There are hundreds of cold and flu products on pharmacy shelves. Some are genuinely helpful; others are little more than repackaged basic ingredients. This pharmacist’s guide cuts through the marketing to tell you what actually works.

The Honest Truth

There is no cure for the common cold. Antibiotics don’t work (it’s viral). Most branded cold remedies are combinations of ingredients you could buy separately for a fraction of the cost. That said, treating symptoms effectively allows you to function better, sleep better, and recover faster — and that genuinely matters.

Symptom-by-Symptom Guide to What Works

Blocked nose — best treatment is a topical nasal decongestant spray (xylometazoline or oxymetazoline: Otrivine, Sudafed Spray). Works within minutes. Use maximum 7 days (rebound congestion risk). Saline nasal rinse (Sterimar, NeilMed NasiWash) — underused, highly effective, zero side effects, safe for all ages. Runny nose — oral antihistamines (particularly first-generation: chlorphenamine/Piriton) can reduce nasal secretions. Saline spray reduces congestion overall. Sore throat — honey has the strongest evidence base. Flurbiprofen lozenges (Strefen) for meaningful pain relief. Ibuprofen systemically. Fever and aches — paracetamol and/or ibuprofen. Don’t try to suppress a mild fever (below 38.5°C) — it’s part of the immune response. Treat for comfort. Cough — honey again, particularly at night. Simple glycerin linctus is soothing. See cough section above.

Combination Cold Products: Are They Worth It?

Lemsip Max contains paracetamol 1000mg + phenylephrine (decongestant — oral, modest effect) in a hot drink format that is soothing in itself. Beechams All-in-One liquid is similar. Night Nurse: contains paracetamol + dextromethorphan + promethazine (sedating antihistamine). The promethazine is what makes Night Nurse genuinely useful — it aids sleep, which is arguably the most important thing during a cold.

Zinc Lozenges: The Strongest Evidence for Duration

A Cochrane review found that zinc acetate lozenges (taken within 24 hours of symptom onset, every 2 hours while awake) reduced cold duration by approximately 33%. This is stronger evidence than for Vitamin C or Echinacea. Use zinc acetate or gluconate lozenges specifically (not oxide). Important: take with food to prevent nausea.

Shop Cold & Flu Medicines at Chemist 2 Customer. Related: Cough & Sore Throat, Winter Immunity.