Flu symptoms like fever, cough, and body aches can make it hard to function, especially during seasonal outbreaks. Whether you're searching for the best medicine for flu or a flu medicine in the Philippines that's easy to access, it helps to know what actually works.
In this article, we asked Dr. Eron Tan to explain how to choose effective flu treatments. We also share trusted options you can find on Lazada, Shopee, and other major drugstores.
Quick List - Top Medicines for Flu
Dr. Tan is a Family and Occupational Medicine doctor and college faculty member with expertise in clinical care, preventive medicine, and evidence-based practice. With a strong background in primary and secondary care, research, and community-oriented primary care, he simplifies complex health topics for readers. His experience in occupational health provides insights into workplace well-being and safety, ensuring health-related decisions are grounded in research and reliable medical knowledge.
Our recommendation articles are carefully researched and crafted by the mybest Philippines team of writers and editors. To stay true to our company’s mission and vision to help users’ selection process easier, we also collaborate with experts from various fields to ensure that our content stays factual and useful.
The expert oversees the Buying Guide only, and does not determine the products and services featured.
Table of Contents
Flu symptoms often appear suddenly and are more intense than those of the common cold.
Flu, colds, COVID-19, and RSV share similar symptoms, but distinguishing them aids in treatment. Flu hits suddenly with high fever, body aches, dry cough, and fatigue, while colds develop gradually with milder symptoms like congestion and mild cough.
COVID-19 can include fever and additional symptoms like loss of taste, diarrhea, or breathing issues. Respiratory syncytial virus (RSV) affects mostly infants and the elderly, causing wheezing and severe congestion. Observing the severity and combination of symptoms is crucial, especially for high-risk individuals.
Here are some tips from Dr. Eron Tan to help you choose the right flu medicine based on your symptoms, health condition, and lifestyle.
Buying from FDA-registered sources ensures the medicine is safe, effective, and not counterfeit.
Whether you're buying flu medicine online or in-store, it’s essential to get them from legitimate and safe sources. Look for well-known pharmacies like Watsons or Mercury Drug, and choose official brand stores or verified sellers on Lazada and Shopee.
To protect yourself from fake or recalled products, always do the following:
Check that the product is FDA-registered via the FDA Philippines Verification Portal
Visit the FDA Advisory Section to see if the item has been flagged or recalled
Review the expiration date, active ingredients, and warnings on the label
Avoid products with unclear packaging, no manufacturer details, or suspiciously low prices.
Flu symptoms vary, so it’s best to match them with the right active ingredients to get faster relief and avoid overmedicating.
Treating flu effectively starts with choosing the right active ingredient for your symptoms.
Multi-symptom medicines are helpful when you’re experiencing several symptoms, but they may contain ingredients you don’t need if your symptoms are mild or isolated.
Products like Neozep and Bioflu combine several actives in one tablet, which can be convenient when dealing with moderate to severe flu.
But if you only have one or two symptoms, it’s best to treat them separately. This helps you avoid overmedication, especially if you’re taking other drugs or supplements. Always check the label to prevent doubling up on ingredients like paracetamol.
Some ingredients may not be safe for pregnant women or those with chronic illnesses. Always read the label and consult a doctor if needed.
Paracetamol is safe for mild symptoms, but some decongestants and pain relievers should be avoided. Always check with your doctor before taking any flu medicine.
If you're pregnant or breastfeeding, avoid self-medicating without a doctor's advice. Paracetamol is generally safe for fever and mild aches. But avoid NSAIDs like ibuprofen, aspirin, and decongestants like pseudoephedrine, especially in the first trimester.
Instead, use saline sprays, a humidifier, or warm teas with honey to ease congestion or a sore throat naturally.
Those with hypertension, diabetes, or kidney issues should be careful with decongestants and NSAIDs. Read labels and talk to a doctor to avoid serious side effects.
Certain ingredients can worsen pre-existing conditions. For example, pseudoephedrine and phenylephrine may raise blood pressure and should be avoided by those with hypertension.
If you have kidney issues, go for acetaminophen instead of NSAIDs. Diabetics should also check for sugar content in syrups and monitor blood sugar closely when taking corticosteroids or sweetened medicines.
If you're unsure, take your first dose in the evening to test how your body reacts.
Some flu medicines include sedating antihistamines like diphenhydramine or chlorpheniramine, which can cause drowsiness. These are ideal if your symptoms—like a runny nose or cough—worsen at night and affect your sleep.
For daytime use, look for non-drowsy options to avoid feeling sluggish. Always check the label before taking any flu medicine, especially if you plan to work, drive, or go to school.
Lagundi, honey, and warm teas can help relieve cough and sore throat. Just remember, these are supportive options—not substitutes for flu meds in high-risk cases.
Some people prefer to support their recovery with natural or herbal remedies, especially when symptoms are mild. Here are some safe and commonly used alternatives:
Lagundi (Vitex negundo): Helps clear mucus and ease cough
Honey: Reduces cough frequency and may work as well as some OTC cough syrups
Ginger or turmeric teas: Provide anti-inflammatory benefits for sore throat
Saline nasal sprays and warm water gargles: Help soothe congestion and discomfort
While these remedies are generally safe, especially for children or those avoiding meds, they shouldn’t replace proper flu treatment for high-risk individuals, such as pregnant women, elderly adults, or people with chronic illnesses.
Products | Image | Click to purchase | Key features | Details | |||||||
---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
FDA Approved | Safe For | Key Ingredients | Non-Drowsy | Primary Symptoms Treated | Dosage | Content | |||||
1 | Unilab Biogesic Paracetamol | ![]() | Provides Fast Relief for Headaches and Fever | People With Medical Conditions、Pregnant and Breastfeeding Women | Phenylephrine HCl、Paracetamol、Chlorphenamine Maleate | Fever、Headache、Body Aches、Clogged Nose、Runny Nose、Cough with Phlegm、Postnasal Drip、Sneezing、Cough、Flu | 1 Tablet Every 6 Hours, As Needed | 500 mg Tablet | |||
2 | Unilab Bioflu | ![]() | All-in-One Relief for Flu Symptoms in Just One Tablet | People With Medical Conditions、Pregnant and Breastfeeding Women | Phenylephrine HCl、Chlorphenamine Maleate、Paracetamol | Fever、Headache、Body Aches、Clogged Nose、Runny Nose | 1 Tablet Every 6 Hours, As Needed | 10 mg / 2 mg / 500 mg Tablet | |||
3 | Unilab Neozep Z+ Forte | ![]() | Feel Better Faster With a Decongestant and Antihistamine Combo | People With Medical Conditions | Phenylephrine HCl、Chlorphenamine Maleate、Paracetamol、Zinc | Fever、Headache、Body Aches、Clogged Nose、Runny Nose、Postnasal Drip、Sneezing | 1 Tablet Every 6 Hours | 10 mg / 2 mg / 325 mg / 10 mg Tablet | |||
4 | Pfizer Robitussin DM | ![]() | Dual-Action Relief for Cough and Chest Congestion | People With Medical Conditions | Dextromethorphan Hydrobromide、Guaifenesin | Cough with Phlegm、Dry & Persistent Cough、Cough、Chest Congestion | 20 mL Every 4 Hours as Needed. Do Not Exceed 120 mL in 24 Hours. | 120mL Syrup | |||
5 | Unilab Solmux Advance | ![]() | Fortified With Zinc to Effectively Relieve Cough and Boost Immunity | People With Medical Conditions | Carbocisteine、Zinc | Cough with Phlegm、Cough、Chest Congestion、Dry & Persistent Cough | 1 Tablet Every 8 Hours | 500 mg Tablet | |||
6 | Unilab Decolgen Forte | ![]() | All-in-One Relief for Stuffy Nose and Other Cold Symptoms | People With Medical Conditions | Chlorphenamine Maleate、Phenylpropanolamine HCl、Paracetamol | Fever、Headache、Body Aches、Clogged Nose、Runny Nose、Postnasal Drip、Sneezing | 1 Tablet Every 6 Hours, or as Recommended by a Doctor. | 25 mg / 2 mg / 500 mg Tablet | |||
7 | Trevenodd Corp Plemex Forte|600 mg | ![]() | Herbal Capsules for Safe Relief from Cough and Asthma | People With Medical Conditions | Vitex negundo L. (Lagundi Leaf) | Cough with Phlegm、Dry & Persistent Cough、Cough、Chest Congestion | 1 Capsule Every 8 Hours, As Needed | 600 mg Capsule | |||
8 | Zambon Fluimucil | ![]() | A Mucus-Melting Solution for Easy Breathing | People With Medical Conditions | Acetylcysteine | Cough with Phlegm、Cough、Chest Congestion、Dry & Persistent Cough | 1 Effervescent Tablet Daily | 600 mg Tablet | |||
9 | Unilab Tuseran Forte | ![]() | Helps Soothe Persistent Cough and Cold Symptoms in One Go | People With Medical Conditions | Dextromethorphan Hydrobromide、Phenylpropanolamine HCl、Paracetamol | Fever、Headache、Body Aches、Cough with Phlegm、Sneezing、Dry & Persistent Cough、Cough、Chest Congestion、Flu | 1 Capsule Every 6 Hours, or as Directed by a Physician. | 15 mg / 25 mg / 325 mg Capsule | |||
10 | JNTL Consumer Health Sinutab Cold Tablet | ![]() | A Targeted Relief for Sinus Pressure and Stuffy Nose | People With Medical Conditions | Paracetamol、Phenylephrine HCl | Fever、Runny Nose、Cough with Phlegm、Sneezing、Dry & Persistent Cough、Cough、Chest Congestion、Clogged Nose | 1 Tablet Every 4 to 6 Hours | 500 mg / 5 mg Tablet |
Features and benefits:
Reviews mention:
Users say that it’s often their preferred choice when they need to recover from a fever quickly. Pregnant and breastfeeding women especially value that it’s safe to use and helps ease symptoms without causing concern for their condition.
FDA Approved | |
---|---|
Safe For | People With Medical Conditions、Pregnant and Breastfeeding Women |
Key Ingredients | Phenylephrine HCl、Paracetamol、Chlorphenamine Maleate |
Non-Drowsy | |
Primary Symptoms Treated | Fever、Headache、Body Aches、Clogged Nose、Runny Nose、Cough with Phlegm、Postnasal Drip、Sneezing、Cough、Flu |
Dosage | 1 Tablet Every 6 Hours, As Needed |
Content | 500 mg Tablet |
FDA Approved | |
---|---|
Safe For | People With Medical Conditions、Pregnant and Breastfeeding Women |
Key Ingredients | Phenylephrine HCl、Chlorphenamine Maleate、Paracetamol |
Non-Drowsy | |
Primary Symptoms Treated | Fever、Headache、Body Aches、Clogged Nose、Runny Nose |
Dosage | 1 Tablet Every 6 Hours, As Needed |
Content | 10 mg / 2 mg / 500 mg Tablet |
FDA Approved | |
---|---|
Safe For | People With Medical Conditions |
Key Ingredients | Phenylephrine HCl、Chlorphenamine Maleate、Paracetamol、Zinc |
Non-Drowsy | |
Primary Symptoms Treated | Fever、Headache、Body Aches、Clogged Nose、Runny Nose、Postnasal Drip、Sneezing |
Dosage | 1 Tablet Every 6 Hours |
Content | 10 mg / 2 mg / 325 mg / 10 mg Tablet |
Reviews mention:
People like that it tastes good and works for both dry and phlegmy cough, so there’s no need to figure out which one to take when they have different symptoms. It’s also known to help calm nighttime coughing, making it easier to get some much-needed rest while recovering.
FDA Approved | |
---|---|
Safe For | People With Medical Conditions |
Key Ingredients | Dextromethorphan Hydrobromide、Guaifenesin |
Non-Drowsy | |
Primary Symptoms Treated | Cough with Phlegm、Dry & Persistent Cough、Cough、Chest Congestion |
Dosage | 20 mL Every 4 Hours as Needed. Do Not Exceed 120 mL in 24 Hours. |
Content | 120mL Syrup |
Many say this medicine helps break down stubborn phlegm that makes breathing feel heavy. They appreciate that it works without making them feel sluggish, letting them get through the day while still recovering. Others mention the added zinc feels like a quiet boost.
FDA Approved | |
---|---|
Safe For | People With Medical Conditions |
Key Ingredients | Carbocisteine、Zinc |
Non-Drowsy | |
Primary Symptoms Treated | Cough with Phlegm、Cough、Chest Congestion、Dry & Persistent Cough |
Dosage | 1 Tablet Every 8 Hours |
Content | 500 mg Tablet |
Features and benefits:
Most buyers turn to this medicine during cold and flu season for its reliable symptom relief. It’s known for quickly easing congestion and helping clear stuffy noses. People also find it helpful for tackling several symptoms in one go, making it a go-to for feeling better fast.
FDA Approved | |
---|---|
Safe For | People With Medical Conditions |
Key Ingredients | Chlorphenamine Maleate、Phenylpropanolamine HCl、Paracetamol |
Non-Drowsy | |
Primary Symptoms Treated | Fever、Headache、Body Aches、Clogged Nose、Runny Nose、Postnasal Drip、Sneezing |
Dosage | 1 Tablet Every 6 Hours, or as Recommended by a Doctor. |
Content | 25 mg / 2 mg / 500 mg Tablet |
FDA Approved | |
---|---|
Safe For | People With Medical Conditions |
Key Ingredients | Vitex negundo L. (Lagundi Leaf) |
Non-Drowsy | |
Primary Symptoms Treated | Cough with Phlegm、Dry & Persistent Cough、Cough、Chest Congestion |
Dosage | 1 Capsule Every 8 Hours, As Needed |
Content | 600 mg Capsule |
FDA Approved | |
---|---|
Safe For | People With Medical Conditions |
Key Ingredients | Acetylcysteine |
Non-Drowsy | |
Primary Symptoms Treated | Cough with Phlegm、Cough、Chest Congestion、Dry & Persistent Cough |
Dosage | 1 Effervescent Tablet Daily |
Content | 600 mg Tablet |
Features and benefits:
Reviews mention:
Many users say it's effective for relieving non-stop coughing, especially when paired with colds and chills. They also highlight how it works quickly and helps them sleep better at night, making it a reliable choice during flu season.
FDA Approved | |
---|---|
Safe For | People With Medical Conditions |
Key Ingredients | Dextromethorphan Hydrobromide、Phenylpropanolamine HCl、Paracetamol |
Non-Drowsy | |
Primary Symptoms Treated | Fever、Headache、Body Aches、Cough with Phlegm、Sneezing、Dry & Persistent Cough、Cough、Chest Congestion、Flu |
Dosage | 1 Capsule Every 6 Hours, or as Directed by a Physician. |
Content | 15 mg / 25 mg / 325 mg Capsule |
FDA Approved | |
---|---|
Safe For | People With Medical Conditions |
Key Ingredients | Paracetamol、Phenylephrine HCl |
Non-Drowsy | |
Primary Symptoms Treated | Fever、Runny Nose、Cough with Phlegm、Sneezing、Dry & Persistent Cough、Cough、Chest Congestion、Clogged Nose |
Dosage | 1 Tablet Every 4 to 6 Hours |
Content | 500 mg / 5 mg Tablet |
See a doctor if flu symptoms worsen or don’t improve after a few days. Delayed care can lead to serious complications like pneumonia or myocarditis.
Most flu symptoms improve within 3 to 7 days, but some cases require medical attention. If you're self-medicating and notice any of the following warning signs, it's best to stop and consult a doctor:
Fever lasting more than 3 days
Shortness of breath or difficulty breathing
Persistent chest pain or pressure
Dizziness, confusion, or fainting
Bluish lips or face
Severe dehydration (e.g., dry mouth, no urination)
Worsening of symptoms after initial improvement
If you belong to a high-risk group, such as pregnant women, young children, seniors, or those with chronic illnesses like asthma or diabetes, don’t wait too long before seeking medical help.
Below, Dr. Eron Tan answers common questions about managing flu symptoms and medication.
Most over-the-counter flu medicines take effect within 1 hour, especially those for fever and pain. Relief from congestion or cough may take a bit longer, depending on the active ingredients.
No, OTC flu medicines only relieve symptoms. If taken within 48 hours of symptom onset, antiviral drugs like oseltamivir may shorten the flu’s duration, but they require a prescription.
No. Flu is caused by a virus, so antibiotics won’t help unless a secondary bacterial infection develops, such as pneumonia. Only take antibiotics if prescribed by your doctor.
From runny noses to stubborn coughs and clogged sinuses, having the right medicine on hand makes all the difference. Check out our expert-reviewed guides to find the best cold medicines, cough remedies, and decongestants to help you feel better fast!
Our buying guide was carefully researched and crafted by the mybest team of writers and editors, in collobration with the expert featured in this article. We used the buying guide as a basis for choosing and ranking the product recommendations, and we looked at reviews and ratings from different E-commerce sites like Lazada, Shopee, and more.
No. 1: Unilab|Biogesic Paracetamol
No. 2: Unilab|Bioflu
No. 3: Unilab|Neozep Z+ Forte
No. 4: Pfizer|Robitussin DM
No. 5: Unilab|Solmux Advance
View Full RankingThe descriptions of each product are referenced from content available on manufacturer, brand, and e-commerce sites.
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