Best Cold & Flu Medicine of 2025

Bonnie Salem Avatar
Bonnie Salem
Last Updated: Jan 16, 2025

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Cold and flu medicine is a popular remedy for people who are suffering from the common cold or flu. These medicines come in a variety of forms, including pills, liquids, and syrups. They are designed to relieve symptoms such as coughing, sneezing, congestion, and fever. Some of the most common ingredients found in cold and flu medicine include acetaminophen, ibuprofen, and antihistamines. These ingredients work together to reduce inflammation, alleviate pain, and suppress coughs and runny noses. It's important to follow the recommended dosage and consult with a healthcare professional if symptoms persist.

At a Glance: Our Top Picks

Amazon Basic Care Vapor Ice Cold & Flu Caplets Cover #TOP 1
Amazon Basic Care Vapor Ice Cold & Flu Caplets
ftb score rating icon 9.8
Vicks DayQuil and NyQuil Severe Combo Cover #TOP 2
Vicks DayQuil and NyQuil Severe Combo
ftb score rating icon 9.7
Tylenol Cold + Flu Severe Caplets Cover #TOP 3
Tylenol Cold + Flu Severe Caplets
ftb score rating icon 9.5

Top 10 Cold & Flu Medicine

#TOP 1

Amazon Basic Care Vapor Ice Cold & Flu Caplets

Amazon Basic Care
Amazon Basic Care Vapor Ice Cold & Flu Caplets Cover
Amazon Basic Care Vapor Ice Day and Night Severe Cold and Flu Relief Caplets, Maximum Strength Medicine, Combo Pack, 48 Count

Amazon Cold & Flu Caplets provide effective relief for your cold and flu symptoms, day and night. The daytime formula helps alleviate minor aches, fever, nasal congestion, and cough, allowing you to stay active. At night, it tackles sneezing, a runny nose, and sinus pressure, promoting better sleep. This combination pack ensures you have maximum strength relief available around the clock. With coated caplets that contain essential ingredients like pain relievers and decongestants, you can trust these caplets to help you feel better faster.

What We Like
Cost-effective alternative
Same effectiveness as brand name
Quick relief
Pleasant flavor
Minimal side effects
What We Don't Like
May cause drowsiness
#TOP 2

Vicks DayQuil and NyQuil Severe Combo

53-PVRZ-0FPE
Green & Red
Vicks DayQuil and NyQuil Severe Combo Cover
VICKS DayQuil & NyQuil SEVERE Co-Pack, Cold & Flu Medicine, Powerful Relief for Headache, Fever, Sore Throat, Minor Aches & Pains, Congestion, Sinus Pressure, Stuffy Nose, and Cough, 48 LiquiCaps

Vicks Cold & Flu Medicine offers powerful relief for 9 common symptoms, with DayQuil SEVERE for the day and NyQuil SEVERE for nighttime relief. It works fast to alleviate cold and flu symptoms, allowing you to tackle your day without interruptions. With proven efficacy, it provides maximum strength relief, so you can go from feeling unwell to feeling better. Vicks Cold & Flu Medicine is the world's top-selling OTC brand, trusted for over 125 years.

What We Like
Powerful relief for headaches
Fast delivery during illness
Convenient packaging for on-the-go
Day and night options available
Peace of mind to have at home
#TOP 3

Tylenol Cold + Flu Severe Caplets

JJ-2309
Tylenol Cold + Flu Severe Caplets Cover
Tylenol Cold + Flu Severe Medicine Caplets for Fever, Pain, Cough & Congestion, 24 ct.

Tylenol Cold + Flu offers effective relief for various symptoms associated with the flu and common cold. Each caplet provides 325 mg of acetaminophen, which helps reduce fever and alleviate minor aches and pains. You’ll also find 10 mg of dextromethorphan HBr, a cough suppressant that helps calm your cough. Additionally, 5 mg of phenylephrine HCl works as a nasal decongestant, relieving congestion for better breathing. Lastly, the 200 mg of guaifenesin acts as an expectorant, loosening mucus to make your coughs more productive and provide you with comfort during your illness.

What We Like
Effective for runny nose
Non-drowsy daytime formula
Helps with sleep at night
Quick relief from symptoms
Works better than alternatives
What We Don't Like
May not work for everyone

Boiron Oscillococcinum for Flu-Like Symptoms - 30 Count

ABO-098
White
Boiron Oscillococcinum for Flu-Like Symptoms - 30 Count Cover
Boiron Oscillococcinum For Relief From Flu-Like Symptoms Of Body Aches, Headache, Fever, Chills, And Fatigue - 30 Count

Boiron Oscillococcinum offers homeopathic flu relief that works with your body to temporarily reduce the duration and severity of flu-like symptoms such as body aches, headache, fever, chills, and fatigue. Safe for ages 2 and up, these sweet-tasting pellets dissolve easily under the tongue, providing holistic support without the need for water, chewing, or swallowing. Boiron's homeopathic medicine uses highly diluted biological, botanical, or mineral substances to relieve symptoms, making it an easy-to-take, non-drowsy remedy that won't interfere with other medications.

What We Like
Effective symptom relief
Natural ingredients
Easy to use for kids
Quick recovery
Good taste
What We Don't Like
Minimal flavor
#TOP 5

Mucinex Fast-Max Day/Night Cold & Flu

371505
Multi
Mucinex Fast-Max Day/Night Cold & Flu Cover
Mucinex Fast-Max Day Cold and Flu & Night Cold and Flu Medicine for Adults, Day/Night Combo Pack for Fever, Sore Throat Relief, Decongestant, Cough & Cold Medicines, 24 Fast-Dissolving Liquid Gels

The Mucinex Cold & Flu Combo is designed to provide relief from the toughest cold and flu symptoms. The daytime liquid gels help reduce fever and alleviate sore throat, headache, and body aches thanks to Acetaminophen. For cough relief, both formulas contain Dextromethorphan HBr, which effectively quiets your cough. If you're struggling with chest congestion, the daytime gels also include Guaifenesin, an expectorant that thins mucus and eases chest pressure. With this combo pack, you can tackle your symptoms effectively, making your day and night more comfortable.

What We Like
Fast symptom relief
Non-drowsy formula
Easy to swallow
Effective day and night
Travel-friendly packaging
#TOP 6

Tylenol Cold + Flu Severe Liquid

8 Fl Oz (Pack of 2)
Tylenol Cold + Flu Severe Liquid Cover
Tylenol Cold + Flu Severe Daytime & Nighttime Liquid Cough Medicine, 2 ct. of 8 fl. oz

Tylenol Cold + Flu offers a convenient value pack with two 8-fluid ounce bottles—one for daytime and one for nighttime use. The daytime formula helps you stay alert while relieving cold and flu symptoms with a pleasant honey lemon flavor. At night, the soothing berry-flavored medicine helps you rest by alleviating symptoms that can disrupt sleep. Both formulas work effectively to ease fever, cough, congestion, and aches, while also helping to loosen mucus for a more productive cough. With these powerful liquids, you can find relief around the clock.

What We Like
Effective for sleep improvement
Helps during illness
Expected fruity flavor
Simple dosage instructions
What We Don't Like
Small container size
#TOP 7

Amazon Basic Care Severe Cold Medicine

Amazon Basic Care
Amazon Basic Care Severe Cold Medicine Cover
Amazon Basic Care Severe Daytime Cold and Flu, Maximum Strength Liquid Cold Medicine, Non-Drowsy, Multi-Symptom Relief, for Adults and Children Age 6 and Over, Original, 12 fl oz (Pack of 1)

Amazon Cold & Flu Relief offers a powerful blend of active ingredients designed to tackle severe cold and flu symptoms. With acetaminophen, it effectively reduces pain and fever, providing you with much-needed comfort. The cough suppressant, dextromethorphan HBr, helps ease your cough, while guaifenesin works to clear mucus, making your cough more productive. Additionally, the phenylephrine HCl acts as a nasal decongestant, relieving sinus pressure and congestion without causing drowsiness. This means you can go about your day feeling better while managing your symptoms effectively.

What We Like
Same consistency and taste as brand name
Effective for relieving cold symptoms
Good flavor
More affordable than brand names
High quality
#TOP 8

Alka-Seltzer Plus Cold & Flu Medicine

ALKA-SELTZER PLUS
Green & Orange
Alka-Seltzer Plus Cold & Flu Medicine Cover
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 Relief is designed to help you tackle multiple cold and flu symptoms effectively. This maximum strength medicine provides daytime relief from headaches, fever, cough, and nasal congestion, allowing you to stay productive throughout your day. When it’s time to rest, the nighttime formula addresses runny noses, sneezing, body aches, and sore throats, helping you sleep better. With fast-acting relief, you can quickly get back to your routine without the discomfort of cold and flu symptoms. It's suitable for adults and children aged 12 and older, making it a versatile choice for family health.

What We Like
Multi-symptom relief
Day and night formulas
Fast-acting effectiveness
Suitable for ages 12
What We Don't Like
Gel caps could be smaller
#TOP 9

Vicks NyQuil SEVERE Cold & Flu Liquid Medicine

PG-6470
Original Version
Vicks NyQuil SEVERE Cold & Flu Liquid Medicine Cover
Vicks NyQuil SEVERE Cold, Flu, and Congestion Medicine, 2x12 fl oz Twin Pack, Berry Flavor, Maximum Strength, Nighttime Relief

The Vicks NyQuil SEVERE Cold & Flu Liquid Medicine is a maximum strength medicine that provides 9-symptom relief for coughing, sneezing, stuffy nose, body pain, sinus congestion, sinus pressure, sore throat, headache, and fever. It is a great-tasting berry flavored medicine that delivers fast relief so you can sleep better. The medicine is trusted by millions of users worldwide for over 125 years.

What We Like
Effective cold relief
Promotes better sleep
Tasty berry flavor
Quick delivery
Affordable price
What We Don't Like
Limited local availability
#TOP 10

Amazon Basic Care Daytime Cold Relief Caplets

Amazon Basic Care
Amazon Basic Care Daytime Cold Relief Caplets Cover
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

Amazon Cold Relief Caplets are designed to help you tackle severe cold and flu symptoms during the day. They combine effective ingredients like acetaminophen for pain relief and fever reduction, ensuring you feel more comfortable. Additionally, the cough suppressant helps ease throat and bronchial irritation, making it easier for you to breathe. The expectorant action aids in loosening mucus, promoting a more productive cough. Lastly, this product acts as a nasal decongestant, allowing for better sinus drainage and relief from congestion. With these benefits, you can get through your day with less discomfort.

What We Like
Great price
Effective relief
Convenient ordering
Comparable to Dayquil
What We Don't Like
Standard fare
Buying Guide Image

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)

1. Can I take 2 Tylenol cold and flu?

For adults (12 years and older), it is recommended to take 2 Tylenol cold and flu caplets every 6 hours. However, it is important not to exceed a combined total of 8 caplets (Daytime or Nighttime) within a 24-hour period.

2. Is Dayquil or Mucinex better for congestion?

The choice between Dayquil and Mucinex depends on the specific symptom you want to address. If you need to suppress cough, Dayquil with dextromethorphan is recommended. If you want to loosen and thin out mucus for easier coughing, Mucinex with guaifenesin is a better option.

3. How do you get rid of cold and flu symptoms fast?

To alleviate cold and flu symptoms quickly, follow these tips: avoid treating symptoms unnecessarily, blow your nose frequently and correctly, use warm salt water to clear nasal congestion, rest and stay warm, gargle, drink hot liquids, take a steamy shower, and use a salve under your nose.

4. How can I speed up my cold recovery?

To speed up your cold recovery, stay hydrated, get plenty of rest, soothe a sore throat, relieve stuffiness, manage pain, drink warm liquids, try honey, and add moisture to the air.

5. What not to mix with Tylenol?

Avoid mixing Tylenol with certain drugs like carbamazepine, isoniazid, rifampin, alcohol, cholestyramine, and warfarin, as it may lead to drug interactions.

6. Should I take Mucinex if I have a stuffy nose?

Yes, Mucinex D (guaifenesin / pseudoephedrine) is a combination medication that can provide temporary relief for a stuffy nose, chest congestion, and sinus pressure.

7. What is the best cold medicine for a stuffy nose?

For relief from nasal congestion, oral decongestants like pseudoephedrine (Sudafed, Contac Cold 12 Hour) are recommended. These medications reduce swelling in the nasal blood vessels and make breathing easier. They are available without a prescription.

Editor's Notes

During our cold & flu medicine research, we found 26 cold & flu medicine products and shortlisted 10 quality products. We collected and analyzed 406,681 customer reviews through our big data system to write the cold & flu medicine list. We found that most customers choose cold & flu medicine with an average price of $16.38.

The cold & flu medicine are available for purchase. We have researched hundreds of brands and picked the top brands of cold & flu medicine, including Vicks, Tylenol, Boiron, Mucinex, ALKA-SELTZER PLUS. The seller of top 1 product has received honest feedback from 385 consumers with an average rating of 4.7.

Written by
Bonnie Salem Avatar

Bonnie Salem is a stay-at-home mother with two-year-old twins and has spent almost half of her life surrounded by baby products. As a mother and a professional copywriter, she has an insightful and unique eye for researching products suitable for infants. Bonnie Salem is an expert in health and nutrition who lives with her family in New Jersey. She has over 15 years of working experience in an institute of medicine after graduating from the University of Toronto. She is highly interested in personal health and wellness.

Cold & Flu Medicine Comparison Table

#TOP1
#TOP2
#TOP3
#TOP4
#TOP5
#TOP6
#TOP7
#TOP8
#TOP9
#TOP10
Brand Amazon Basic Care Vicks Tylenol Boiron Mucinex Tylenol Amazon Basic Care ALKA-SELTZER PLUS Vicks Amazon Basic Care
Special Feature Clinically Proven MULTI-SYMPTOM RELIEF Targeted Non Drowsy Fast-Dissolving Non-Drowsy Non Drowsy non_drowsy non_drowsy Non Drowsy
Item dimensions L x W x H 2 x 4.38 x 3.25 inches 2 x 4.31 x 3.31 inches 0.79 x 4.52 x 2.91 inches 4.76 x 2.39 x 4.33 inches 1.73 x 3.54 x 4.92 inches 6.06 x 2.06 x 5.31 inches 2.5 x 2.5 x 7.25 inches 3.5 x 1.5 x 5 inches 5.25 x 2.75 x 6.85 inches 1 x 4.38 x 3.25 inches
Product Benefits Cold and Flu Control, Flu Cold and Flu Control Cold and Flu Control,Cough Relief,Fever Control,Headache Relief,Nasal Congestion Relief,Throat Care,Sinus Control, Chest Congestion Relief Cold and Flu Control Cold and Flu Control Cold and Flu Control Fever Control Nasal Relief, Cough Relief, Headache Relief, Body Pain Relief, Sinus Control, Fever Cold and Flu Control Cold and Flu Control
Item Weight 0.16 Grams 0.2 Pounds - 0.1 Pounds 2.08 Ounces 1.38 Pounds 1.14 Grams 0.18 Pounds 24 Ounces -
FTB Score
ftb score rating icon 9.8
ftb score rating icon 9.7
ftb score rating icon 9.5
ftb score rating icon 9.4
ftb score rating icon 9.2
ftb score rating icon 9.1
ftb score rating icon 8.9
ftb score rating icon 8.8
ftb score rating icon 8.6
ftb score rating icon 8.4
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