Several common medicines to tackle a cold or flu – such as Bronchosedal, Lemocin strips or Otrivine Duo – should not be used, according to consumer protection organisation Test Achats. There is no scientific proof that they work, but the side effects are plentiful.
While taking a pill, syrup or nasal spray often seems to be the quickest and most convenient solution when you are feeling sick, Test Achats stressed that for many of these medicines, there is no scientific evidence that these so-called remedies actually reduce symptoms.
"The only method that works really well is to sweat it out, drink enough water and take a painkiller, preferably paracetamol, if necessary," said Laura Clays, Test Achats spokesperson. "Some decongestant nasal sprays, such as Nesivine, Nasa Rhinathiol or Otrivine, can provide some relief. They temporarily decongest your mucous membrane, but they will not make you heal any faster."
They do not cure you from the disease, and on top of that, they often have side effects and are not always used correctly, Clays said. "Be sure to use them according to the package insert as well, and no longer than five days. With young children and persistent symptoms, it is also better to see your GP."
Insufficient evidence
Coughing is a natural reflex of the body, meaning no cough syrup is truly useful. For both cough suppressants like Bronchosedal and Toularynx, and expectorant syrups like Bronchosedal Mucus, Muco Rhinathiol, or Vicks Mucosal Cough, there is insufficient scientific evidence that they would work, and they may have side effects. Bisolvon and Bromhexine EG can even trigger allergic reactions.
Bronchostop Duo is a cough suppressant and expectorant at the same time, which Test Achats also advises against. Such combination drugs are in principle no longer allowed on the market, but Bronchostop Duo is an exception because it is made from plant extracts and not chemical preparations.
Tea, warm milk, ginger, honey and lemon may not be panaceas, but Test Achats emphasised that they are all better alternatives to make a cough more bearable.
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If not only your nasal mucous membranes but also your throat mucous membranes are inflamed, lozenges can help. However, sucking on a hard candy and taking a paracetamol gives the same effect and will be a lot cheaper.
Definitely not recommended are the remedies with lidocaine, such as Medica, Colludol, Lemocin and Strepsils + lidocaine. It is a substance that, if overdosed, can lead to convulsions or cardiovascular problems. It is also better not to take Strepfen, according to Test Achats, because it contains anti-inflammatories.
People run the risk of side effects such as abdominal pain and diarrhoea, while it is better to take an ordinary painkiller, possibly with an anti-inflammatory.
Resting, drinking water
Among nasal sprays, the consumer organisation also advises against a range of agents. Sofrasolone is freely available, but contains antibiotics and is therefore of no use at all in case of a viral infection.
Otrivine Duo, as the name suggests, works on two symptoms: it decongests the nose and at the same time causes your nose to run less. However, the combination has never been shown to work better, but it does result in a higher risk of side effects.
Additionally, Test Achats still advises against Sinutab. It has recently been on prescription, but would be better taken off the market. Above all, resting a lot, drinking water, and taking paracetamol if necessary works best. Those wishing to look up the advice for all medicines can visit Test Achats' medicines database.
