What medications are available to treat colds and flu?
The most common viral infections in Alberta are seasonal colds and flu. Calgary pharmacies offer a wide selection of over-the-counter (OTC) and prescription medications to relieve symptoms or shorten the duration of illness. Below is a detailed overview of the main categories of medications, popular brands, children's formulations, and details on how to purchase them.
1. All-in-one combination medications
These products contain several active ingredients, so they relieve fever, pain, nasal congestion, and cough at the same time. All of them are available without a prescription, but it is important to read the ingredients carefully to avoid duplicating the active ingredient.
| Brand | Day/night formula | Main ingredients | What it relieves | Where to buy |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Tylenol Complete Cold, Cough & Flu | both | acetaminophen, dextromethorphan, guaifenesin, phenylephrine / doxylamine | fever, pain, cough, congestion, rhinorrhea | any chain, including Rexall |
| Advil Cold & Flu | daytime | ibuprofen, pseudoephedrine | inflammation, fever, severe congestion | Shoppers Drug Mart, Walmart |
| NeoCitran Cold & Sore Throat Night | nighttime (hot drink) | acetaminophen, phenylephrine, antihistamine | sore throat, congestion, fever | most supermarkets |
| Vicks DayQuil / NyQuil | day + night | acetaminophen, dextromethorphan, phenylephrine / doxylamine | daytime symptom control / sleep for colds | all major pharmacies |
Tip. If you are already taking paracetamol or ibuprofen on their own, choose a combination product that does not contain these ingredients to avoid overdose.
2. Specific groups of over-the-counter medicines
2.1 Pain relievers and fever reducers
- Acetaminophen (Tylenol) – first line for fever and pain
- Ibuprofen (Advil, Motrin) – adds an anti-inflammatory effect, useful for muscle aches
2.2 Cough suppressants and expectorants
- Dextromethorphan – suppresses dry cough (Robitussin DM, Benylin DM)
- Guaifenesin – thins mucus (Mucinex, Robitussin Mucus + Phlegm)
2.3 Decongestants
- Pseudoephedrine (Sudafed) – powerful, but available over the counter; ID required
- Phenylephrine – weaker, freely available in combination products
- Nasal sprays: oxymetazoline (Drixoral), xylometazoline (Otrivin) – up to 3–5 days to avoid medication-induced rhinitis
- Saline micro-sprays and rinses (hydraSense, NeilMed) – safe and suitable for children
2.4 Antihistamines for rhinitis
- Doxylamine or brompheniramine add a sedative effect in nighttime formulas (NyQuil, Tylenol Complete)
- Non-sedating loratadine (Claritin) or cetirizine (Reactine) – if sneezing and itching predominate
3. Children's formulas
All major chains carry separate lines:
- Children's Tylenol, Advil Junior – suspensions with a measuring syringe
- Children's Robitussin Cough & Cold – syrup with dextromethorphan and chlorpheniramine
- Buckley's Jack & Jill Bedtime – nighttime formula with doxylamine
The dose is calculated based on weight; decongestants in oral form are not recommended for children under 6 years of age without consulting a doctor.
4. Prescription antiviral drugs
If influenza is confirmed, your family doctor may prescribe oseltamivir (Tamiflu). The drug shortens the duration of the illness if started within 48 hours of the onset of symptoms. It is available by prescription only and is covered by AHCIP for at-risk groups (pregnant women, people 65+, patients with chronic illnesses).
5. Prevention: vaccine and local services
Shoppers, Safeway, Rexall, and Queen Peoples Pharmacy pharmacies provide free flu shots to Alberta residents (AHCIP card required). You can register online or come in during vaccination hours.
6. Where to buy and how much it costs
| Retail chain | Assortment | OTC prices (CAD) | Online ordering |
|---|---|---|---|
| Shoppers Drug Mart | full range of brands + house brand Life | 6–25 | Yes, click-&-collect |
| Rexall | wide range of Option+ brands cheaper than brands | 5–20 | Yes |
| Walmart | large packs of Tylenol, Advil, NeoCitran | 4–18 | Yes, delivery |
| Calgary Co-op | special offers for cooperative members | 6–22 | Yes |
| Online Mednow / PocketPills | 1-day delivery within the city | +2–4 for courier | Yes |
Life hack. During the 2022 shortage of children's syrups, pharmacies imposed a limit of “1 bottle per customer”; it is worth calling ahead and reserving the product.
7. How to choose safely
- Check the DIN (Drug Identification Number) on the box — this guarantees that the product is registered with Health Canada
- Do not combine several products that contain the same active ingredient (e.g., paracetamol)
- If you have a chronic illness (hypertension, asthma, diabetes), discuss your choice with a pharmacist
- See a doctor if your temperature remains above 38.5°C for more than three days or if you experience shortness of breath, severe chest pain, rash, or confusion
Conclusion
Calgary pharmacies offer a wide range of over-the-counter cold and flu remedies: combination “all-in-one” capsules and powders, individual fever reducers, cough suppressants, decongestants, and antihistamines. Special formulas are available for children in convenient suspensions. In more severe cases, treatment is supplemented with prescription oseltamivir. Adhering to the dosage, consulting with a pharmacist, and getting an annual vaccination will help you get through the flu season without complications.