Guide
Medicines for cold and flu
Prepared by the LekCheck team · Last reviewed: 2026-06-27 · How we create our content
Colds and flu are viral infections that in most cases clear up on their own within a few days. Treatment is usually symptomatic — aimed at relieving fever, pain, a blocked nose and cough. Below are the active ingredients most commonly used for this; choose an ingredient to see available products and prices from online pharmacies.
This guide was prepared by the LekCheck team and has not been reviewed by a doctor or pharmacist. This article is for general information only and is not medical advice, diagnosis, or treatment. Do not start, stop, or change any treatment without consulting a doctor or pharmacist.
Fever and aches
For a raised temperature, headache and muscle aches, paracetamol or ibuprofen are commonly used. Follow the recommended dose and do not combine several products containing the same active ingredient (including combination cold powders/tablets).
Blocked nose
For a blocked nose, nasal decongestants (e.g. xylometazoline) can be used for a short period and according to the patient's age. They are for short-term use (usually up to a few days) to avoid a rebound effect.
Cough and expectoration
For a productive cough, expectorants such as acetylcysteine or ambroxol are sometimes used. The type of cough determines the appropriate remedy — consult a pharmacist. The right choice depends on the kind of cough; some medicines should not be combined without medical judgement.
When to see a doctor
See a doctor if you have a high fever that does not come down, laboured or wheezy breathing, blue lips, inability to keep fluids down, severe pain, symptoms lasting more than a week, or if you are pregnant, have a chronic condition, or the symptoms are in a small child. Suitability in children, pregnancy and chronic disease depends on the specific ingredient.
Commonly used active ingredients
Pick an ingredient to see products and prices.
Related categories
Products with current prices
Lowest prices from online pharmacies in this guide's categories — cheapest first.
ВЕТРОГОН СТРЪК 50 ГР. ТАЛОД
Талодерма · 50 ГР.
БОНБОНИ ЛУКЧЕТА БИЛКОВИ 90 ГР
ЗАХАРНИ ЗАВОДИ АД · 90 ГР
ЛУКЧЕТА БОНБОНИ С МЕД 90ГР
ЗАХАРНИ ЗАВОДИ АД · 90ГР
ЛУКЧЕТА ПРОТИВ КАШЛИЦА
ЗАХАРНИ ЗАВОДИ АД
МАЩЕРКА СТРЪК 50ГР. БИЛЕК
BILEC HERBS & HERBAL · 50ГР.
БЕНЗОАТ / SODIUM BENZOATE 20ГР
БЕНЗОАТ · 20ГР
Frequently asked questions
What is the difference between a cold and the flu?
A cold usually starts gradually and runs a milder course — runny nose, sneezing, a slightly sore throat, without high fever. The flu comes on suddenly and more often involves high fever, marked malaise and muscle aches. Both are viral and treatment is mostly symptomatic, but if flu with high fever is suspected it is sensible to consult a doctor.
Can I take paracetamol and ibuprofen at the same time?
The two ingredients work by different mechanisms and are sometimes alternated for persistent fever, but only after consulting a pharmacist or doctor — especially in children, pregnancy or chronic disease. The key point is not to double the dose of either one if you are also taking a combination cold product that already contains them.
Do I need an antibiotic for a cold or the flu?
No — colds and flu are caused by viruses, and antibiotics only work against bacteria. An antibiotic is prescribed by a doctor solely for a proven bacterial complication (e.g. bacterial sinusitis or pneumonia), not for the usual cold or flu symptoms.
How many days is it normal for symptoms to last?
A common cold clears in about 7–10 days, and the flu in about a week, though tiredness and cough can last longer. If the fever or other symptoms do not settle after that period, or get worse, it is a good idea to see a doctor.
Are decongestants (e.g. xylometazoline) safe for children?
Nasal decongestants carry age restrictions and are generally not recommended for small children without a doctor's direction. Check the leaflet for the appropriate concentration and age limit of the specific product, or ask a pharmacist before using one in a child.