While you cannot “cure” influenza with OTC medicines after onset, you can “alleviate symptoms” and potentially “prevent deterioration.” We have strictly selected only the medications actually sold in pharmacies that are genuinely useful for managing flu symptoms.
OTC Medicines Effective for Influenza Symptoms (2025 Bestsellers)
| Purpose | Recommended OTC Drugs (2025 Bestsellers) | Efficacy (Perceived Level) | Cautions |
| Rapid Relief of Fever, Headache, Joint Pain | ① Ibuprofen (e.g., Eve A Tablet) ② Loxoprofen (e.g., Loxonin S) ③ Acetaminophen(e.g., Tylenol A, Calonal) | ★★★★★ (Strongest) ★★★★☆ ★★★☆☆ (Safe for Pregnant Women/Children) | * Loxonin/Ibuprofen may require an antacid if you have a weak stomach. * Loxoprofen is NOT suitable for pregnant women or children under 12. |
| Stopping Runny/Stuffy Nose | ① Pabron S Gold W Tablet ② Stonarini Z (Class 2) ③ Benza Ace Rhinitis Capsule | ★★★★☆ | The antihistamine component can cause strong drowsiness (NO driving). |
| When Cough Won’t Stop | ① Pabron Sα Tablet ② Stona Expectorant Capsule ③ Mucosolvan L | ★★★☆☆ | Effective for wet coughs with phlegm. Less effective for dry, hacking coughs. |
| Sore/Swollen Throat | ① Perrack T Tablet ② Lulu Attack NX | ★★★★☆ (Perrack is strongest) | Tranexamic acid directly suppresses inflammation. |
| Comprehensive Cold Medicine (All-in-one) | ① Pabron Gold A Tablet ② Lulu Attack EX ③ Benza Block L Premium Tablet | ★★★★☆ | Convenient, but risk of drowsiness/stomach pain due to ingredient overlap ↑. |
OTC Medicines Ineffective for Influenza Treatment
| Drug Name | Reason for Ineffectiveness |
| Kakkonto (Kakkon-to) | Exclusively for the very initial stage of a cold. Virtually ineffective against the high fever of established influenza. |
| Aneton Cough Suppressant Tablet | The cough-suppressing components are too weak for severe flu coughs. |
| Kaigen | Only useful for the start of a cold. Powerless against full-blown influenza. |
Disclaimer: OTC drugs provide symptomatic relief only and do not contain antiviral agents like Tamiflu or Xofluza. If you suspect you have the flu (especially with high fever), please consult a doctor to receive prescription antiviral medication, which is most effective when taken within the 48-hour window.
