Mixed Cough and Cold
Over the counter relief options
Do you have cough and cold?
A cough with cold or flu symptoms is part of a broader respiratory illness that affects multiple systems at once. Unlike a standalone cough, this type is often accompanied by nasal congestion, runny nose, sneezing, sore throat, body aches, fatigue, or mild fever.
The cough may begin as dry, irritating, or tickling but can progress to producing mucus as the infection develops. Because it combines with other cold or flu discomforts, this type of cough tends to be more disruptive and may linger for several days while the body fights off the underlying viral infection.
Symptoms of a cough with cold and flu include persistent coughing plus systemic signs such as headache, muscle aches, chills, congestion, and general tiredness. Some formulas are designed for people with high blood pressure, and kids have their specific formulas.​​
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Pharmacist-recommended products​​
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NyQuil Cold & Flu ​
A Combination formula with acetaminophen for pain/fever, dextromethorphan for cough suppression, doxylamine (sedating antihistamine), and phenylephrine for nasal congestion. Best for nighttime use with dry cough and cold symptoms. Avoid in hypertension; may cause significant drowsiness.
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​Tylenol® Cold + Flu Severe ​
Product contains acetaminophen, guaifenesin (expectorant), a supprresant (dextromethorphan), and a decongestant (phenylephrine). Useful for mixed cough and congestion. Avoid if you have high blood pressure.
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Robitussin CF Max®
Similar to Tylenol Cold + Flu Severe, combining acetaminophen, guaifenesin, dextromethorphan, and phenylephrine. Good for cough with chest congestion and nasal symptoms. Avoid in hypertension.
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Coricidin® high BP ​
Product is specially formulated without phenylephrine or pseudoephedrine, making it safer for people with high blood pressure, heart disease, or sensitivity to stimulants. Available in both day (non-drowsy) and night (sedating) versions.
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Humidifiers for chest congestion
These are used to add moisture to the air, loosening thick mucus and easing post-infection or lingering cough. Especially helpful in dry environments.​
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Vicks® VapoRub (Camphor, Menthol, Eucalyptus)
A Topical rub that creates a cooling effect on the chest and throat, helping ease congestion and nighttime cough. For external use only; avoid in children under 2.
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Day and Night formulas
These come in two bottles, one for morning time with less sedation, and the other comes with strong antihistamines that help you sleep. Watch for ingredient duplications, blood pressure warning and extensive drowsiness. These are :
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Liquid NyQuil & DayQuil
Fast-acting liquid formulas for daytime and nighttime cold and flu relief. Liquids are ideal for those who prefer easier swallowing and quicker symptom absorption.
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Tylenol Day & Night Gel Capsules
Easy-to-carry gel capsules for pain, fever, and cold symptoms. Capsules are convenient for on-the-go use and offer precise dosing without measuring.
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Tylenol Day & Night Liquid
Smooth liquid versions of Tylenol for fast pain and fever relief. Great for people who prefer liquids over pills or need gentle swallowing.
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Day & Night Capsules (Amazon Brand)
Affordable, Amazon-brand day and night cold and flu capsules that target congestion, cough, fever, and aches. Capsule form makes them portable and simple to take anywhere.
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Day & Night Liquid (Amazon Brand)
Budget-friendly liquid cold relief for daytime function and nighttime comfort. Liquid forms are helpful if swallowing pills is difficult or if faster onset is preferred. View on Amazon
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Children safe formulas​
​Children’s Dimetapp® Cold & Cough
Formulated for kids 6+, with child-appropriate doses of dextromethorphan, guaifenesin, and antihistamines. Offers safe relief without exceeding pediatric guidelines. Daytime and nighttime formulas available.​​​​​
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For daytime use, stick to non-drowsy formulas (DayQuil, Tylenol Daytime, or Amazon Day formulas) to stay alert while reducing cough, fever, and congestion.
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For nighttime, NyQuil or other sedating options can help with rest but often cause drowsiness.
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If you have high blood pressure or heart problems, Coricidin® is the safest choice since it avoids phenylephrine and pseudoephedrine.
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For children, always use pediatric-labeled products like Dimetapp and follow dosing instructions carefully.
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Combination products are convenient but may contain overlapping ingredients—check labels to avoid double dosing acetaminophen or dextromethorphan.
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Chest rubs and humidifiers are very helpful in soothing the airway passages and help dissolve mucous.
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Day & Night Combo Packages – Convenient co-packs that provide separate daytime (non-drowsy) and nighttime (sedating) options for round-the-clock relief.
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