Max strength cold and flu pills cost more but offer little extra benefit

BBC Health reported that some cold and flu remedies can cost up to 20 times more than basic paracetamol or ibuprofen pills. Despite their higher price, these max strength products do not appear to offer substantial benefits over cheaper alternatives.

Professor Jayne Lawrence from the University of Manchester explained that while big brand remedies have been tested and advertised extensively, there is very little difference in effectiveness compared to basic painkillers. She personally recommends opting for the less expensive options, which have also undergone testing.

The trade association for over-the-counter medicine makers noted that familiar brand names can help shoppers identify suitable products among many options on supermarket shelves. Cold and flu drugs generally fall into three categories: well-known brands like Lemsip and Sudafed, supermarket own-label products, and single-ingredient medicines such as paracetamol or ibuprofen.

For example, a packet of 16 Lemsip All-In-One Max Strength tablets costs about £7.30, while paracetamol pills can cost as little as £0.35 for the same number of tablets. Both contain 500mg of paracetamol, which helps relieve pain and reduce fever but does not treat the underlying infection.

Lemsip and similar products also include the decongestant phenylephrine, intended to reduce nasal swelling and congestion. However, Professor Lawrence stated there is little evidence supporting the effectiveness of phenylephrine for nasal congestion.