Best cold and flu medicine for adults
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Best Cold and Flu Medicine for Adults
Over-the-Counter Medications for Cold and Flu Relief
Paracetamol, Chlorphenamine, and Phenylephrine Combination
A fixed-dose combination of paracetamol, chlorphenamine, and phenylephrine has been shown to be effective in reducing the symptoms of the common cold and flu-like syndromes in adults. This combination works by leveraging the analgesic and antipyretic properties of paracetamol, the antihistamine effects of chlorphenamine, and the decongestant action of phenylephrine. Clinical trials have demonstrated that this combination significantly reduces overall symptom scores compared to placebo, making it a reliable option for symptomatic relief2 6.
Multisymptom Tablets
Another study evaluated a multisymptom tablet containing paracetamol, pseudoephedrine hydrochloride, dextromethorphan hydrobromide, and chlorpheniramine maleate. Although this combination was well-tolerated, it did not show a significant difference from placebo in terms of rapid symptom relief within four hours post-administration10. This suggests that while multisymptom tablets may be safe, their efficacy in providing quick relief may be limited.
Herbal and Traditional Remedies
Traditional Chinese Medicine (TCM)
Traditional Chinese Medicine (TCM) has been used for over 2000 years to treat colds and flu. TCM approaches often involve herbal remedies that have antiviral, anti-inflammatory, immune-regulating, and antioxidative properties. Systematic reviews of high-quality randomized controlled trials have shown that TCM can be effective and safe for treating colds, making it a viable complementary or alternative treatment option3.
Ginseng
Ginseng, particularly North American ginseng (Panax quinquefolius), has been studied for its potential in preventing common colds. Research indicates that ginseng preparations can significantly reduce the duration of colds and acute respiratory infections (ARIs) when taken preventatively for 8-16 weeks. However, evidence on its ability to reduce the incidence or severity of colds remains insufficient4 7.
Other Herbal Remedies
Several other herbs have shown promise in treating cold and flu symptoms. These include Echinacea purpurea, which has been effective in multiple trials, and garlic, which demonstrated high efficacy in one small trial. Zinc lozenges have also been found effective in some studies, although results are inconsistent8 9.
Alternative Approaches
Exopolymers from Aureobasidium pullulans
A study on exopolymers from Aureobasidium pullulans (EAP) found that EAP significantly decreased the duration of cold and flu symptoms. While the severity of symptoms was not significantly different, the EAP group experienced less severe symptoms compared to the placebo group, suggesting that EAP could be a useful supplement for managing cold and flu symptoms5.
Conclusion
For adults seeking relief from cold and flu symptoms, a combination of paracetamol, chlorphenamine, and phenylephrine appears to be a highly effective over-the-counter option. Traditional remedies like TCM and ginseng also offer promising results, particularly for prevention and symptom duration reduction. Herbal supplements such as Echinacea and garlic, along with zinc lozenges, provide additional alternatives. While some multisymptom tablets may not offer rapid relief, they remain a safe option for managing symptoms. Always consult with a healthcare provider before starting any new treatment.
Sources and full results
Most relevant research papers on this topic
What treatments are effective for common cold in adults and children?
Decongestants, antihistamines, and analgesics show limited effectiveness in relieving nasal symptoms in adults, while herbal remedies and vitamins show mixed results.
Systematic Review
Rigorous JournalSymptomatic treatment of the common cold with a fixed-dose combination of paracetamol, chlorphenamine and phenylephrine: a randomized, placebo-controlled trial
A fixed-dose combination of paracetamol, chlorphenamine, and phenylephrine is safe and more effective than placebo in symptomatic treatment of common cold or flu-like syndrome in adults.
RCTRigorous JournalTraditional Chinese Medicine for the Common Cold: Evidence and Potential Mechanisms.
TCM is effective and safe for treating colds, with potential therapeutic effects in preventing colds and treating their sequelae.
Systematic ReviewNorth American (Panax quinquefolius) and Asian Ginseng (Panax ginseng) Preparations for Prevention of the Common Cold in Healthy Adults: A Systematic Review
Ginseng preparations show insufficient evidence to reduce the incidence or severity of common colds, but may shorten the duration of colds or acute respiratory infections in healthy adults when taken preventatively for 8-16 weeks.
Systematic ReviewRigorous JournalIngestion of Exopolymers from Aureobasidium pullulans Reduces the Duration of Cold and Flu Symptoms: A Randomized, Placebo-Controlled Intervention Study
Exopolymers from Aureobasidium pullulans (EAP) significantly decrease the duration of cold and flu symptoms in healthy adults, making it a useful pharmaceutical and functional food material for preventing and treating colds and flu.
RCTRigorous JournalAN OPEN-LABELED, MULTICENTRIC, POST-MARKETING SURVEILLANCE (PMS) TO SUBSTANTIATE THE SAFETY AND EFFICACY OF SINAREST SYRUP IN PATIENTS OF COMMON COLD.
A fixed-dose combination of paracetamol, chlorphenamine, and phenylephrine is safe and more effective than placebo in symptomatic treatment of common cold and flu-like syndrome in adults.
RCTEfficacy of COLD-fX in the prevention of respiratory symptoms in community-dwelling adults: a randomized, double-blinded, placebo controlled trial.
Daily COLD-fX administration reduces the risk and duration of respiratory symptoms in healthy seniors by 48% and 55%, making it a safe, natural therapeutic method for preventing acute respiratory illness.
RCT
Highly CitedComplementary and alternative medicine for prevention and treatment of the common cold.
Vitamin C can be recommended for common cold prevention, while Echinacea purpurea and zinc lozenges show moderate evidence for treatment, while probiotics show no benefit for prevention or treatment.
Systematic ReviewTraditional Herbal Medicine for the Prevention and Treatment of Cold and Flu in the Autumn of 2020, Overlapped With COVID-19
Traditional herbal medicine, based on traditional Asian medicine, can effectively prevent and treat cold and flu, potentially benefiting modern drug therapy.
Systematic ReviewTime-to-onset of cold and flu symptom relief: A randomized, double-blind, placebo-controlled pilot study for a multi-symptom combination product.
A multisymptom cold and flu tablet was well-tolerated but did not show a significant difference in onset of action compared to placebo after a single dose.
RCT