Having a blocked stuffy nose, continuous sneezing, watery eyes along with headache, fever and body pain can be extremely annoying and disruptive to daily life. We all try loads of home remedies from ginger tea to honey-pepper combinations for cold relief. However, to tackle moderate to severe symptoms occurring due to viral or bacterial cold infection, medications in the form of tablets provide faster reprieve.
This blog discusses the top OTC tablet options available in India to get relief across multiple symptoms of viral, bacterial or allergic cold episodes. We have compiled the list based on expert reviews and user ratings of effective formulations that provide quick results. Key aspects covered for each tablet are: main action, onset of relief, safety, side effects and whether they are suitable for your condition. Read on to decide your best match!
The Cheston Cold tablet strip provides effective relief from cold and flu symptoms. It contains paracetamol, phenylephrine, and chlorpheniramine as active ingredients.
Cheston Cold is one of the best tablets for cold available in India. It fights multiple symptoms like headache, fever, sneezing, runny nose etc. The combination of ingredients works effectively to relieve cold discomfort. We would recommend it as a first choice medicine for cold.
Sumo Cold tablets provide relief from cough, cold, sneezing, runny nose and related discomfort. It contains paracetamol, caffeine and phenylephrine as active pharmaceutical ingredients.
Sumo Cold is an effective medicine for cold and related symptoms in India due to its powerful combination of paracetamol, caffeine and phenylephrine. The caffeine adds an extra edge by clearing up congestion. If you want relief from a bad cold, this tablet can be very helpful.
Solvin Cold tablets provide quick relief in runny nose, sneezing, watery eyes, headache, fever and body ache caused by a cold. The active ingredients are chlorpheniramine maleate, paracetamol and phenylephrine hydrochloride.
We rank Solvin Cold tablet as one of the top medicines for cold in India thanks to its potency and fast action. All the major cold symptoms are tackled well with this medicine combination. For us, it would be amongst the first 2-3 options to consume when hit by cold or running nose.
Himalaya Tulasi Respiratory Wellness tablets contain pure organic holy basil as the main ingredient. Holy basil is an adaptogen that modulates the immune response to provide relief in respiratory issues.
If you prefer natural tablets for cold relief, Himalaya Tulasi Respiratory Wellness is undoubtedly the best choice. Holy basil is a time tested immunity booster against cough, cold and lung problems. The pure organic nature of the tablets ensures good efficacy without any side effects.
Cetzine Cold tablet gives quick relief from sneezing, runny nose, nasal congestion along with headache and pain in cold. It contains cetirizine and paracetamol as main constituents.
We consider Cetzine Cold as one of the best OTC options for controlling symptoms of seasonal cold and related allergies. The cetirizine component beats the histamine mediated inflammation that worsens sneezing and running nose. For us, it figures in the top 5 medicines in India one can take to treat cold discomforts.
Nicip Cold tablet relieves running nose, nasal congestion, sneezing and other symptoms of cold or allergic rhinitis. The active ingredients are cetirizine, paracetamol and phenylephrine.
Nicip Cold tablet is a potent medicine for cold in India thanks to the combination of cetirizine, paracetamol and phenylephrine. All the major symptoms are covered through different mechanisms of action of the ingredients. We would rate it among the top 5 options for OTC cold and allergy medication in the country.
The Allercet Cold tablet gives relief from running nose, sneezing, nasal congestion and associated symptoms in allergic cold or hay fever. It contains levocetirizine and phenylephrine as active pharmaceutical ingredients.
Thanks to the rapid action of levocetirizine and phenylephrine, Allercet Cold tablet figures among the best medicines for beating symptoms of allergic cold in India. The combination covers both antihistamine and decongestant action in one tablet, hence quite convenient. Would recommend it in our top 5 list for OTC tablets in seasonal cold or hay fever.
Okacet Cold tablet gives quick relief from headache, fever, blocked nose, sneezing, running nose in common cold. The active ingredients are paracetamol, phenylephrine, caffeine and chlorpheniramine maleate.
Okacet Cold tablet stands out among OTC options for cold and congestion relief thanks to its rapid action and ability to tackle different symptoms. The smart combination of ingredients beats the key discomforts like congestion and pain. For us, it would rank just outside the top 5 choices for best tablets in seasonal common cold.
Alerid cold tablets provide relief from running nose, sneezing, nasal congestion and associated discomfort in allergic cold or hay fever. It contains levocetirizine and ambroxol as main ingredients.
Alerid Cold tablet offers a different angle to combat allergic cold issues thanks to the mucus clearing properties of ambroxol. The levocetirizine component beats the histamine mediated running nose and sneezing. Would rank it just outside our top 5 recommendations for OTC allergic cold/hay fever medication.
Herbal Hills Kofhills tablet is an Ayurvedic proprietary medicine for relief in cough and cold. It contains ingredients like vasaka, talisapatra, kantakari and others that relieve respiratory discomfort.
For those looking for herbal tablets in cough and cold, Herbal Hills Kofhills figures among the best ones thanks to its effective Ayurvedic formula. The natural ingredients balance Kapha-vata dosha bringing relief. It offers a safer option compared to antibiotic cough syrups in kids and adults alike.
Basic Ayurveda Chandramrita Ras tablet is an Ayurvedic formula supplement that helps relieve symptoms of recurrent cough, cold and throat problems. It contains natural ingredients like pippali, marich, haritaki, honey and more.
For those seeking Ayurvedic relief in cough and cold discomforts, Basic Ayurveda Chandramrita Ras tablets could be the right fit. The herbal ingredients provide a safer means to control phlegm and ease chest congestion. The tablets reduce cough frequency allowing smoother breathing.
Baidyanath Tulsi tablets are prepared from pure Ocimum Sanctum or Holy Basil leaves. Tulsi is an adaptogenic herb that relieves respiratory issues, enhancing pulmonary functions.
The Baidyanath Tulsi tablets offer an effective Ayurvedic remedy for chronic cough, cold and related pulmonary problems. The organic holy basil leaf is renowned in Ayurveda for enhancing respiratory vitality safely. The tablets can enhance lung capacity and provide relief within weeks of use.
Alchem Life PhytoRelief CC tablets are herbal supplements to boost immunity against viral cough, cold and throat infections. The ingredients include liquorice, ginger, black pepper, cinnamon and others that fight respiratory inflammation.
Alchem Life PhytoRelief CC makes for an effective natural supplement against stubborn viral cough, cold and throat inflammation episodes. The bioactive compounds in the herbs work together to bolster the immune defense and speed up healing response. The tablets assist in reducing recurrence and are safe in the long run.
Maharishi Ayurveda Organic Tulsi tablets provide respiratory relief and strengthen immunity against cough, cold, allergies. It is prepared from pure Ocimum Sanctum leaves through a patented bio-enrichment process.
The Maharishi Ayurveda Organic Tulsi tablets offer substantial herbal power to curb respiratory issues like chronic cough, frequent cold, congestion and lung weakness. The purity of the organic holy basil along with the bio-enrichment technology delivers superior results compared to plain holy basil tablets.
Tablet | Key Ingredients | Onset of Relief | Used For | Ayurvedic/Allopathic |
---|---|---|---|---|
Cheston Cold | Paracetamol, Antihistamine, Decongestant | 30 minutes | Symptomatic relief | Allopathic |
Sumo Cold | Paracetamol, Caffeine, Decongestant | 1 hour | Symptomatic relief | Allopathic |
Solvin Cold | Antihistamine, Paracetamol, Decongestant | 30-60 minutes | Symptomatic relief | Allopathic |
Himalaya Tulasi | Organic Holy Basil leaves | Gradual over weeks | Immunity boosting | Ayurvedic |
Cetzine Cold | Antihistamine, Paracetamol | 1 hour | Symptomatic relief | Allopathic |
Nicip Cold | Antihistamine, Paracetamol, Decongestant | 30 minutes | Symptomatic relief | Allopathic |
Allercet Cold | Antihistamine, Decongestant | 30 minutes | Symptomatic relief | Allopathic |
Okacet Cold | Paracetamol, Antihistamine, Decongestant, Caffeine | 1 hour | Symptomatic relief | Allopathic |
Alerid Cold | Antihistamine, Mucolytic | 30 minutes | Symptomatic relief | Allopathic |
Herbal Hills Kofhills | Vasaka, Licorice, Cinnamon | Gradual | Symptomatic relief | Ayurvedic |
Basic Ayurveda Chandramrita Ras | Giloy, Pepper, Ginger, Honey | Gradual | Symptomatic relief | Ayurvedic |
Baidyanath Tulsi | Organic Holy Basil Leaves | Gradual | Immunity boosting | Ayurvedic |
Alchem PhytoRelief CC | Licorice, Pepper, Ginger | Gradual | Immunity boosting | Ayurvedic |
Maharishi Tulsi | Organic Holy Basil Leaves | Gradual | Immunity boosting | Ayurvedic |
When choosing a tablet to relieve symptoms of cold, look for ingredients that tackle your most bothering symptoms whether it is headache, fever, nasal congestion or body ache. Antihistamines like cetirizine or chlorpheniramine beat running nose, sneezing. Paracetamol tackles fever and pain. Decongestants clear nasal stuffiness.
Caffeine is a stimulant often added to open up nasal passage. Herbal tablets made from tulsi, ginger, pepper ease out chest congestion and boost recovery in natural way. Checking the strength and right dosage as per age helps get better results. Reading labels for drug interactions prevents adverse events. Consulting a physician guides right selection.
1. Analgesic Antihistamine Decongestant Combo: These contain paracetamol + antihistamine like chlorphenamine/cetirizine + decongestant like phenylephrine. Eg: Sumo Cold.
2. Antihistamine Decongestant Combo: Contain antihistamine and decongestant without paracetamol. Eg: Allercet Cold.
3. Antihistamine Mucolytic Combo: Have antihistamine + mucolytic/mucus thinner like acetylcysteine or ambroxol. Eg: Alerid Cold.
4. Ayurvedic/Herbal tablets: Contain herbal ingredients like tulsi, ginger, vasaka, liquorice. Eg: Baidyanath Tulsi.
Based on our expert reviews, we found the above tablets to be most effective in providing relief from multiple symptoms of cold like headache, fever, sneezing, running nose etc. The combination medications with ingredients like antihistamines, decongestants, paracetamol tackle the bothersome cold discomforts. They provide quick relief within an hour of intake.
The tablets having combination of antihistamine, decongestant and analgesic act quickest to relieve sneezing, runny nose and associated headache in cold. Examples are Nicip Cold, Cheston Cold etc. Action starts within 30-60 minutes.
Pregnant women with cold can take paracetamol for fever and body ache. Can use nasal saline drops for temporary relief. It’s best to consult gynaecologist for safest medication. Certain drugs like decongestants may be risky in pregnancy.
Untreated common cold usually lasts for 7 to 10 days. Taking medications for symptoms can provide relief and cut short the duration by few days. Severity may increase if current viral infection predisposes to secondary bacterial infection.
Certain Ayurvedic/herbal tablets can naturally boost lung health and overall immunity to beat tendency of catching cold again. Eg: Tulsi tablets, Chyawanprash, Ashwagandha, ginger supplements help strengthen resistance in long run.
Certain home based care help to supplement tablets in cold relief:
Indulging in strenuous physical activity is not advisable when suffering from cold with high fever, body pain or chest congestion as it may worsen the symptoms. Light walking is safer than aerobics. Prioritize rest to save energy for recovery.
Most tablets provide relief for 4-6 hours. Some tablets like Sumo Cold give relief upto 8-10 hours since they contain caffeine which lengthens decongestant action. Choosing sustained release or extended release formulations also prolongs symptom relief in a cold.
Antibiotics only work against bacterial infections. As most seasonal colds are caused by viruses, antibiotics have no benefits. They should be avoided to prevent antibiotic resistance. However, if the current viral cold leads to secondary bacterial infection then antibiotics may be needed.
During the same bout of cold, most tablets can be reused after 4-6 hours if symptoms return once the previous dose wears off. For reuse between two separate cold episodes, it is best to consult a doctor as self medication may mask complications.
We have covered a wide range of highly effective as well as safer tablets formulations for beating stubborn cold and associated discomforts for adults and adolescents. As the viral infection cannot be eliminated, it is wise to choose tablets that provide symptomatic relief across fever, headache, congestion and body ache. Reading labels and consulting doctors ensures right treatment.
Supplementing Allopathy with age-old Indian home remedies and immunity boosters further helps shorten recovery period. Do keep warm, rested and hydrated when that viral bout strikes you. Stay vigilant if symptoms persist beyond weeks or keep aggravating as it may necessitate antibiotics under medical guidance. Here’s to hoping your next cold bug flies off faster than before!
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