Cough, Colds & Flu

The remedies our pharmacists reach for first: Lemsip and Benylin for aches and coughs, Strepsils and Jakemans for throats, Sudafed, Otrivine and Vicks for blocked noses, Sterimar and NeilMed saline for sinuses. Match the product to your symptom and you will get better value and faster relief.

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Pick the remedy for the symptom, not the box with the most claims

Sore throat

Strepsils (antiseptic lozenges) and Jakemans (menthol) soothe and numb. Paracetamol or ibuprofen reduce the pain. Gargling warm salt water works surprisingly well. A sore throat with white spots, a high fever, or lasting over a week needs a GP.

Blocked nose and sinuses

Saline first: Sterimar spray or a NeilMed sinus rinse clears mucus with no side effects and can be used as often as you like. For stronger relief, a decongestant spray such as Otrivine works within minutes but must not be used for more than seven days or your nose becomes dependent on it. Sudafed tablets (pseudoephedrine) decongest from the inside and are pharmacy-only, so you will answer a few questions at the basket; they are not suitable for high blood pressure or heart disease. Vicks VapoRub and inhaler sticks ease congestion at night.

Dry, tickly cough

Benylin Dry Cough or a simple soothing linctus. Honey in warm water is as effective as many cough bottles for adults and children over one.

Chesty cough

Benylin Chesty Cough Non-Drowsy (guaifenesin) loosens mucus so it is easier to cough up. Keep drinking fluids, which does the same job.

All-in-one cold and flu

Lemsip Max and Benylin Day & Night combine paracetamol with a decongestant. Convenient when you have aches, fever and a blocked nose together, but they contain paracetamol, so do not add Panadol on top. Read our full pharmacist's guide to coughs, colds and flu for the interactions to watch.

Flu versus cold

Flu hits suddenly with fever, aches and exhaustion; a cold creeps in with a runny nose and sore throat. Neither needs antibiotics. The flu vaccine prevents the first one; register here.

Under six: no over-the-counter cough or cold medicines. Saline drops, honey (over one year), fluids and Calpol are the safe options. See a GP: breathlessness, chest pain, coughing blood, fever over 39°C for three days, or a cough lasting over three weeks.

Common questions about cough, colds & flu

What is the best medicine for a chesty cough?

An expectorant such as Benylin Chesty Cough Non-Drowsy, which contains guaifenesin to thin the mucus, plus plenty of fluids and steam. Avoid suppressant bottles for a chesty cough; you want to cough the mucus up.

How long can I use Otrivine nasal spray?

No more than seven days in a row. Longer use causes rebound congestion that is worse than the original cold. Switch to a saline spray such as Sterimar, which can be used indefinitely.

Can I take Lemsip and paracetamol together?

No. Lemsip already contains paracetamol, 500 mg or 1000 mg per sachet depending on the version. The maximum is 4 g of paracetamol in 24 hours from all products combined, with at least four hours between doses.

Why does the site ask questions before I can buy Sudafed?

Sudafed contains pseudoephedrine, which is pharmacy-only in Ireland because it is unsuitable for people with high blood pressure, heart disease and some other conditions. The short questionnaire lets our pharmacist check it is safe for you.

Do I need antibiotics for a cold?

No. Colds and flu are viral, and antibiotics do nothing for them. Symptom relief and rest are the treatment. See a GP if symptoms worsen after a week, you become breathless, or you have a very high fever.

Written and reviewed by the pharmacist team at Laois Pharmacy, Portlaoise. General information only, not a substitute for advice about your own health. Ask us in store or on WhatsApp.