How to Choose Cold Medicine

Question 1: Is this for a child or an adult?

Child (under 15)
Need age-appropriate medicine
Go to Pediatric Cold Medicine

Adult (15+)
Standard adult formulations
Continue to Question 2

Question 2: Do you prefer natural/herbal medicine?

YES - Natural approach
Early stage cold, prefer herbal medicine
Go to Kampo (Kakkonto)

NO - Western medicine
Prefer modern pharmaceutical medicine
Continue to Question 3

Question 3: What is your PRIMARY symptom?

Cough (main problem)
Persistent coughing, with/without phlegm
Go to Effective Cough Medicine

Runny nose/congestion
Constant nose running, stuffy nose, sneezing
Go to Effective Medicine for Runny Nose

Fever & sore throat
High temperature, painful swallowing
Go to Medicine for Fever & Sore Throat

Multiple symptoms
Several symptoms, want overall relief
Go to General Cold Remedies

Start early: Cold medicines work best when taken at first symptoms
Rest is key: Medicine helps symptoms but rest helps recovery
Stay hydrated: Drink plenty of fluids while taking cold medicine
Kampo timing: Kakkonto most effective within first 24-48 hours
Children's safety: Always follow age guidelines and dosing for pediatric medicines
Fever caution: If fever persists beyond 3 days or is very high, see a doctor
Read labels: Check for drowsiness warnings if you need to drive or work
Don't mix: Avoid taking multiple cold medicines together without consulting a pharmacist

Question 1: Is this for a child or an adult?

Child (under 15)
Need age-appropriate medicine
Go to Pediatric Cold Medicine

Adult (15+)
Standard adult formulations
Continue to Question 2

Question 2: Do you prefer natural/herbal medicine?

YES - Natural approach
Early stage cold, prefer herbal medicine
Go to Kampo (Kakkonto)

NO - Western medicine
Prefer modern pharmaceutical medicine
Continue to Question 3

Question 3: What is your PRIMARY symptom?

Cough (main problem)
Persistent coughing, with/without phlegm
Go to Effective Cough Medicine

Runny nose/congestion
Constant nose running, stuffy nose, sneezing
Go to Effective Medicine for Runny Nose

Fever & sore throat
High temperature, painful swallowing
Go to Medicine for Fever & Sore Throat

Multiple symptoms
Several symptoms, want overall relief
Go to General Cold Remedies

Start early: Cold medicines work best when taken at first symptoms
Rest is key: Medicine helps symptoms but rest helps recovery
Stay hydrated: Drink plenty of fluids while taking cold medicine
Kampo timing: Kakkonto most effective within first 24-48 hours
Children's safety: Always follow age guidelines and dosing for pediatric medicines
Fever caution: If fever persists beyond 3 days or is very high, see a doctor
Read labels: Check for drowsiness warnings if you need to drive or work
Don't mix: Avoid taking multiple cold medicines together without consulting a pharmacist

Cold Medicine Category Comparison

Category	What This Is	Best For	Type
Effective Cough Medicine	Cough-focused cold medicines	Persistent cough, phlegm	Symptom-Specific
Effective Medicine for Runny Nose	Runny nose & nasal congestion medicines	Nasal symptoms, sneezing	Symptom-Specific
General Cold Remedies	All-in-one multi-symptom medicines	Multiple symptoms at once	Comprehensive
Kampo (Kakkonto)	Traditional herbal cold remedy	Early stage, natural approach	Natural/Herbal
Medicine for Fever & Sore Throat	Fever & throat-focused medicines	High fever, painful throat	Symptom-Specific
Pediatric Cold Medicine	Children's cold formulations	Children under 15	Age-Specific

Symptom-Specific:

Target one primary symptom with higher concentration of specific active ingredients. Choose when one symptom is significantly worse than others.

Comprehensive:

Balance multiple symptoms with broader ingredient mix. Choose when experiencing several cold symptoms equally.

Natural/Herbal:

Traditional medicine using natural herbs. Most effective when taken very early, within first 24-48 hours of symptoms.

Age-Specific:

Formulated with appropriate dosages and ingredients safe for children's developing bodies. Always follow age guidelines.