuedoephedrine.	Higher than recommended dose, can produce significant rise in blood pressure. Little evidence of effectiveness of the tablets. Stick with the nasal spray if you must use.	Not recommended. Use the nasal spray if you must use phenylephrine for nasal congestion.	Did this medication help you? +100% (1 out of 1) found medication helpful. What about you?	Retail Pharmacy Price: $11.99 / 24 ct	10 mg tablets: Sudafed PE®, Store brands. Nasal spray: Neo-Synephrine®, Little Noses Decongestants®, Afrin 4 Hour®, 4-Way®, Sinex Nasal Spray®
Oxymetazoline	Nasal spray: Oxymetazoline hydrochloride 0.05%.	Temporarily relieves sinus congestion and pressure. Shrinks swollen nasal membranes so you can breathe more freely. Also used to treat nose bleeds and reduce the redness of cold sores.	Nasal: 5 to 10 minutes.	6 hours	Fast acting nasal decongestant. We recommend starting with this for about 3 days, before taking decongestant tablets if still congested.	May cause the nostrils to dry. If nose is prone to dryness, get the moisturizing formulation. Cheap formulations leave residues in the nose. Stay away from store brands if you can. Can cause rebound congestion if used after about 4 days. So do not use for more than 4 days. Take this seriously or you will be in a rebound nasal congestion ride of your life. To overcome it you will have to use something like Flonase® which won't kick in for another 7 days and is not cheap!	If cost is not a factor, get the brand name. Stay away from store brands. Some store brands will leave white residue in the nostril. Because it uses a device to deliver the medication, we do not recommend store brands. You could spray once and everything starts leaking from nowhere. Check the manuf. coupon center for savings coupons if cost is a problem.	Did this medication help you? 0% (0 out of 0) found medication helpful. What about you?	Retail Pharmacy Price: $12.99 / bottle	Afrin®, Neo-Synephrine 12 Hour®, Nostrilla Twice-A-Day®, 4 Way Long-Acting®.

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	Ingredients	Description	Onset	Duration	Pros	Cons	FYI	User Votes	Avg. Cost
Airborne®	Effervescent: In one tablet: Vitamin A, C, E, Riboflavin, Magnesium, Zinc, Selenium, Manganese, Sodium bicarbonate, Potassium bicarbonate + Proprietary Blend: Maltodextrin, Lonicera flower, Forsythia fruit, Schizonepeta, Ginger, Chinese Vitex, Isatis, Echinacea, Glutamine, Lysine Lozenges: Above minus (-) Selenium, Sodium and Potassium bicarbonate Gummies: Minus (-) Sodium and Potassium bicarbonate Chewables: Same as Gummies Hot Soothing Mix: Same as Gummies On-The-Go: Same as Effervescent Plus Energy: Above Plus (+) Thiamine, Niacin, Pyridoxine, Folic acid, Vit B12, Biotin, Pantothenic Acid	--- Immune health support	--- 1 hour average	--- 24 hours	--- Some benefit if taken when you start feeling something. Like you are coming down with something. --- May reduce the severity of a cold	--- Not effective if you already have a cold --- It does not prevent a cold, may reduce the severity.	--- Take when you feel a cold coming on. --- Take when people around you have a cold. --- Take daily during cold season for immunity boost.	Did this medication help you? 0% (0 out of 0) found medication helpful. What about you?	Retail Pharmacy Price: Airborne: $8.99 / 10 ct Buy Amazon
Cold-EEZE®	Regular Zincum Gluconicum 2x Daytime / Nightime Daytime: Zincum Gluconicum 1x Nighttime: Zincum Gluconicum 1x, Melatonin 2x, Chamomile 2x Plus Natural Immune Support Zincum Gluconicum 1x, Rose Hip 1x, Echinacea Purpurea Extract 2x, Caffeine 1x, Ginseng 2x Per tablet	--- Shortening the duration of a cold if taken when you feel a cold coming on. --- May reduce the severity of a cold	1 hour	Every 6 hours	--- May cut the duration of cold by 1 or 2 days. --- Actually like the day/night combination. Night time doubles as sleep aid.	--- Hard to mask the taste of zinc, so formulations may leave a taste in the mouth. --- Oral spray may leave an after taste of zinc.	--- No harm in adding cold ease to your cold cabinet. If you sense a cold coming on, take some. --- Not particularly interested in the oral spray. Our test customers did not like the after taste.	Did this medication help you? 0% (0 out of 0) found medication helpful. What about you?	Retail Pharmacy Price: $19.99 / 18 ct Buy Amazon
Emergen-C	Original Formula Thiamin, riboflavin, niacin, vitamin B6, B12, folic acid, pantothenic acid, calcium, phoaphorus, magnesium, zinc, manganese, chromium, sodium, potassium, alpha lipoic acid, quercetin in one packet. Five Same as above Immune+ Above + Vitamin D and Arabinogalactan (Larix laricina), Beta Glucans, Stevia (leaf extract) per packet	--- Immune booster against the common cold. --- Supports immune system	1 hr	12 hours	-- Good tasting. --- Good for morning drinks before leaving home. --- May reduce the duration of a cold	- - - -	- - - -	Did this medication help you? 0% (0 out of 0) found medication helpful. What about you?	Retail Pharmacy Price: $19.99 / 30 ct Buy Amazon
Zicam®	Rapidmelts, Oral Mist, Ultra Crystals, Lozenges, Chewables: Zincum aceticum 2x Zincum gluconicum 1x	--- Reduce the duration and severity of a cold	1 hr.	8 hours	--- May reduce the severity of a cold if taken as you feel a cold coming on.	--- Taste of oral mist not pleasant.	- - - -	Did this medication help you? 0% (0 out of 0) found medication helpful. What about you?	Retail Pharmacy Price: Zicam Citrus: $25.99 / 40 ct Buy Amazon
Oscillococcinum	Anas barbariae hepatis et cordis extractum (extract of Muscovy Duck liver and heart) 200CK HPUS	--- Reduce the duration and severity of flu-like symptoms	1 hour	8 hours	--- Can be taken by children 2 years and older --- It actually works to help with flu-like symptoms if taken at the first signs of symptoms.	--- Expensive	- - - -	Did this medication help you? 0% (0 out of 0) found medication helpful. What about you?	Retail Pharmacy Price: $19.99 / 12 ct Buy Amazon
Sambucol®	Original Elderberry dried extract 130 mg Vitamin C 100 mg Cold & Flu Zinc gluconate 2x,6x, Sambucus nigra 3x,6x, Gelsemium sempervirens 6x,12x,30x, Bryonia alba 6x, Sulphur 12x Nighttime Cold & Flu + Passiflora incarnata 6x HPUS for insomnia.	Original --- Antioxidants for body cells protection Cold & Flu --- Reduce the duration and severity of common cold. Nighttime --- Reduce the duration and severity of common cold while helping you get some sleep.	1 hr	8 hrs	--- Black Elderberry contains anthocyanin flavonoids which has a remarkable ability to boost the immune system.	- - - -	- - - -	Did this medication help you? 0% (0 out of 0) found medication helpful. What about you?	Retail Pharmacy Price: Sambucol: $19.99 / 30 ct Buy Amazon
Coldcalm®	Allium cepa 3C, Apis mellifica 6C, Belladonna 6C, Eupatorium perfoliatum 3C, Gelsemium sempervirens 6C, Kali bichromicum 6C, Nux vomica 3C, Phytolacca decandra 6C, Pulsatilla 6C HPUS	--- Assist in relief of cold	- - - -	- - - -	None	--- You are on your own. All company would tell us is that it is a homeopathic formula and people react differently to it.	--- No proof it is better than a placebo.	Did this medication help you? 0% (0 out of 0) found medication helpful. What about you?	Retail Pharmacy Price: $14.99 / 60 ct Buy Amazon
Halo™	Cetylpyridinium Chloride (0.1%)	Need More Information	- - - -	- - - -	- - - -	- - - -	- - - -	Did this medication help you? 0% (0 out of 1) found medication helpful. What about you?	Retail Pharmacy Price: Oral Spray: $9.99 / 30ml Buy Amazon
Alomune®	Arabinogalactan (from Larch Trees) Larix laricina 1350mg per 2 tablets serving size	--- supports natural immune function by increasing beneficial immune cell populations and/or increasing antibody production based on the immune stressor. --- Antioxidant capacity	Daily use recommended	- - - -	--- Possibly effective in helping the immune system	- - - -	- - - -	Did this medication help you? +100% (1 out of 1) found medication helpful. What about you?	Retail Pharmacy Price: $7.99 / 20 ct

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