skip to Main Content

Over the Counter Flu Treatments to Ease Flu Symptoms

The following over-the-counter medicines are examples of flu treatments that may help ease flu symptoms.

Type of Medicine: Antihistamine


For Symptoms: Itchy, runny nose and eyes, sneezing, itchy throat
Possible side effects:
Drowsiness or grogginess, upset stomach, dry mouth
Impaired coordination and judgment, urinary retention, loss of appetite, excitability (in children)

Brands names for Antihistimines:
Allegra
Benadryl
Chlor-Trimeton
Claritin
Dimetane

Tavist
Zyrtec
Flu Symptom Treatment

Type of Decongestant medication:   Sudafed

Symptoms Treated: Congestion and pressure in head, nose, and ears
Possible Side Effects: Lightheadedness, wakefulness, nervousness, restlessness (jittery and shaky), increased blood pressure and heart rate, irregular heart beat

Type of Medication:  Antihistamine/decongestant

Symptoms treated: Itchy, runny nose and eyes; sneezing; congestion
Side Effects: Possible antihistamine and/or decongestant side effects
Medication Brand Names:
Actifed
Allegra D
Chlor-Trimeton D
Claritin D
Dimetapp
Drixoral
Tavist D

Category: Antihistamine/decongestant

Medication Brand Names:
Advil Cold and Sinus
Comtrex Day/Night
Tylenol Allergy Sinus
Symptoms treated: Itchy, runny nose and eyes; sneezing; congestion; headache
Possible antihistamine and/or decongestant side effects

Medication: Saline nose sprays

Ayr Saline
Ocean
Symptoms treated: Nasal stuffiness

Medication: Decongestant nose sprays

Afrin
Dristan Nasal Spray
Neo-Synephrine
Sinex
Symptoms Treated: Nasal stuffiness
Side Effects: Might lead to “rebound” congestion from dependence on the medicine if used for more than 3 days
Medication: Antihistamine eye drops
Visine-A (Formerly OcuHist)
Symptoms Treated: Itchy, watery eyes; eye redness
Possible Side Effects: Temporary stinging in the eyes or blurred vision, “rebound” redness of the eyes if overused
Source: Webmd.com
Click here to read the article

Back To Top