This text is based on the latest medical evidence and my personal experience in selecting and recommending over-the-counter medications, without favoring any particular pharmaceutical company or product. If new medical evidence is published, the recommended medications will be promptly updated accordingly.
Japanese drugstores offer a wide variety of multi-symptom cold medicines.
You might think it’s fine to pick any one at random, right?
In reality, the ingredients and formulations of these cold medicines vary, so their effectiveness differs as well.
If you choose the wrong cold medicine for your symptoms, not only might it fail to achieve the desired effect, but it could also cause side effects.
Therefore, it’s better to select the right cold medicine based on your specific cold symptoms.
The most effective cold medicine for reducing high fever and relieving pain
As for antipyretic and analgesic components, Japanese cold medicines typically contain either NSAIDs (such as ibuprofen or loxoprofen) or acetaminophen.
Among the two, NSAIDs are more effective, so if you’re experiencing a high fever, severe headaches, throat pain, or muscle and joint aches, it’s better to choose a cold medicine that contains NSAIDs.
Additionally, if the medicine includes tranexamic acid, which is effective for throat pain, that’s an even better choice.
Korugen Kowa IB Tablets TXα (Kowa)
This cold medicine contains a high dose of 600 mg of ibuprofen as an antipyretic and analgesic ingredient, along with tranexamic acid, which is effective for throat pain, making it highly effective in reducing fever and alleviating pain.
Additionally, it includes ambroxol as an expectorant, chlorpheniramine to suppress sneezing and runny nose, dihydrocodeine phosphate as a cough suppressant, and methylephedrine as a bronchodilator.
Precautions
- This medication contains multiple ingredients that may cause drowsiness, so driving after taking it should be avoided.
- It should not be used by pregnant women who are 20 weeks or more into their pregnancy (within 12 weeks of the expected delivery date), as it may adversely affect the fetus’s kidneys or induce neonatal pulmonary hypertension.
- Breastfeeding mothers should avoid using this medication, as it may cause morphine toxicity in infants.
- Patients with hypertension, stomach or duodenal ulcers, liver disease, kidney disease, or heart conditions should not use this medication, as it may worsen their symptoms.
- Additionally, it may exacerbate conditions such as difficulty urinating, prostate enlargement, glaucoma, diabetes, thyroid disorders, or asthma.
- Common side effects include drowsiness, dry mouth, and constipation.
- If elderly individuals take cough suppressants, there is a risk of developing aspiration pneumonia because the suppression of the cough reflex makes it harder to expel accidentally inhaled food, beverages, or saliva.
- For more details, please visit the pharmaceutical company’s website.
| Age | Single Dose | Frequency per Day |
|---|---|---|
| Adults (15 years and older) | 3 tablets | 3 times |
| Under 15 years | Not to be taken | |
Lulu Attack EX Premium (Daiichi Sankyo Healthcare)
This cold medicine contains 600 mg of ibuprofen as a high-dose antipyretic and analgesic ingredient, along with tranexamic acid, which is effective for relieving throat pain.
Therefore, it is expected to provide powerful fever-reducing and pain-relieving effects.
Additionally, it includes chlorpheniramine to suppress sneezing and runny nose, dihydrocodeine phosphate as a cough suppressant, and methylephedrine as a bronchodilator.
Furthermore, it is fortified with vitamins B1 and B2.
Precautions
- This medication contains multiple ingredients that may cause drowsiness, so driving after taking it should be avoided.
- It should not be used by pregnant women who are 20 weeks or more into their pregnancy (within 12 weeks of the expected delivery date), as it may adversely affect the fetus’s kidneys or induce neonatal pulmonary hypertension.
- Breastfeeding mothers should avoid using this medication, as it may cause morphine toxicity in infants.
- Patients with hypertension, stomach or duodenal ulcers, liver disease, kidney disease, or heart conditions should not use this medication, as it may worsen their symptoms.
- Additionally, it may exacerbate conditions such as difficulty urinating, prostate enlargement, glaucoma (Chlorpheniramine), diabetes, thyroid disorders (Methylephedrine), or asthma.
- Common side effects include drowsiness, dry mouth, and constipation.
- If elderly individuals take cough suppressants, there is a risk of developing aspiration pneumonia because the suppression of the cough reflex makes it harder to expel accidentally inhaled food, beverages, or saliva.
- For more details, please visit the pharmaceutical company’s website.
| Age | Single Dose | Frequency per Day |
|---|---|---|
| Adults (15 years and older) | 3 tablets | 3 times |
| Under 15 years | Not to be taken | |
The most effective cold medicines that relieve coughing
In Japan, the two main cough suppressant ingredients are dihydrocodeine phosphate and dextromethorphan.
Cold medicines with dihydrocodeine phosphate are more commonly found at drugstores.
This ingredient is effective for dry, non-productive coughs but is less suitable for coughs associated with colds.
It can also suppress phlegm expulsion, causing it to linger in the throat.
On the other hand, dextromethorphan works well for coughs accompanied by phlegm.
It is available both as a prescription medication and over the counter.
At drugstores, you can find it sold under the brand name “Medicon” as a single-ingredient product.
For phlegmy coughs, cold medicines containing dextromethorphan are recommended.
New Contac Cold Total (GlaxoSmithKline Consumer Healthcare Japan)
This cold medicine contains dextromethorphan as a cough suppressant, which effectively relieves coughs caused by colds.
It also includes methylephedrine to widen the bronchial tubes and ease breathing, as well as bromhexine to help expel phlegm.
Additionally, it contains acetaminophen as a fever reducer and pain reliever, and chlorpheniramine to suppress sneezing and runny nose.
Suitable for individuals aged 7 and older.
Precautions
- This medication contains multiple ingredients that may cause drowsiness, so driving after taking it should be avoided.
- It may exacerbate conditions such as difficulty urinating, prostate enlargement, glaucoma, hypertension, diabetes, thyroid disorders.
- Common side effects include drowsiness, dry mouth.
- If elderly individuals take cough suppressants, there is a risk of developing aspiration pneumonia because the suppression of the cough reflex makes it harder to expel accidentally inhaled food, beverages, or saliva.
- For more details, please visit the pharmaceutical company’s website.
| Age | Single Dose | Frequency per Day |
|---|---|---|
| Adults (15 years and older) | 2 tablets | 2 times |
| 8~14 years | 1 tablet | 2 times |
| Under 7 years | Not to be taken | |
Estac Comprehensive Cold (SS Pharmaceutical)
This cold medicine contains dextromethorphan as a cough suppressant, which effectively relieves coughs caused by colds.
It also includes methylephedrine to widen the bronchial tubes and make breathing easier.
In addition, it features acetaminophen as a fever reducer and pain reliever, and chlorpheniramine to suppress sneezing and a runny nose.
Furthermore, it contains licorice root and ginger, which help support recovery from colds.
Suitable for individuals aged 5 and older.
Precautions
- This medication contains multiple ingredients that may cause drowsiness, so driving after taking it should be avoided.
- It may exacerbate conditions such as difficulty urinating, prostate enlargement, glaucoma, hypertension, diabetes, thyroid disorders.
- Common side effects include drowsiness, dry mouth.
- If elderly individuals take cough suppressants, there is a risk of developing aspiration pneumonia because the suppression of the cough reflex makes it harder to expel accidentally inhaled food, beverages, or saliva.
- For more details, please visit the pharmaceutical company’s website.
| Age | Single Dose | Frequency per Day |
|---|---|---|
| Adults (15 years and older) | 3 tablets | 3 times |
| 12~14 years | 2 tablets | 3 times |
| 5~10 years | 1 tablet | 3 times |
Non-drowsy cold medicines
Cold medicines available in Japan often contain multiple ingredients that can cause drowsiness.
These include cough suppressants like dihydrocodeine phosphate and dextromethorphan, as well as chlorpheniramine, which suppresses runny noses and sneezing.
Therefore, if you need to go to work, drive a car, or perform tasks where drowsiness would be problematic, it is better to choose a cold medicine that does not contain these sedating ingredients.
Pabron 50 (Taisho Pharmaceutical)
This cold medicine does not contain any ingredients that cause drowsiness, making it safe to take even if you need to go to work or drive a car.
It includes acetaminophen as a fever reducer and pain reliever, as well as guaifenesin to help expel phlegm.
Additionally, it contains multiple herbal ingredients effective for relieving cold symptoms, such as ophiopogon root, ginseng, jujube, and pinellia tuber.
For more details, please visit the pharmaceutical company’s website.
| Age | Single Dose | Frequency per Day |
|---|---|---|
| Adults (15 years and older) | 4 tablets | 3 times |
| Under 15 years | Not to be taken | |
Kakonal Kakkonto Granules [Full-Prescription Formula] (Daiichi Sankyo Healthcare)
This cold medicine is made entirely from herbal ingredients and will not cause drowsiness.
In Japan, it is quite common to take kakkonto at the early stages of a cold.
Kakkonto is also effective in relieving stiff shoulders.
Suitable for individuals aged 2 and older.
Precautions
- This medication is not suitable for people whose physical strength has significantly declined.
- For more details, please visit the pharmaceutical company’s website.
This cold medicine is designed to help you recover from a cold by ensuring a good night’s sleep. It includes drowsiness-inducing ingredients to help you sleep soundly. Suitable for individuals aged 15 and above.
Cold medicines suitable for patients with hypertension, diabetes, and thyroid disease
Many cold medicines contain methylephedrine, which is included to widen the bronchial tubes and make breathing easier.
However, this ingredient stimulates the sympathetic nervous system, which can raise blood pressure and blood sugar levels, and may also affect thyroid function.
For example, after my father took a cold medicine containing methylephedrine, his blood pressure, which is usually around 130, rose to over 150 the next day.
In addition, common antipyretic and analgesic ingredients like ibuprofen and loxoprofen can impair kidney function and cause fluid retention, leading to increased blood pressure.
In Japan, cold medicines containing ibuprofen are available in daily doses of 600 mg, 450 mg, and 400 mg.
For individuals with cardiovascular diseases or thyroid disorders, it is advisable to avoid cold medicines with the higher dose of 600 mg ibuprofen and instead choose those with lower doses of 450 mg or 400 mg.
Alternatively, selecting a cold medicine that does not contain ibuprofen at all and instead contains acetaminophen can help avoid unexpected side effects.
Furthermore, the herbal ingredient licorice also has the side effect of raising blood pressure, so caution is necessary.
Pabron S Gold W Tablets (Taisho Pharmaceutical)
This cold medicine does not contain methyl ephedrine or ibuprofen, which can affect cardiovascular or metabolic functions.
Instead of ibuprofen, it includes acetaminophen as an antipyretic and analgesic ingredient, which is safer and has fewer side effects.
Additionally, it contains dihydrocodeine phosphate as a cough suppressant, ambroxol and carbocisteine as expectorants, and chlorpheniramine to relieve sneezing and runny nose.
Suitable for individuals aged 12 and older.
Precautions
- This medication contains multiple ingredients that may cause drowsiness, so driving after taking it should be avoided.
- Breastfeeding mothers should avoid using this medication, as it may cause morphine toxicity in infants.
- It may exacerbate conditions such as difficulty urinating, prostate enlargement, glaucoma, hypertension or asthma.
- Common side effects include drowsiness, dry mouth, and constipation.
- If elderly individuals take cough suppressants, there is a risk of developing aspiration pneumonia because the suppression of the cough reflex makes it harder to expel accidentally inhaled food, beverages, or saliva.
- For more details, please visit the pharmaceutical company’s website.
| Age | Single Dose | Frequency per Day |
|---|---|---|
| Adults (15 years and older) | 2 tablets | 3 times |
| 12~14 years | 1 tablet | 3 times |
| Under 11 years | Not to be taken | |
Pylon PL Granules (Shionogi Pharmaceutical)
This cold medicine does not contain methyl ephedrine or ibuprofen, which can affect cardiovascular or metabolic functions.
It includes acetaminophen and salicylamide as antipyretic and analgesic ingredients, and promethazine to suppress runny nose and sneezing.
Since it does not contain any cough suppressant ingredients, it does not induce aspiration pneumonia when taken by the elderly.
Suitable for individuals aged 15 and older.
Precautions
- This medication contains ingredient that may cause drowsiness, so driving after taking it should be avoided.
- It may exacerbate conditions such as difficulty urinating, prostate enlargement, glaucoma.
- For more details, please visit the pharmaceutical company’s website.
| Age | Single Dose | Frequency per Day |
|---|---|---|
| Adults (15 years and older) | 2 tablets | 3 times |
| Under 15 years | Not to be taken | |
Stona Family (Sato Pharmaceutical) introduced below does not contain methyl ephedrine or NSAIDs, making it suitable for patients with conditions such as hypertension, diabetes, thyroid dysfunction, or heart failure.
Cold medicines suitable for pregnant and breastfeeding women
Cold medicines made solely from herbal ingredients are safe for pregnant and breastfeeding women, but options are very limited for general types of cold medicines.
Here, we introduce one cold medicine that is safe for pregnant women and two that are safe for breastfeeding women.
Pabron S Gold W Tablets (Taisho Pharmaceutical).
This cold medicine does not contain ibuprofen, a fever reducer and pain reliever that may adversely affect the fetus if taken during late pregnancy (after 20 weeks), or methylephedrine, a bronchodilator that may induce uterine contractions.
Instead, it contains acetaminophen, a safer fever reducer and pain reliever with fewer side effects.
Additionally, it includes dihydrocodeine phosphate as a cough suppressant, along with ambroxol and carbocisteine as expectorants.
Suitable for individuals aged 12 and above.
Precautions
- This medication contains multiple ingredients that may cause drowsiness, so driving after taking it should be avoided.
- Breastfeeding mothers should avoid using this medication, as it may cause morphine toxicity in infants.
- Additionally, it may exacerbate conditions such as difficulty urinating, prostate enlargement, glaucoma, hypertension or asthma.
- Common side effects include drowsiness, dry mouth, and constipation.
- If elderly individuals take cough suppressants, there is a risk of developing aspiration pneumonia because the suppression of the cough reflex makes it harder to expel accidentally inhaled food, beverages, or saliva.
- For more details, please visit the pharmaceutical company’s website.
| Age | Single Dose | Frequency per Day |
|---|---|---|
| Adults (15 years and older) | 2 tablets | 3 times |
| 12~14 years | 1 tablet | 3 times |
| Under 11 years | Not to be taken | |
Estac Comprehensive Cold (SS Pharmaceutical)
This cold medicine does not contain any ingredients that could affect infant development through breast milk.
It includes dextromethorphan to suppress coughing, methylephedrine to widen the airways and ease breathing, and acetaminophen as a fever reducer and pain reliever.
Suitable for children aged 5 and above.
Precautions
- This medication contains multiple ingredients that may cause drowsiness, so driving after taking it should be avoided.
- It may exacerbate conditions such as difficulty urinating, prostate enlargement, glaucoma, hypertension, diabetes, thyroid disorders.
- Common side effects include drowsiness, dry mouth.
- If elderly individuals take cough suppressants, there is a risk of developing aspiration pneumonia because the suppression of the cough reflex makes it harder to expel accidentally inhaled food, beverages, or saliva.
- For more details, please visit the pharmaceutical company’s website.
| Age | Single Dose | Frequency per Day |
|---|---|---|
| Adults (15 years and older) | 3 tablets | 3 times |
| 12~14 years | 2 tablets | 3 times |
| 5~10 years | 1 tablet | 3 times |
Korugen Kowa Comprehensive Cold Medicine (Kowa)
This cold medicine does not contain any ingredients that could affect infant development through breast milk.
It includes dextromethorphan to relieve coughing, methylephedrine to widen the airways and ease breathing, acetaminophen as a fever reducer and pain reliever, and tranexamic acid to soothe throat pain.
Suitable for children aged 5 and above.
Precautions
- This medication contains multiple ingredients that may cause drowsiness, so driving after taking it should be avoided.
- It may exacerbate conditions such as difficulty urinating, prostate enlargement, glaucoma, hypertension, diabetes, thyroid disorders.
- Common side effects include drowsiness, dry mouth.
- If elderly individuals take cough suppressants, there is a risk of developing aspiration pneumonia because the suppression of the cough reflex makes it harder to expel accidentally inhaled food, beverages, or saliva.
- For more details, please visit the pharmaceutical company’s website.
| Age | Single Dose | Frequency per Day |
|---|---|---|
| Adults (15 years and older) | 3 tablets | 3 times |
| 11~14 years | 2 tablets | 3 times |
| 5~10 years | 1 tablet | 3 times |
| Under 4 years | Not to be taken | |
Cold medicine suitable for use as a household medicine
It’s common to keep cold medicine on hand so that if a family member catches a cold, they can take it right away.
Herbal cold medicines are the safest option, but among regular types of cold medicines, there are few that can be safely used by everyone, from children to the elderly.
Korugen Kowa Comprehensive Cold Medicine (Kowa)
This cold medicine does not contain the following ingredients that are commonly found in many other cold medications, making it suitable for a wide range of ages, from children to the elderly.
Ibuprofen: If taken by the elderly, it may cause difficulty urinating, glaucoma, or elevated blood pressure. When used alongside antihypertensive drugs or diuretics, it may also increase the risk of kidney damage.
Dihydrocodeine phosphate: It may cause constipation. If taken by children, it could potentially lead to respiratory depression.
Precautions
- This medication contains multiple ingredients that may cause drowsiness, so driving after taking it should be avoided.
- It may exacerbate conditions such as difficulty urinating, prostate enlargement, glaucoma, hypertension, diabetes, thyroid disorders.
- Common side effects include drowsiness, dry mouth.
- If elderly individuals take cough suppressants, there is a risk of developing aspiration pneumonia because the suppression of the cough reflex makes it harder to expel accidentally inhaled food, beverages, or saliva.
- For more details, please visit the pharmaceutical company’s website.
| Age | Single Dose | Frequency per Day |
|---|---|---|
| Adults (15 years and older) | 3 tablets | 3 times |
| 11~14 years | 2 tablets | 3 times |
| 5~10 years | 1 tablet | 3 times |
| Under 4 years | Not to be taken | |
Estac General Cold Medicine (SS Pharmaceutical)
This cold medicine does not contain the following ingredients that are commonly found in many other cold medications, making it suitable for a wide range of ages, from children to the elderly.
Ibuprofen: If taken by the elderly, it may cause difficulty urinating, glaucoma, or elevated blood pressure. When used alongside antihypertensive drugs or diuretics, it may also increase the risk of kidney damage.
Dihydrocodeine phosphate: It may cause constipation. If taken by children, it could potentially lead to respiratory depression.
Precautions
- This medication contains multiple ingredients that may cause drowsiness, so driving after taking it should be avoided.
- It may exacerbate conditions such as difficulty urinating, prostate enlargement, glaucoma, hypertension, diabetes, thyroid disorders.
- Common side effects include drowsiness, dry mouth.
- If elderly individuals take cough suppressants, there is a risk of developing aspiration pneumonia because the suppression of the cough reflex makes it harder to expel accidentally inhaled food, beverages, or saliva.
- For more details, please visit the pharmaceutical company’s website.
| Age | Single Dose | Frequency per Day |
|---|---|---|
| Adults (15 years and older) | 3 tablets | 3 times |
| 12~14 years | 2 tablets | 3 times |
| 5~10 years | 1 tablet | 3 times |
Stona Family (Sato Pharmaceutical)
This cold medicine does not contain the following ingredients that are commonly found in many other cold medications, making it suitable for a wide range of ages, from children to the elderly.
Dihydrocodeine phosphate: It may cause constipation. If taken by children, it could potentially lead to respiratory depression.
Ibuprofen: If taken by the elderly, it may cause difficulty urinating, glaucoma, or elevated blood pressure. When used alongside antihypertensive drugs or diuretics, it may also increase the risk of kidney damage.
Methylephedrine: It stimulates the sympathetic nervous system, which may worsen symptoms in individuals with conditions such as hypertension, diabetes, thyroid disorders, or heart failure.
Precautions
- This medication contains multiple ingredients that may cause drowsiness, so driving after taking it should be avoided.
- It may exacerbate conditions such as difficulty urinating, prostate enlargement, glaucoma, diabetes, thyroid disorders.
- Common side effects include drowsiness, dry mouth.
- If elderly individuals take cough suppressants, there is a risk of developing aspiration pneumonia because the suppression of the cough reflex makes it harder to expel accidentally inhaled food, beverages, or saliva.
- For more details, please visit the pharmaceutical company’s website.
| Age | Single Dose | Frequency per Day |
|---|---|---|
| Adults (15 years and older) | 2 tablets | 3 times |
| 7~14 years | 1 tablet | 3 times |
| Under 6 years | Not to be taken | |
