New formulas fight seasonal cold, flu symptoms to help you breathe easier

The mix of cold temperatures and holiday burn-out may send patients on the hunt for relief from coughs, colds, and sore throats. Fortunately, a number of companies have introduced new products and formulas in liquid and caplet forms to address just these symptoms.

Last year, Mucinex introduced its Fast-Max line in liquid form. The company now offers the line in caplet form. Fast-Max Cold, Flu, & Sore Throat works to relieve headache, fever, sore throat; break up mucus;
relieve congestion; and control cough. The active ingredients are acetaminophen, dextromethorphan, guaifenesin, and phenylephrine.

Fast-Max Cold & Sinus relieves headache and fever, and breaks up mucus to relieve nasal and chest congestion. The product contains acetaminophen, guaifenesin, and phenylephrine.

Fast-Max Severe Congestion & Cold controls coughs, breaks up mucus, and provides relief for congestion as well as headaches and fevers.  All three formulations are available in 20- and 30-count packages.

Easing cold, flu symptoms

For adults and children 12 years and over, Robitussin’s Peak Cold Daytime Cold+Flu is a non-drowsy formula that helps relieve cough, congestion, fever, body aches, and sore throat.

The 20 liquid-filled capsules contain acetaminophen, dextromethorphan, and phenylephrine. A nighttime version is also available, which contains acetaminophen, dextromethorphan, and doxylamine succinate. The newest product in the line, Mucus + Chest Congestion, uses guaifenesin to loosen phlegm and help make coughs more productive. The syrup is safe for adults and children over 12 years.

Kids’ remedies

Mucinex also has expanded its children’s line. Children’s Cold, Cough, and Sore Throat Liquid soothes sore throat, suppresses coughs, and works to relieve congestion. The product comes in Mixed Berry and contains acetaminophen, dextromethorphan, guaifenesin, and phenylephrine.

A Children’s Multi-Symptom Cold & Fever Liquid breaks up mucus, reduces fevers, relieves congestion, and soothes coughs. Coming in a Berry Blast flavor, the product’s active ingredients are acetaminophen, dextromethorphan, guaifenesin, and phenylephrine.

Mucinex has updated the formula for its Children’s Congestion and Cough Liquid. The new formula works to get rid of congestion, control cough, and break up mucus. The product contains acetaminophen, dextromethorphan, guaifenesin, and phenylephrine and comes in a Berrylicious flavor.

Little Remedies and Prestige Brands have released Honey Elixir to help soothe the coughs and sore throats of children. The product contains no alcohol, saccharin, gluten, or dyes. Children over one year old can use the product safely.

Luden’s, another Prestige Brands product line, has introduced Moisture Drops. Each Moisture Drop provides relief from sore throats. Coming in a Kiwi-Strawberry
flavor, the drops contain pectin.

Pedia-Care, also from Prestige Brands, has introduced Children’s Cold & Flu Hydration. Each packet helps restore equilibrium after stomach upset related to illness. Packets come in grape flavor and are best mixed with cold water.

Chloraseptic has introduced Warming Sore Throat Spray to join the lozenges that it released last year. The spray provides relief for sore throats. It contains phenol but has no alcohol, sugar, or aspirin. The spray comes in honey lemon, cherry, menthol, or soothing citrus.

Cooling lozenges

Cepacol has launched a Sensations line, which is available in three different formulations: Hydra, Cooling, and Warming. The Hydra formulation helps soothe sore throat, mouth irritation, and canker sore pain. The lozenges contain benzocaine and come in Citrus Splash.

Cooling lozenges provide relief for sore throat, canker sore pain, and mouth irritation, while delivering a cooling sensation. The lozenges come in an Ice Cool flavor and contain benzocaine and menthol. Patients who prefer a warming sensation with their sore throat, canker sore, and mouth irritation relief can try the Warming lozenges. The variety comes in Cherry Soother flavor and contains benzocaine.

Acura Pharmaceuticals has launched their first over-the-counter medicine,

Nexafed, which provides relief from nasal congestion. The product contains pseudoephedrine. Unlike other pseudoephedrine products, Nexafed’s active ingredient can’t be extracted from the product for use in methamphetamine production.

Fighting flu-like symptoms

Boiron is launching its best-selling product for flu-like symptoms,
Oscillococcinum in a 30-dose package. This new item will help retailers attract loyal shoppers. Within the box, handy break-away 3-dose packs support stocking Oscilloccinum in purses, at work, in toiletry travel totes, and elsewhere to take quick action at the first signs of symptoms.

In addition, the lower cost per dose removes possible price-based hesitations by consumers. The 30-dose package cuts cost per dose in half to $1 per dose. Suggested retail price is $29.99 for the 30 doses, compared to $11.99 for the 6-dose package and $18.99 for the 12-dose package. Consumers can visit Oscillo.com for a coupon or to find the nearest retail store.