13 Best OTC Cold Medicines: Liquids, Tablets, Sprays, and More

The main draw of Robitussin Cough Plus Chest Congestion DM Max is its ability to relieve mucus or phlegm-related symptoms, like chest congestion, a productive cough, and mucus buildup in the airways.

This daytime formula helps ease symptoms without making you tired. While the Robitussin brand may be best known for its cough syrup, this product pairs its signature cough relief with added chest congestion and mucus relief.

This medicine comes in liquid form, which can potentially work faster than pills or tablets because the body absorbs it more easily.

It's a great option for those dealing with multiple symptoms, but it comes with a few potential risks. People taking prescription monoamine oxidase inhibitors (MAOIs) or who have high blood pressure or diabetes should consult their doctor before taking this medicine. Mild side effects like upset stomach, nausea, or dizziness may occur.

When cold symptoms keep you up at night, we recommend Mucinex Nightshift Cold & Flu. It's available in fast-release caplets (lower dosage) or liquid form, depending on your preferences.

The formula contains three active ingredients: acetaminophen, which is a pain and fever reducer to help ease body aches; dextromethorphan, a cough suppressant to help reduce the frequency and intensity of your cough; and triprolidine, an antihistamine to help with sneezing, runny nose, cough, runny nose, and watery eyes.

Triprolidine works by blocking the overproduction of histamines your body makes in response to an allergic reaction. What’s more, by blocking your body’s production of acetylcholine, it helps dry up bodily fluids, easing a runny nose.

Some cold medicines take an hour or more, but Mucinex FastMax DM Cold & Flu offers fast-acting relief from your chest congestion and lingering cough within as little as 30 minutes.

Its active ingredient, dextromethorphan HBr, works by suppressing the cough reflex in the brain. It also contains an expectorant to help loosen and thin mucus in the chest.

Many people often prefer liquid medicines when they are sick because some cold medicine pills are quite large, and also because their sore, swollen throat makes swallowing pills more difficult.

It’s sweetened with sucralose, so is suitable for those who need to monitor sugar consumption. You can opt for extended-release tablets if you prefer to avoid the often unpleasant taste of liquid cold medicines.

This daytime formula is nondrowsy and also does not contain any antihistamines that may interfere with your ability to fall asleep or stay asleep. Make sure to consult your doctor before taking this medicine if you have any underlying health issues.

While some people prefer liquid cold medicine over swallowing pills when they have a sore throat or congestion, others prefer pills to avoid the taste or added sugar of liquid medicine.

Sudafed Sinus Congestion Relief Maximum Strength Decongestant Tablets provide nondrowsy relief from two of the most common cold symptoms: sinus pressure and nasal congestion. The tablets are smaller than most competing capsules, so they're easier to swallow if you have trouble taking pills. It’s suitable for adults and children ages 6 and up.

Each tablet contains 30 milligrams (mg) of pseudoephedrine HCl, a nasal decongestant that helps reduce nasal swelling and inflammation by narrowing the blood vessels in the nasal passages.

While these tablets are available without a prescription, they can only be purchased in-store from behind the pharmacy counter. One drawback is that this medication may cause restlessness, so to help prevent trouble sleeping, it’s best to take your last dose of pseudoephedrine several hours before bedtime.

There's nothing worse than trying to stay productive when dealing with a stuffy nose. Whether you’re dealing with a cold or allergies, Afrin No Drip Severe Congestion Nasal Spray goes to work in seconds to ease your nasal congestion and sinus pressure.

One dose of this nondrowsy nasal spray lasts up to 12 hours. It can be used by adults and children ages 6 and up. This formula also includes menthol and eucalyptol to really open things up.

They also shouldn't be combined with the oral decongestants in many multi-symptom cold medications. If you have heart disease, high blood pressure, diabetes, thyroid disorder, difficulty urinating due to an enlarged prostate, or glaucoma, ask your doctor or pharmacist if it’s safe for you to take oxymetazoline hydrochloride. Do not use oxymetazoline hydrochloride within 14 days of taking certain MAOIs.

No one enjoys the constant annoyance and discomfort of a cough, especially when it seems like nothing helps. Delsym Adult Cough Suppressant Liquid is an effective option for a persistent cough due to a temporary respiratory illness like the common cold.

The active ingredient, dextromethorphan HBr, can suppress your cough reflex for up to 12 hours. The alcohol-free, orange-flavored liquid may be a more pleasant option if you have trouble swallowing pills or don't like the taste of traditional cough syrups.

If you only have one primary symptom, you may want to stick with a single-ingredient medication, since multi-symptom formulas may include ingredients you don’t need. Chloraseptic Max Strength Sore Throat Spray can provide fast relief when a sore throat is your main concern.

One of the benefits of Chloraseptic is its effectiveness — many users report feeling relief for up to two hours after using the spray. It also contains a humectant (glycerin) that helps retain moisture to keep your throat from getting too dry, which can contribute to throat discomfort.

The spray is available in wild berry, cherry, citrus, honey lemon, and menthol flavors. It's not recommended for children under 3 years old, and it's important to follow the recommended dose of no more than one spray in the back of your throat every two hours. Swish the spray around your mouth for 15 seconds before spitting it out.

If you struggle with body pain, headaches, fever, and general discomfort when you get sick, Tylenol Extra Strength Rapid Release Gels may help.

Taking single-ingredient products like this can ensure you’re not overmedicating, treating symptoms you don’t have, taking too much of a certain type of medication (like antihistamines), or risking additional side effects. It also ensures that if you have a reaction, you know exactly what ingredient caused it.

You can add a cough suppressant or decongestant to your OTC medication regimen as needed — just be sure it doesn’t also contain acetaminophen.

With Vicks DayQuil Severe Cold & Flu’s broad ingredient list, it covers all of the bases when it comes to the most common cold symptoms.

Connor Kriz, MD, a board-certified physician based in Grand Rapids, Michigan, recommends not overlooking the power of acetaminophen. “It is really effective in reducing the aches and pains that often accompany a cold, and also to help lower a fever,” he says.

Each dose contains 650 mg of acetaminophen, 20 mg of dextromethorphan HBr (cough suppressant), 400 mg of guaifenesin (expectorant/thins and loosens mucus), and 10 mg of phenylephrine HCI (nasal decongestant).

These gluten-free tablets dissolve quickly if pills aren't your thing. They also contain less than 1 gram (g) of sugar — a benefit if you're trying to limit your sugar intake or are living with a condition like diabetes.

It's important to note that homeopathic remedies may not be as effective for severe symptoms and should not be used for more than two consecutive days, per the manufacturer's recommendation.

Hyland’s All-in-One Organic Cough Syrup Combo Pack uses gentle, USDA-certified organic ingredients such as elderberry, ivy leaf, and honey.

Honey is one of the first things Dr. Kriz recommends to parents of young children with a cough or scratchy throat. “You don’t always want to fully suppress a cough, as it is important to cough mucus up and out. Honey can soothe while not stopping the body’s natural processes,” he says.

Hyland’s All-in-One Organic Cough Syrup Combo Pack comes with two bottles, one for daytime and one for nighttime, which contain chamomile to help promote soothing sleep.

If you have high blood pressure, it's important to be cautious when taking over-the-counter medications. Some active ingredients in cold medicines, such as phenylephrine, can cause a spike in blood pressure. Coricidin HBP Maximum Strength Multi-Symptom Flu Tablets are formulated specifically for those with high blood pressure.

This option contains acetaminophen to reduce pain and discomfort, as well as dextromethorphan for cough. It's decongestant-free to minimize the risk of increasing your blood pressure. Instead, these tablets contain an antihistamine that helps with sneezing, runny nose, and itchy eyes. The tablets are smaller than many competitors, so may be easier to swallow.

Pay close attention to the recommended dosage and avoid taking other medications with acetaminophen while using this product. Like several of our other top picks, avoid this medication if you have taken MAOIs recently.

Cepacol Extra Strength Sore Throat Lozenges contain two numbing agents, benzocaine and menthol, which can temporarily relieve sore or scratchy throat.

They dissolve in around 15 minutes and continue working for up to two hours. There are a variety of flavors to choose from, including cherry, honey lemon, and mixed berry. Plus, the lozenges are great for taking with you and are convenient for mild throat irritation when you prefer not to take unnecessary multi-symptom medication.