Catching a flu can be frustrating and stressful to deal with. This article shares the latest information on the most effective flu medicines in Pakistan that can relieve common flu symptoms, including fever, fatigue, and a stuffy or runny nose.
Flu, or influenza, is an infectious respiratory illness transmitted through viruses. It is often accompanied by body pain, fever, and fatigue. Flu can be transmitted through talking, sneezing, and coughing.
Top doctors for flu in Pakistan
Table of Contents
Key Takeaways
- Flu is transmitted through viruses and occurs with body pain, fever, and cough.
- Best medicines for flu are Tamiflu, Xofluza, Panadol CF, Arinac, and Actifed-P.
- Common side effects of flu medications are nausea, dizziness, dry mouth, and high blood pressure.
- Take flu tablets as a whole and do not crush, chew, or dissolve flu tablets.
- Flu medicines are also known as “nazla zukam tablet” or “zukam ki medicine” by Urdu speaking locals in Pakistan.
- In case of severe flu symptoms, consider booking a general physician appointment online through oladoc.
Best Tablets for Flu in Pakistan
The following is the detail for the best medicine for flu in Pakistan:
1. Tamiflu
Tamiflu (oseltamivir) is an antiviral drug used to treat viral infections caused by influenza viruses. It treats flu symptoms, including cough, sneezing, and fever.
Generic Name and Drug Class
- Oseltamivir – Neuraminidase inhibitors
Manufacturer
- Don Valley Pharma
Side Effects
The common side effects of oseltamivir are as follows:
- Nausea
- Diarrhea
- Vomiting
- Phlegm-producing cough
- Dizziness
- Stomach pain
Directions
- You can take Tamiflu through the mouth with or without food. However, it is advised to take it with milk or food to prevent a stomachache. For efficacy, take oseltamivir as soon as flu symptoms are visible.
Price
- PKR 900
Risks and Warnings
- Do not give Tamiflu to children under 2 years old to treat the flu without consulting a doctor.
- Pregnant women are advised NOT to take oseltamivir without the approval of a healthcare professional.
2. Xofluza
Xofluza tablet is used to treat influenza A and B. This medication is effective only within 48 hours (2 days) of the onset of symptoms.
Generic Name and Drug Class
- Baloxavir marboxil – Antiviral agent
Manufacturer
- Shionogi & Co., Ltd.
Side Effects
The common side effects of Xofluza are as follows:
- Headache
- Diarrhea
- Nausea
- Cough
- Allergic reaction
Directions
- To prevent influenza, take one dose of Xofluza as soon as possible, within 48 hours of contact with an infected individual.
- Your weight determines how much Xofluza you need to take. Your doctor or pharmacist will determine the amount you should take.
- You can take Xofluza with or without food.
Price
- PKR 360
Risks and Warnings
- Xofluza should be given to children under the age of 5 because at this age, children have less treatment-emergent resistance.
- People have reported allergic reactions, such as anaphylaxis, angioedema, erythema, and urticaria, after consuming the Xofluza tablets. If an allergic reaction occurs or is suspected, appropriate treatment should be started.
3. Panadol CF Day Tablet
Panadol Cold & Flu Day, or simply Panadol CF Day, is used to treat flu and cold symptoms. It also helps with nasal blockage, headache, and body pain. Panadol CF Day tablet also helps relieve symptoms of sinusitis, including headache, nasal congestion, and pain.
Generic Name and Drug Class
- Paracetamol – Analgesic/Antipyretic
- Pseudoephedrine – Nasal decongestant
Manufacturer
- Haleon Pakistan
Side Effects
The common side effects of Panadol CF Day are as follows:
- Dizziness
- Difficulty in sleeping
- Dizziness
- Blood pressure increases
- Nausea
Directions
- Take Panadol CF Day after a meal to avoid an upset stomach.
- Take the medication with water.
- Swallow the tablet whole and avoid crushing or chewing it.
- Stay hydrated for a speedy recovery.
Price
PKR 95
Risk and Warnings
- People with liver problems should consult their healthcare provider before taking Panadol CF Day.
- Avoid taking a dose of more than 4000mg a day.
- People with allergies should consult their doctors before taking Panadol CF Day.
4. Arinac Tablet
Arinac tablet is one of the best medicines for flu in Pakistan, often prescribed to treat symptoms such as cough, fever, and pain. It is also used to treat mild allergies.
Generic Name and Drug Class:
- Ibuprofen – NSAID
- Pseudoephedrine – Nasal decongestant
Manufacturer
- Abbott Laboratories
Side Effects
The common side effects of Arinac tablets are as follows:
- Stomach pain
- Anginal pain
- High blood pressure
- Allergic reaction
Directions
- Take an Arinac tablet with water.
- Take this tablet after a meal to prevent a stomachache.
- Take it as a whole and do not chew, crush, or dissolve the tablet.
Price
- PKR 65
Risks and Warnings
- If you have an allergy, consult your doctor before taking Arinac tablets.
- In case you are pregnant, you should not take this medication without the prescription of your doctor.
- Do not take Arinac before or after heart surgery.
5. Actifed-P Tablet
Actifed-P tablets treat flu, allergies, cold symptoms, and other breathing ailments. They also help relieve a stuffy nose, ear blockage, and sinus problems.
A syrup formulation of Actifed-P is also available if the patient is unable to take the medicine in tablet form.
Generic Name and Drug Class
- Paracetamol – Analgesic/Antipyretic
- Pseudoephedrine – Nasal decongestant
- Triprolidine – Antihistamine
Manufacturer
- GSK
Side Effects
The common side effects of Actifed-P are as follows:
- Dizziness
- Dry mouth
- Nausea and vomiting
- Weakness
- Blurred vision
Directions
- Consume 1 or 2 tablets every 4 to 6 hours as prescribed.
- Swallow the whole tablet and do not crush or chew it.
- Take the Actifed-P tablet after a meal to avoid an upset stomach.
Price
- PKR 180
Risk and Warnings
- If you have any other allergies or are allergic to any of the substances in this medication, let your doctor or pharmacist know before using it.
- This medication may cause drowsiness or dizziness. Avoid operating machinery, driving, or doing anything else that requires alertness until you can do it safely.
- If you have liver illness or diabetes, you should use caution.
Also Read: Best Teeth Pain Tablets in Pakistan
How do flu tablets work?
Flu tablets work in the following way to relieve the symptoms of flu:
- They lessen fever and body pains by reducing body temperature and relieving pain (typically with paracetamol).
- They help clear the nose by reducing enlarged blood vessels inside it (using a decongestant such as pseudoephedrine).
- By inhibiting the effects of histamine, a substance your body releases during colds, they dry up a runny nose and reduce sneezing (with an antihistamine like triprolidine).
- Some, particularly those consumed at night, can aid rest by making you feel drowsy.
- Some flu tablets are available over-the-counter such as Panadol. These provide symptomatic relief while your body fights off the flu.
- Other flu tablets are available only via prescription such as Tamiflu. These tablets actually fight off the flu virus, providing effective relief from symptoms, and shortening the lifespan of the flu, thereby preventing your health from deteriorating.
The experts at Ittefaq Hospital advise avoiding close contact with individuals with influenza, and practicing good hygiene by regularly washing your hands and using a good quality hand sanitizer for flu prevention.
Recommended dosage for flu tablets
The dosage of Flu tablets depends on the type of medicine being taken, the age of the patient, severity of the condition, and other factors. Below is the recommended dosage for Panadol CF day tablets which are commonly prescribed for flu.
| Age | Dosage | Frequency |
|---|---|---|
| Adults and children (ages 12 and above) | 2 Tablets | Every 4 to 6 hours. Do not take more than 8 tablets in 24 hours. |
Conclusion
To recap, this article lists the best medicines for the flu in Pakistan. They are, Tamiflu, Actifed-P, Arinac, Panadol CF Day, and Xofluza.
For further instructions on flu medicines you can consult top doctors near you through oladoc and get discounts on your bookings.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)
1. Is Panadol good for flu?
Yes. Specifically, Panadol CF Day is a formulation of Panadol available to treat flu and its symptoms in an effective manner.
2. How to recover from flu quickly?
The following are some tips to recover from flu quickly at home.
- Make use of warm soups, juice, water and plenty of fluids.
- Get adequate rest to strengthen your defenses against the virus.
- Take flu medicines as prescribed by your doctor to manage your symptoms.
