Top Cold and Flu Remedies Available at CVS Pharmacy

Key points

• Over-the-counter cold and flu medicines can ease symptoms such as sore throat, cough, runny nose, fever, and chest congestion.
• CVS Pharmacy carries a broad selection of cold and flu products, including options under the CVS Health label.
• For overnight symptom relief, one notable choice is CVS Health’s Multi-Symptom Nighttime HBP Cold & Flu Relief, which includes acetaminophen, dextromethorphan, and doxylamine succinate.

CVS carries a broad selection of cold and flu products aimed at easing common symptoms such as sore throat, cough, runny nose, fever, and chest congestion.

The selection includes lozenges, liquids, tablets, topical rubs, and formulas designed for children or for use without causing drowsiness, giving shoppers several over-the-counter choices depending on their needs.

Below, find our picks for the best cold and flu products at CVS, along with additional advice for easing symptoms.

A closer look at the best cold and flu products at CVS

How the top CVS cold and flu products compare

Product

Best for

Form

How to take

Active ingredients

Price

nighttime relief

liquid

30 mL every 6 hours
(adults and children ages 12+)

• acetaminophen (650 mg)
• dextromethorphan HBr (30 mg)
• doxylamine succinate (12.5 mg)

$9.49

fever and body aches

caplet

1 caplet every 4 to 6 hours
(adults and children ages 12+)

• ibuprofen

$8.99

sore throat and cough

lozenge

2 lozenges, every 4 hours
(adults and children ages 12+)

• benzocaine (7.5 mg)
• dextromethorphan HBr (5 mg)

$5.69

kids’ cold symptoms

liquid

10 mL every 4 hours as needed
(for children ages 6 to 11 years, who weigh 48 to 95 lb)

• acetaminophen (160 mg)
• chlorpheniramine maleate (1 mg)
• dextromethorphan HBr (5 mg)

$10.99

sinus pressure and pain

caplet

1 caplet every 12 hours
(adults and children ages 12+)

• naproxen (220 mg)
• pseudoephedrine HCl (120 mg)

$16.79

chest congestion

liquid gels

2 liquid gels every 4 hours (adults and children ages 12+)

• dextromethorphan HBr (10 mg)
• guaifenesin (200 mg)

$18.49

chest rub

ointment

up to three times daily
(adults and children ages 2+)

• camphor
• eucalyptus oil
• menthol

$9.69

How we selected these products

Every brand and product featured is reviewed through Healthline’s standard vetting process.

For this roundup, we looked at the following:

• Symptoms: We chose products that address common cold and flu symptoms, including cough, congestion, sore throat, fever, and body aches.
• Ingredients: We reviewed the active ingredients, what they are meant to treat, and whether the product combines multiple ingredients for different symptoms.
• Drowsiness: We noted whether a product may cause sleepiness so readers can choose options that fit daytime or nighttime use.
• Price: We aimed to include options that are relatively affordable.
• Ease of use: We considered the product form, dosing directions, and how simple it is to take or use.
• Safety: We checked product warnings, possible side effects, and considerations for people with common health conditions such as high blood pressure.
• User reviews: Healthline reviews customer feedback to understand how buyers view the products and the brand.
• Brand reputation: We try to feature reputable brands and confirm that each one meets labeling requirements set by the Food and Drug Administration (FDA).

Additional ways to manage cold and flu symptoms

The National Health Service (NHS) in the United Kingdom recommends the following steps for the common cold:

• get plenty of rest
• drink lots of fluid, such as water, to avoid dehydration
• eat healthy food (it’s common for small children to lose their appetite for a few days)
• gargle salt water to soothe a sore throat (not suitable for young children)
• drink a hot lemon and honey drink to soothe a sore throat
• breathe in steam to ease a blocked nose – try sitting in the bathroom with a hot shower running

For the flu, the NHS also suggests the following:

• get lots of rest and sleep
• take acetaminophen or ibuprofen to lower temperature and reduce aches and pains
• give acetaminophen or ibuprofen to your child if they are uncomfortable (check the packaging to make sure the medication is suitable for your child)
• drink lots of water to avoid dehydration

Some home remedies for colds and flu may also help ease symptoms, although research is limited.

Frequently asked questions

Yes, CVS sells at-home flu antigen tests that can detect influenza A or B, the viruses that cause the flu.

Influenza A and B can cause similar respiratory symptoms, though influenza A is more often linked to widespread seasonal outbreaks and pandemics. Both can cause serious illness, especially in people at higher risk of flu complications.

Yes, CVS offers delivery for cold and flu medications, including over-the-counter options and some prescription drugs. In many areas, same-day delivery may be available if you cannot visit a store. Availability and fees vary by location.

Yes, CVS nighttime cold and flu products can cause drowsiness. Most nighttime formulas contain doxylamine, an antihistamine that may make you sleepy. Avoid driving or operating machinery after taking it, and follow the product’s dosing directions.

Bottom line

CVS offers a wide range of over-the-counter cold and flu products designed to ease different symptoms, from cough and chest congestion to fever, aches, sore throat, and sinus pressure.

The best option depends on your symptoms, age, health conditions, and any other medications you take.

Before using any cold or flu medicine, read the Drug Facts label for active ingredients, dosing instructions, and warnings.

Do not combine products that contain the same active ingredient, such as acetaminophen, unless a healthcare professional tells you to do so.

Along with medication, getting enough rest and fluids may help you manage cold and flu symptoms as your body recovers.