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The 8 Best cold and flu medications of 2024

Are you trying to find cold and flu medications among various brands on the market but aren’t sure where to begin? To assist you in finding the right one, we’ve put together a list of the 7 best to help you pick the perfect one!

We investigated and evaluated a number of the top-selling cold and flu medications on the market in order to create our list of the best. Making a decision among the many options available is never simple. There are an infinite number of models available, each with a distinct price. And as you’ll find out, the best options aren’t usually the ones you imagine! This comparison is rich and relevant because of the numerous factors that were employed. You will find products featured in this ranking not only based on their pricing but also on their features and other customers reviews. To write this review, we completed 28 hours of research and did 46 cold and flu medications tests. You won’t need to pick products at random any more. If you’re unsure of what to look for, browse our list and consult the buying guide!

An overview of our top picks

Table of contents

The best cold and flu medications you can buy today

SaleNo. 1
Tylenol Cold + Flu Severe Day & Night Caplets for Fever, Pain, Cough & Congestion Relief, 24 Count
  • 24-count combo pack of Tylenol Cold + Flu Severe Day/Night Caplets for multi-symptom cold and flu symptom relief. From the doctor recommended pain relief brand, the combo pack includes 16 Daytime and 8 Nighttime caplets for relief any time of the day
  • The Daytime relief caplets are formulated to reduce fever, loosen phlegm and relieve headache, body aches, cough, sore throat, nasal congestion and chest congestion
  • The Nighttime relief caplets help reduce fever and relieve runny nose, sneezing, headache, cough, sore throat, nasal congestion, sinus congestion and pressure
  • Each cold & flu caplet contains 325 mg of acetaminophen, a pain reliever and fever reducer; 5 mg of phenylephrine HCl, a nasal decongestant; and 10 mg of dextromethorphan HBr, a cough suppressant
  • The Daytime caplets also contain guaifenesin 200 mg, an expectorant to help loosen phlegm (mucus) to make coughs more productive. The Nighttime caplets also contain 2 mg of chlorpheniramine maleate, an antihistamine.
SaleNo. 2
Amazon Basic Care Cold and Flu Relief, Daytime and Nighttime Combo Pack Softgels, Powerful Cold Medicine for Day and Night Multi-Symptom Relief, 48 Count(Pack of 1)
  • ACTIVE INGREDIENTS: Compare to the active ingredients in Vicks DayQuil Cold & Flu and Vicks NyQuil Cold & Flu
  • NON-DROWSY DAYTIME COLD AND FLU MEDICINE provides multi-symptom relief of headache, fever, sore throat, nasal congestion, cough, and minor aches and pains
  • NIGHTTIME COLD AND FLU MEDICINE provides multi-symptom relief of headache, fever, sore throat, sneezing, runny nose, cough, and minor aches and pains
  • PAIN RELIEVER AND FEVER REDUCER: Both Daytime and Nighttime cold medicine contain acetaminophen to help relieve aches, fever and sore throat
  • COLD AND FLU: Influenza (flu) and the common cold are respiratory illnesses caused by viruses. A cold medicine like Cold & Flu Relief Multi-Symptom Daytime/Nighttime can help
No. 3
Theraflu Combo Daytime and Nighttime Severe Cold Relief Powder, Honey Lemon Flavor, 12 Count, 6 Daytime and 6 Nighttime
  • 6 packets of Theraflu Daytime Severe Cold Relief Honey Lemon Flavor Powder and 6 packets of Nighttime Severe Cold Relief Honey Lemon Flavor Powder
  • The hot liquid provides a effect. Perfect for day or night
  • For adults and children 12 years of age and over. Tackles your worst cold, flu and cough symptoms
  • Theraflu Severe Cold Relief comes in refreshing green tea and honey lemon flavors
  • Theraflu Nighttime Severe Cold Relief comes in honey lemon, chamomile, and white tea flavors
SaleNo. 4
Amazon Basic Care Vapor Ice Day and Night Severe Cold and Flu Relief Caplets, Maximum Strength Medicine, Combo Pack, 48 Count
  • ACTIVE INGREDIENTS: Amazon Basic Care Vapor Ice Daytime and Nighttime Severe Cold and Flu help to relieve common cold and flu symptoms, day and night; compare to the active ingredients in Vicks DayQuil and NyQuil Severe VapoCOOL
  • EFFECTIVE: Daytime relieves minor aches and pains, fever, nasal congestion, sinus pressure, cough and chest congestion; Nighttime relieves minor aches and pains, fever, nasal congestion, sinus pressure, sneezing, runny nose and cough
  • COMBINATION PACK: Amazon Basic Care Vapor Ice Daytime and Nighttime Severe Cold and Flu comes in a combination pack for around-the-clock maximum strength, multi-symptom relief for your worst cold and flu symptoms
  • COATED CAPLETS: Contain pain reliever/fever reducer, cough suppressant, nasal decongestant, antihistamine, expectorant (antihistamine in nighttime only, expectorant in daytime only)
  • MAXIMUM STRENGTH: Get day and night cold and flu relief with these max strength coated caplets. Relieve sore throat and other cold and flu symptoms with Amazon Basic Care Vapor Ice Daytime and Nighttime Severe Cold and Flu
SaleNo. 5
Mucinex Maximum Strength Fast-Max Cold & Flu and Nightshift, All-in-One Multi Symptom Relief Liquid, 6 Fl Oz - 2 Count (Pack of 1)
  • MAXIMUM STRENGTH MUCINEX FAST-MAX COLD & FLU: Day and Night Cold & Flu Multi-Symptom Relief medicine; 1 dose treats 9 symptoms - get back to what’s important thanks to the fast and powerful relief
  • #1 TRUSTED COLD & COUGH BRAND: Mucinex is the #1 Cold and Cough brand doctors trust* and #1 Pharmacist Recommended Brand
  • FSA HSA Eligible: Save Up to 30%. Cover out-of-pocket expenses with pre-tax dollars
  • DAY TIME MULTI-SYMPTOM RELIEF: Maximum Strength Mucinex Fast-Max Cold & Flu relieve cough, chest, nasal & sinus congestion that can cause mucus buildup, sinus pressure, reduces fever, relieves body pain, headache and sore throat
  • NIGHT TIME MULTI-SYMPTOM RELIEF: Maximum Strength Mucinex NightShift Severe Cold & Flu Caplets relieve cough, nasal congestion that leads to stuffy nose, reduces fever, relieves body pain, headache, sneezing, runny nose, sore and itchy throat
  • FAST-MAX COLD & FLU ACTIVE INGREDIENTS PER 20ML (DAY): Acetaminophen - 650 mg pain reliever and fever reducer, Dextromethorphan HBr - 20 mg cough suppressant, Guaifenesin - 400 mg expectorant / thins and loosens mucus, Phenylephrine HCI - 10 mg nasal decongestant
  • NIGHTSHIFT SEVERE COLD & FLU ALL IN ONE ACTIVE INGREDIENTS PER 20 ML(NIGHT): Acetaminophen - 650 mg pain reliever and fever reducer, Dextromethorphan HBr - 20 mg cough suppressant, Phenylephrine HCI - 10 mg nasal decongestant, Triprolidine HCI – 2.5 mg cough suppressant/antihistamine to alleviate sneezing, runny and itchy nose and watery eyes
  • DOSING INSTRUCTIONS: Adults and children 12 years of age and over: 20mL in dosing cup provided every 4 hours. Do not take more than directed. DO NOT take more than 4 doses in any 24-hour period. Children under 12 years of age: DO NOT USE
No. 6
Amazon Basic Care Daytime Severe Cold & Flu Relief Caplets, Cold Medication for Severe Cold and Flu Symptoms Like Headache, Fever, Coughing, Chest & Nasal Congestion, Vapor Ice, 24 Count
  • ACTIVE INGREDIENTS: This cold medicine contains acetaminophen, dextromethorphan HBr, guaifenesin and phenylephrine HCl to help tackle severe cold and flu symptoms. Compare to the active ingredients in Vicks DayQuil Severe+ VapoCOOL Cold and Flu
  • FIND COLD RELIEF during the day with Amazon Basic Care Daytime Severe Cold and Flu Relief. This cold medicine relieves cold and flu symptoms such as headache, fever, coughing, chest and nasal congestion
  • PAIN RELIEVER and FEVER REDUCER: Aches and pains can be a drag. This cold medicine helps temporarily relieve fever, minor aches and pains, headache and sore throat associated with the cold and flu
  • COUGH SUPPRESSANT and EXPECTORANT: This cold medicine temporarily relieves cough due to minor throat and bronchial irritation. Also helps loosen phlegm (mucus) and thin bronchial secretions to rid the bronchial passageways of bothersome mucus and make coughs more productive.
  • NASAL DECONGESTANT: This cold medicine promotes nasal and/or sinus draining to relieve nasal congestion, sinus congestion and pressure associated with the common cold and flu.
No. 7
Alka-Seltzer Plus Power Max Cold & Flu Day+Night Medicine: Cough Suppressant, Cold and Flu Medicine For Adults and Children 12 Years and Older, 36 Count, Packaging May Vary
  • Alka-Seltzer Plus Cold & Flu daytime medicine for adults and children 12 years and older provides relief from multiple cold and flu symptoms, including headache, fever, cough, and nasal / sinus congestion.
  • Maximum strength day + night time relief from your cold and flu symptoms *Use as directed.
  • Night time multi-symptom cold relief of runny nose, nasal / sinus congestion, cough, headache, sneezing, body ache, sore throat and fever.
  • Fast cold relief so you can get back to your busy life
  • ASP Maximum Strength Cold & Flu medicine for adults and children 12 years and older that helps relieve nasal congestion, sinus congestion / pressure, and headache due to cold and flu.
SaleNo. 8
Vicks DayQuil and NyQuil Combo Pack, Cold & Flu Medicine, Powerful Multi-Symptom Daytime And Nighttime Relief For Headache, Fever, Sore Throat, Cough, 72 Count, 48 DayQuil, 24 NyQuil Liquicaps
  • FAST, POWERFUL MULTI-SYMPTOM RELIEF: Use non-drowsy DayQuil for daytime relief and at night try NyQuil for fast relief so you can rest
  • EFFECTIVE COLD & FLU SYMPTOM RELIEF: DayQuil and NyQuil Cold & Flu medicine temporarily relieve common cold & flu symptoms
  • FEEL BETTER FAST: Just one dose starts working fast to provide effective cold & flu relief
  • POWER THROUGH YOUR WORST COLD & FLU SYMPTOMS: Life doesn’t stop when you have a cold, DayQuil and NyQuil relieve bothersome symptoms, such as cough and fever, day and night
  • WORLD'S #1 SELLING OTC COUGH AND COLD BRAND** Vicks has been trusted for over 125 years to relieve your worst cold & flu symptoms
SaleNo. 9
Boiron Oscillococcinum for Relief from Flu-Like Symptoms of Body Aches, Headache, Fever, Chills, and Fatigue - 30 Count
  • HOMEOPATHIC FLU RELIEF: Oscillococcinum works with your body to help temporarily relieve fatigue, headache, body aches, chills & fever. Safe for ages 2 & up, take at the first sign of flu-like symptoms.
  • HOLISTIC SUPPORT: Looking for homeopathic flu relief for the whole family? Oscillococcinum's sweet-tasting pellets dissolve quickly & easily under the tongue; no water, chewing, or swallowing required.
  • SHORTEN YOUR SYMPTOMS: Oscillo has been shown in clinical studies to help reduce both the duration & the severity of flu-like symptoms when taken at the onset. Non-drowsy, easy-to-take relief!
  • HOMEOPATHIC MEDICINE uses highly diluted biological, botanical, or mineral substances to relieve symptoms. Our tablets, pellets, & topical treatments work with your body without the risk of contraindications, or known drug interactions.
  • THE BOIRON PROMISE: We believe there’s more than one way to feel better. Since 1932, we have been committed to providing quality medicines. As a world leader in homeopathy, our passion is your health. Our promise is your satisfaction.
SaleNo. 10
Tylenol Cold + FLU Multi-Action Day Caplets, Pack of 2
  • Twin 2 Pack of 24-count of Tylenol Cold + Flu Severe Pain Reliever & Fever Reducer Medicine Caplets provide effective relief of multiple symptoms due to the flu and common cold
  • This severe cold & flu medicine helps relieve fever, headache, minor aches and pains, sore throat, nasal congestion, and cough. It also helps loosen phlegm (mucus) and thin bronchial secretions to make coughs more productive.
  • Each caplet contains 325 mg of acetaminophen to help reduce fever and relieve minor aches & pains, as well as 10 mg of the cough suppressant dextromethorphan HBr to help quiet coughs
  • Each caplet also contains 5 mg of the nasal decongestant phenylephrine HCl to help relieve congestion and 200 mg of the expectorant guaifenesin to help loosen phlegm (mucus) and make coughs more productive
  • From the doctor-recommended pain relief brand, this cold & flu medicine is suitable for use by adults and children 12 years and older for powerful multi-symptom relief

How to choose a good cold and flu medications

Does the idea of finding a fantastic cold and flu medications make you anxious? When it comes to purchasing this product, specifically when deciding which model to select, has your head been spinning between options? You are not alone if that is the case. We are aware of the pressure involved in the purchasing process!

Your presence here indicates that you are interested in cold and flu medications. Before choosing which product would be the best for your needs after being inundated with information, locate a reliable source with genuine selections. You can get that information from a variety of sources, including buying guides and rating websites, word-of-mouth recommendations from friends and family, online discussion forums where users can share their own experiences, product reviews that can be found all over the internet, and YouTube channels. You can only get the right product through exhaustive analysis. But you realize that’s not always simple. In order to ease your concerns, we have taken the time to develop a list of the top cold and flu medications products available right now. You might be wondering how we came up with the list. How was this buying guide developed?

First, we used our algorithms to gather as much reliable data as we could about these products. To verify all the data gathered, we used both artificial intelligence and a lot of algorithms.
Then, our experts used criteria that are recognized in the business to evaluate them according to their quality to price ratio, allowing us to choose the top cold and flu medications on the market right now!

The selection of the goods is not arbitrary. Before creating a list, we take into account a number of factors. Below are some of the criteria discussed:

Brand Value: What happens if you choose a dubious brand just because it appears to be a good deal? So the likelihood of receiving a product with a short shelf life increases. That is due to the fact that well-known brands have a reputation to uphold, while others do not. Top cold and flu medications brands strive to provide some distinctive traits that set them apart from the competition. So, hopefully one or more of the items on our list will be perfect for you.

Features: Useful features are all you need, not tons of them. We consider the important aspects and select the top cold and flu medications based on those.

Specifications: Numbers always help you measure the quality of a product in a quantitative way. We try to find products with higher specifications, but with the right balance.

Quality: A product’s quality may always be quantified with the aid of numbers. We look for goods with better standards that strike the proper balance. The best quality product that gets highly appreciated and recommended by experienced users.

Customer ratings:  Would it be accurate to suggest that the cold and flu medications were used by hundreds of customers before you? Superior ratings indicate that many customers had better service.

Customer Reviews: Like ratings,  provide you with accurate and reliable information about the product from genuine customers. Customer ratings are very important to all of us because they contain accurate and reliable information about the customer service we received from several hundred customers.

Seller Rank: This is very intriguing! Not only do you need a good cold and flu medications, you also need a product with rising sales that is trendy. It accomplishes two goals. First, the expanding user base proves the quality of the product. Second, given that number, producers must be able to offer greater quality and after-sales support.

Value: You get what you pay for, they say, so consider the value. Cheap isn’t always good and expensive isn’t always bad. However, that does not imply that spending a lot of money on a product that is flashy but underwhelming is a good idea. Before adding them to the list, we make an effort to evaluate how much value you can get for your money from your cold and flu medications.

Durability: Durability and reliability are closely related concepts. You will benefit from a strong and long-lasting cold and flu medications for months and years to come.

Product availability: Products come and go, and new ones replace the old ones. Most likely, a few new features and required changes were made. What use is it to use a supposedly good product if the maker no longer supports it? We make an effort to highlight products that are current and offered by one or more trustworthy sellers, if not more.

Negative Reviews: Yes, we do take that into account as well! The goods with the majority of bad reviews are filtered out and disregarded when we choose the best-rated one on the market.

These are the standards by which we selected our cold and flu medications. Do we end our process there? Hell no. The most crucial fact about us that you should be aware of is that we regularly update our website with current and pertinent information. We have one more layer of filtration since we place the greatest importance on reader satisfaction. Please let us know if any product included here is incorrect, irrelevant, subpar, or simply out of date. We always value your opinions, and we’ll work hard to make any necessary corrections to our list in response to them.

Why should you believe us?

There are now thousands of possibilities for these products on Amazon, but choosing the best one can be difficult and time-consuming. And what cold and flu medications should you purchase in 2022?

This guide is the result of more than 10 years of experience in researching, testing and writing about many topics. Each member of our team is an authority in their area. We read every article we could find online and every consumer review on every retail website for seven hours. Additionally, we discovered a ton of websites that offered helpful resources, including buying tips and thorough information on cold and flu medications.