15 Best Medicines for Cold in India

A cold is a viral infection that affects the nose, ears, and throat. There are more than 200 different types of viruses that can cause the common cold.

Colds normally last a few days and are not usually serious. However, they can lead to other infections, especially in children.

Young children, for example, those under 3, tend to catch colds more frequently than adults because their immune systems are not yet fully developed. You can get one cold after another because there are so many different viruses circulating.

Colds are spread when a person breathes in the virus that has been coughed or sneezed into the air by an infectious person. People can also catch colds by touching an infectious person’s hand and then touching their own eyes, nose, or mouth.

Transmission of colds is common in daycare and at schools due to the presence of many children with under-developed immune systems and without best hygiene practices.

Viruses can survive for prolonged periods in the environment, in some cases more than 18 hours.

Colds usually mean you get a combination of:

• runny or blocked nose
• sore throat
• fever (occasionally)
• headache
• cough
• sneezing.

Symptoms normally only last a few days and most people fully recover without any ongoing problems after 7 to 10 days.

Colored discharge (green or yellow) from the nose may occur in young children. This should be assessed by a doctor if it does not clear within a few days or if the child has a persistent fever and becomes more irritable.

There’s no cure for the common cold. Antibiotics are of no use against cold viruses and shouldn’t be used unless there’s a bacterial infection. Treatment is directed at relieving signs and symptoms.

Commonly used cold remedies include:

Pain relievers – For fever, sore throat, and headache, many people turn to acetaminophen (Tylenol, others) or other mild pain relievers. Use acetaminophen for the shortest time possible and follow label directions to avoid side effects.

Decongestant nasal sprays – Adults can use decongestant drops or sprays for up to five days. Prolonged use can cause rebound symptoms. Children younger than six shouldn’t use decongestant drops or sprays.

Cough syrups – The Food and Drug Administration (FDA) and the American Academy of Pediatrics strongly recommend against giving OTC cough and cold medicines to children younger than age 4. There’s no good evidence that these remedies are beneficial and safe for children.

If you give cough or cold medicines to an older child, follow the label directions. Don’t give your child two medicines with the same active ingredient, such as an antihistamine, decongestant, or pain reliever. Too much of a single ingredient could lead to an accidental overdose.

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List of Top 15 Medicines for Cold

1. Theraflu Multisymptom Severe Cold
2. Tylenol Cold + Head Congestion Severe
3. Homeopathic Cold Crush for Children
4. Black Elderberry Cold & Flu Relief
5. Oxymetazoline
6. Vicks DayQuil Cough, Cold, and Flu
7. Vicks NyQuil Nighttime Relief
8. Robitussin Peak Cold Adult Cough + Chest Congestion DM
9. Benadryl allergy plus congestion
10. Ibuprofen
11. Pseudoephedrine
12. Phenylephrine
13. Crocin cold and flu
14. Nux vomica
15. Euphrasia Officinalis

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Top 15 Medicines for Cold in India (Tablets, Syrups, Ointment & More)

1. Theraflu Multisymptom Severe Cold: Relieves cold, cough, fever, and headache

• Brand name – Theraflu Multisymptom Severe Cold
• Composition – Acetaminophen, Dextromethorphan, and Phenylephrine
• Popularity level – 7
• Acetaminophen acts as a pain reliever/fever reducer, Dextromethorphan is a cough suppressant and Phenylephrine acts as a nasal decongestant.
• This medicine helps to relieve sore throat pain, cough, minor aches and pains, headache, nasal and sinus congestion, runny nose, and sneezing, and also temporarily reduces fever.
• Dosage –  Adults, and children 12 years of age and older, simply dissolve the contents of one packet in 8 oz. of hot water and sip while hot.
• This box comes with six packets for daytime use and six for nighttime that will help you get the sleep you need.
• Price – A 6 daytime plus 6 nighttime package box costs $16.

2. Tylenol Cold + Head Congestion Severe: Cures cold, cough and chest congestion

• Brand name – Tylenol Cold + Head Congestion Severe
• Composition – Phenylephrine-Acetaminophen-guaifenesin
• Popularity level – 6
• This combination medication is used to temporarily treat symptoms caused by the common cold, flu, allergies, or other breathing illnesses (such as sinusitis, bronchitis). The expectorant helps thin and loosen mucus in the lungs, making it easier to cough up the mucus. Decongestants help relieve stuffy nose, sinus, and ear congestion symptoms. Acetaminophen (APAP) is a non-aspirin pain reliever and fever reducer.
• Dosage – Take this medication by mouth with or without food, usually every 4 to 6 hours as needed or as directed by your doctor. Drink plenty of fluids when you use this medication unless otherwise directed by your doctor. The fluid will help loosen the mucus in your lungs.
• Price – A pack of 24 caplets costs $16

3. Homeopathic Cold Crush for Children: Cures cold and cough in children

• Brand name – Genexa Homeopathic Cold Crush for Children
• Composition – Organic Aconitum napellus 12x, Organic Allium cepa 6x, Organic Bryonia alba 9x, Organic Chamomilla 6x, Organic Echinacea angustifolia 6x, Organic Euphrasia officinalis 6x, Organic Gelsemium sempervirens 12x, Organic Ipecacuanha 12x, Organic Pulsatilla 9x, Organic Sambucus nigra 6x, Organic Carnauba Wax, Organic Compliant Natural Flavor, Organic Maltodextrin, Organic Rice Bran Extract, Organic Tapioca Dextrose
• Popularity level – 5
• Cold Crush for Children is a Certified Organic and Non-GMO Verified homeopathic medicine that helps to safely treat kid’s cold and cough symptoms. Cold Crush is physician-formulated and helps to relieve cold symptoms including congestion and mucus, cough and sore throat, and runny nose and sneezing.
• Dosage – Chew 1 tab twice a day or until symptoms persist.
• Price – A pack of 60 tablets costs $16.

4. Black Elderberry Cold & Flu Relief: Cures cold and flu

• Brand name – Sambucol Black Elderberry Cold & Flu Relief
• Composition – Zinc gluconate 2x,6x, Sambucus nigra 3x,6x, Gelsemium sempervirens 6x,12x,30x, Bryonia alba 6x, Sulphur 12x
• Popularity level – 7
• Sambucol Black Elderberry Cold & Flu Relief provides fast, temporary, homeopathic relief from cold & flu symptoms like nasal and sinus congestion, runny nose, sore throat, coughing, sneezing, chills & fever. Sambucol is a unique black elderberry extract that supports the immune system.
• Dosage – Put one quick dissolve tablet in a glass of water and consume immediately.
• Price – A pack of 30 tablets costs $13.

5. Oxymetazoline: Cures cold and sinus congestion

• Brand name – Afrin Spray, Non-Aerosol
• Composition – Oxymetazoline
• Popularity level – 7
• This medication is used for temporary relief of congestion in the nose caused by various conditions including the common cold, sinusitis, hay fever, and allergies. It works by narrowing the blood vessels in the nose area, reducing swelling and congestion.
• Dosage –  Gently blow your nose before using this drug. Use your finger to close the nostril on the side not receiving the medication. While keeping your head upright, place the spray tip into the open nostril. Spray the medication into the open nostril as you breathe in through your nose. Sniff hard a few times to be sure the medication reaches deep into the nose. Repeat these steps for the other nostril if needed.
• Price – The cost for Afrin nasal spray 0.05% is around $15 for a supply of 30 milliliters.

6. Vicks DayQuil Cough, Cold, and Flu: Cures a cough, cold and flu

• Brand name – Vicks DayQuil Cough, Cold, and Flu
• Composition – acetaminophen, dextromethorphan hydrobromide, and phenylephrine hydrochloride
• Popularity level – 8
• DayQuil is an over-the-counter medication that treats daytime symptoms of the cold and flu, including nasal congestion, cough, headache, minor aches and pains, fever and sore throat.
• These LiquiCaps are designed to help relieve six common cold symptoms—nasal congestion, sore throat, minor aches and pains, cough, headaches, and fever. Each dose (two capsules) provides about four hours of relief.
• Dosage – Do not exceed 4 doses per 24 hrs
• For adults & children 12 yrs & over: Take 2 LiquiCaps with water every 4 hrs
• Price – A pack of 48 liquids costs $20

7. Vicks NyQuil Nighttime Relief: Cures cough, cold, and flu

• Brand name – Vicks NyQuil Nighttime Relief
• Composition – Acetaminophen 325 Mg, Dextromethorphan HBr 15 Mg and Doxylamine Succinate 6.25 Mg
• Popularity level – 9
• NyQuil is an over-the-counter medication that treats symptoms of the common cold and flu such as sneezing, sore throat, headache, minor aches and pains, fever, runny nose, and cough so you can sleep at night.
• Acetaminophen acts as a pain reliever/fever reducer, Dextromethorphan is a cough suppressant and Doxylamine Succinate is an antihistamine drug.
• Dosage – Do not exceed 4 doses per 24 hours
• Adults and children 12 years and over 2 LiquiCaps with water every 6 hours
• Price – A pack of 48 liquids costs $20

8. Robitussin Peak Cold Adult Cough + Chest Congestion DM: Cures a cough, cold, and chest congestion

• Brand name – Robitussin Peak Cold Adult Cough + Chest Congestion DM
• Composition – Dextromethorphan HBr, USP – 20 mg, Guaifenesin, USP – 400 mg
• Popularity level – 8
• This medicine temporarily relieves cough due to minor throat and bronchial irritation as may occur with a cold. It helps loosen phlegm (mucus) and thin bronchial secretions to drain bronchial tubes.
• Dosage – 10 ml every 4 hrs
• Do not take more than 6 doses in any 24 hours, measure only with the dosing cup provided.
• Price – A 12 oz bottle of the medicine costs $11

9. Benadryl allergy plus congestion: Cures a cough and chest congestion

• Brand name – BENADRYL ALLERGY PLUS CONGESTION
• Composition – diphenhydramine hydrochloride and phenylephrine hydrochloride
• Popularity level – 8
• Diphenhydramine acts as an antihistamine drug and phenylephrine act as a nasal decongestant.
• This medicine relieves these symptoms due to the common cold: a runny nose, sneezing, nasal congestion
• Dosage – Take 1 tablet every 4 hours
• Do not take more than 6 tablets in 24 hours
• Price – A pack of 24 tablets costs $7.

10. Ibuprofen: Cures Cold, fever, body pain and flu

• Brand name – Advil
• Composition – Ibuprofen
• Popularity level – 9
• This medicine is used to reduce fever and to relieve minor aches and pain due to the common cold or flu. Ibuprofen is a nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drug (NSAID). It works by blocking your body’s production of certain natural substances that cause inflammation. This effect helps to decrease swelling, pain, or fever.
• Dosage –  Take this medication by mouth as directed by your doctor or the package label, usually every 6 to 8 hours as needed. Chew thoroughly and then swallow this medication. If you have stomach upset while taking this medication, take it with food, milk, or an antacid.
• The dosage is based on your medical condition and response to treatment.
• Price – The cost for Advil oral tablet 200 mg is around $12 for a supply of 24 tablets.

11. Pseudoephedrine: Cures cold and chest congestion

• Brand name – Sudafed
• Composition – Pseudoephedrine Hcl
• Popularity level – 7
• Pseudoephedrine is used for the temporary relief of stuffy nose and sinus pain/pressure caused by infection (such as the common cold, and flu) or other breathing illnesses (such as hay fever, allergies, and bronchitis). Pseudoephedrine is a decongestant (sympathomimetic). It works by narrowing the blood vessels to decrease swelling and congestion.
• Dosage – Take this medication by mouth with or without food, usually every 4-6 hours, as directed by the product package or by your doctor. Do not take more than 4 doses in a day. Dosage is based on your age, medical condition, and response to treatment. Do not increase your dose or take this drug more often than directed. Do not take more of this medication than recommended for your age.
• Price – A pack of 36 tablets costs ₹1,470

12. Phenylephrine: Cures colds, allergy, and chest congestion

• Brand name – GoodSense Nasal Decongestant Phenylephrine HCl
• Composition – Phenylephrine
• Popularity level – 5
• Phenylephrine temporarily relieves nasal congestion due to the common cold, hay fever or other upper respiratory allergies.
• Dosage – 10mg, twice daily.
• Price – A bottle of 72 tablets costs ₹806.

13. Crocin cold and flu: Cures cold and flu

• Brand name – Crocin cold and flu
• Composition –  Paracetamol, Caffeine, Phenylephrine
• Popularity level – 9
• Caffeine stimulates the brain; hence it is used as a central nervous stimulant. It is used to relieve mild to moderate pain and to reduce fever.
• Paracetamol blocks chemicals that cause pain. It lowers fever by changing the body thermostat in the brain.
• Phenylephrine is a selective alpha agonist, used to increase blood pressure and topically as a nasal decongestant. It is also used in the eye to dilate the pupil or to constrict superficial blood vessels in eye allergies. It works by reducing swelling of the blood vessels in the nasal passages.
• Phenylephrine shrinks swollen nose tissue and opens up passages. It shrinks blood vessels to raise blood pressure. It helps some numbing drugs work longer.
• Dosage – Dose of 100-200 mg, repeated after 3-4 hours as needed.
• Price – A pack of 6 tablets ₹16.

14. Nux vomica: Cures cold

• Brand name – SBL Nux Vomica
• Composition – Nux vomica
• Popularity level – 8
• This relieves cold with the symptom of spasmodic sneezing in the morning, with a dry nose during the night.
• Dosage – Take 2-3 drops 3-5 times a day or as directed by the physician.
• Price – A bottle of 30ml of the medicine costs ₹64.

15. Euphrasia Officinalis: Cures cold

• Brand name – SBL Euphrasia Officinalis Dilution 30 CH
• Composition – Euphrasia Officinalis
• Popularity level – 7
• This remedy works best on colds or allergies that mostly affect the eyes.
• Dosage – Take 2-3 drops 3-5 times a day or as directed by the physician.
• Price – A 30ml bottle of the medicine costs ₹72.