How Do I Choose the Best Over-the-Counter Cold Medicine?

Cold medicine refers to a variety of medicines used to treat colds, including proprietary Chinese medicines, decoctions, western medicine, granules, etc. At present, most cold medicines are compound formulas commonly used in combination: antipyretic analgesics, nasal mucosa Vasoconstrictors, histamine antagonists, central stimulants, antivirals.

TA says

Don't eat cold medicine together! 2019-11-12 10:11

Although cold medicines have different names, they may contain many of the same ingredients. In particular, some proprietary Chinese medicines also contain "acetaminophen" and "chloropheniramine". Excessive drug may damage the gastric mucosa, cause stomach pain, gastric ulcers, and excessive sleepiness, so please read the instructions before taking the medicine to avoid overdose. ... more

Cold medicine western medicine therapy

The purpose of cold treatment is to relieve nasal congestion, relieve the swelling of capillaries in the nasal cavity, reduce the feeling of nasal congestion, and reduce nasal secretions. It also helps keep the eustachian tube and sinus patency unobstructed, preventing secondary infections. Because of the rapid onset of colds and the complex and diverse symptoms, no single medicine can solve all these problems. Therefore, the compound preparations are often used for the treatment of colds.

Cold medicine

Common group recipes are:

a. Antipyretic and analgesic: antipyretic and relieve headache, joint pain and other symptoms, such as aspirin, acetaminophen, diclofenac, etc.

b. Nasal mucosal vasoconstriction drugs: Relieve congestion of nasal sinus and nasal mucosal blood vessels and relieve nasal congestion symptoms, such as phenylpropanolamine and pseudoephedrine.

c. Histamine antagonists: Dry and thicken the secretions of the upper respiratory tract, reduce sneezing and nasal discharge, and have a slight sedative effect, such as chlorpheniramine (parmin) and diphenhydramine.

d. Central stimulants: Some preparations contain caffeine, one is to enhance the efficacy of antipyretic and analgesics, and the other is to offset the drowsiness caused by antihistamines.

e. Antiviral drugs: inhibit the virus from synthesizing nucleic acids and proteins, and inhibit the virus from being released from cells, such as amantadine and morpholinoguanidine.

Cold medicine, chinese medicine, treatment

1. The cold medicine, wind-heat type and summer-heat type are divided into three types according to the etiology of colds in the motherland medicine. There are also differences in the medication.

a, cold cold type: should be Xuanfei scattered cold, Xin Wenjie table, can be cold Qingre granules, at home you can use beard whisker light white 30 grams, 9 grams of light tempeh, ginger 9 grams Jianfu.

b. Wind-heat type cold: Xuanfei Qingre and Xingliang should be used. Orally, Yinqiaojiedu pills, Sangju cold tablets and Antelope cold tablets can be taken orally.

c. Hot type cold: should clear the heat and remove the heat, clear the qi and clear the heat, and you can choose Huoxiangzhengqi granules or oral solution. ^[1]

2, commonly used Chinese medicine:

a, Xiao Chaihu particles. Baiyunshan Xiaochaihu granules are derived from Xiaochaihu Tang, the first party of Treatise on Febrile Diseases by Zhang Zhongjing. It can prevent and cure colds and flu viruses, and can also improve human immunity. It has obvious curative effects on summer air conditioning colds, hot summer colds, and gastrointestinal colds.

b. Jingxiutang Qingre Xiaoyanning Capsule, as one of the representative drugs of "Modern Antibacterial and Anti-inflammatory Chinese Medicine", has dual functions of antibacterial and antiviral, can effectively improve the body's immunity against the flu, and can be effective against colds, influenza, pharyngitis, and Upper respiratory tract infections such as sore throat caused by pharyngitis are effective.

Cold medicine, cold, inflammation

For those who have inflammation, such as sore throat and tonsillitis, the inflammation must be cleared while treating the cold. Should take cold medicine with antibacterial and anti-inflammatory effects, such as Baiyunshan Jingxiutang Qingre Xiaoyanning capsules. Qingre Xiaoyanning Capsule is a traditional Chinese medicine with antibacterial and antiviral effects. By activating NK cells in the early stages of a cold, it improves the body's natural immunity and reduces the body's susceptibility to viruses. By inhibiting 15-LO activity at the end of the infection, NO And LTB4 and other inflammatory mediators release, play an anti-inflammatory effect. It is the most ideal natural medicine for the prevention and treatment of influenza, sore throat, fever, and acute gastroenteritis.

Cold medicine self-healing treatment

Colds are usually benign and self-limiting, and the course of the disease is usually about 1 week. Those without severe symptoms can not use or

Cold medicine Use less medication. Pay attention to rest, drink plenty of water, orange juice or hot ginger sugar water. And avoid excessive fatigue and cold, add or remove clothes according to climate change, pay attention to indoor ventilation and cleanliness, and bedding regularly.

Cold medicine to control infection

For patients with combined bacterial infections (such as the respiratory tract, lungs, and throat), anti-infective drugs such as oral macrolide antibiotics and third-generation quinolones should be used together.

Cold medicine exercise

Strengthen physical exercise to increase the body's resistance.

Cold medicine doctor consultation

Patients whose symptoms have not been alleviated or disappeared after taking cold medicine for 1 week, should go to the hospital to consult a doctor.

Cold medicine A cold is an acute inflammation of the upper respiratory tract caused by a variety of viruses (rhinovirus, coronavirus, influenza viruses A, B, C, and variants). The disease can occur all year round, especially in winter and spring. Colds are divided into upper respiratory tract infections (upper sensation) and influenza (flu). The latter are highly contagious and spread rapidly.

Cold medicine ingredients

According to its composition, the cold medicine includes the cold medicine of the western medicine group prescription, the cold medicine of the traditional Chinese medicine group prescription, and the cold medicine of the traditional Chinese and western medicine mixture.

Its specific ingredients can be divided into the following categories:

1. Antipyretic and analgesics: it works by inhibiting the synthesis of prostaglandins, such as paracetamol, aspirin, aminopyrine;

2. Nasal mucosa vasoconstriction drugs: reduce nasal mucosal hyperemia, relieve nasal congestion and other symptoms, such as pseudoephedrine;

3. Antihistamines: Competitive vaginal H1 receptors, reduce allergic symptoms, control catarrhal inflammation of upper respiratory tract infections, alleviate symptoms such as nasal congestion, runny nose, sneezing caused by colds, such as chlorpheniramine, benzeline Lamin et al

4, antiviral drugs: mainly amantadine against Asian influenza A virus;

5. Central stimulants: mainly caffeine, which relieves headaches caused by cerebral vasodilation by constricting cerebral blood vessels, thereby strengthening the efficacy of antipyretic and analgesics, and at the same time counteracting the lethargic effect of antihistamines;

6. Antitussives: such as dextromethorphan, dioxoprozine, etc .;

7, Chinese medicine: such as artificial bezoar with heat-clearing and detoxifying effect and western medicine ingredients, such as fast-acting cold wind capsules; and other traditional Chinese medicines such as Pueraria pueraria, honeysuckle, Bupleurum, etc. are more than ten flavors or even more than twenty flavors. Certain prescriptions are made into different proprietary Chinese medicines, such as Shuanghuanglian oral solution, Xiao Chaihu granules, etc.

Cold medicine commonly used in families

1. Western medicine

1. Ammonia-sensitive tablets (II): for fever, headache, sore limbs, sneezing, runny nose, stuffy nose, cough, sore throat and other symptoms caused by common cold or influenza. Oral, children over 12 years and adults, 1 tablet at a time, once every 6 hours, not more than 4 times within 24 hours.

2. Aspirin: It is mainly used for inhibiting the synthesis of prostaglandins to relieve fever, analgesics, anti-inflammatory, anti-rheumatic, and is used for high fever, cold, headache, muscle pain and so on. Adverse reactions: Patients with gastric and duodenal ulcer should be used with or without caution, which can cause fetal abnormalities. Pregnant women and those with renal insufficiency should be used with caution.

3. Paracetamol: It has antipyretic and analgesic effects, and is used for fever, headache, joint pain and neuralgia. Adverse reactions: Jiufu can cause kidney damage, too much can cause liver damage, children under 3 years old are best not to use. Adults should not take more than 2 grams per day, 0.25-0.5 grams each time, 3 times a day.

4. Virus spirit: It can mainly inhibit the proliferation of the virus, and has a strong antiviral effect on influenza and parainfluenza. It is used to treat colds, flu, viral bronchitis, mumps, chicken pox, measles and viral keratitis, conjunctivitis . Adverse reactions: May cause sweating and loss of appetite. Adults take 3 times a day, each time 0.18-0.2 grams.

5. Ibuprofen: used for antipyretic, analgesic, anti-rheumatic, dysmenorrhea, toothache, low back pain and rheumatoid arthritis. Adverse reactions: Slight gastrointestinal discomfort should be taken after meals. Adults take 3 times a day, each 0.2 g.

6. Anti-inflammatory pain: It has strong anti-rheumatic, anti-inflammatory and analgesic effects, and is used for rheumatism, rheumatoid arthritis and fever. Adverse reactions: may have gastrointestinal reactions and gastric perforation, ulcers, psychosis, epilepsy, pregnant women are prohibited. Adults take 25 mg orally 3 times a day, and children 0.5 mg once a day per kilogram of body weight.

7. Banlangen granules: mainly used for clearing heat and detoxifying, cooling blood, treating tonsillitis, mumps, and preventing and treating polio. Adults take 10 grams orally, 4 times a day; children take 5 grams, 4 times a day.

8. Cold Pass Tablets: It has certain antiviral and antipyretic effects. It is mainly used to treat headaches, sore throats, and fever caused by colds, and alleviate upper respiratory tract allergies caused by colds. Adults take 2 tablets at a time, 3 times a day.

2. Traditional Chinese Medicine

1. Baiyunshan Xiao Chaihu granules: dispel the heat of the table, relieve liver and stomach. It is used for exogenous diseases, Shaoyang card for evil offenders, symptoms of cold and heat, full chest pain, loss of appetite, upset and vomiting, dry mouth and throat. Brew water with water, 1-2 bags at a time, 3 times a day.

2. Liushen Pills: can clear heat and detoxify, reduce swelling and relieve pain, and resist viruses. It is used for the treatment of sore throat, cold, fever, sores and swelling. Adults take 8-10 capsules each time, children take 1 capsule once a year, 5 capsules once every 4-8 years old, 6 capsules once every 9-15 years old.

3. Yinqiao detoxification tablets: mainly used to treat wind-heat cold, severe fever, mild cold, dizziness, headache, nasal congestion and sore throat, general weakness, thirst for drinking. Adults take 4-6 tablets per day, twice daily, pediatrics 1-2 years old 1 tablet each, 3-9 years old 2 tablets each time, 9-15 years old 4 tablets each time.

4. Tongxuanli Lung Tablets (Pills): It is mainly used to treat colds, colds, mild fever, cold, headache, sweatlessness, soreness, runny nose, cough and sputum. Adults take 2 pills each time, 2 times daily, 6 tablets, and 3 times daily.

5. Zixue San: It is mainly used to treat fever in children. For those who are shocked, irritable, drowsy, and have dry stool, they can take 0.3 grams each time according to their age.

6. Cold and antipyretic granules (Daqingye, Banlangen, Forsythia, Caoheche) are suitable for those with cold and wind manifestations, fever or no fever, headache, sore throat, dry mouth, and low white blood cell count and classification. . Can be washed 3-4 times a day, each bag. High fever, can be 2 bags at a time. Those who have sore throat can swallow after gargle.

7. Cold tablets (Douchi, mulberry leaves, chrysanthemum, silver flowers, forsythia, burdock seeds, licorice, lisianthus, uncaria, bamboo leaves, nepeta, mint) suitable for wind and cold, slightly afraid of cold or no fever , Nasal congestion, sore throat, headache. Can be taken 3 times a day; 6 tablets each time.

8. Yinqiao detoxification tablets (douchi, silver flower, forsythia, nepeta, menthol, licorice, eustoma, isatis root, bamboo leaves) The drug composition is similar to cold tablets, and the indications are the same as those of cold tablets, which can be taken daily 2-3 4 tablets at a time.

9. Cold Ning (Nepeta, Fengfeng, Perilla, Daqingye, Sijiqing) is suitable for those who have cold and cold evidence, have obvious fear of cold, or have fever, accompanied by headache, nasal congestion and running water. Can be taken 3-4 times a day, 1 bag each time.

10. Noon Tea (Maozhu, Chenpi, Bupleurum, Forsythia, Amaranth, Amaranth, Hawthorn, Hawthorn, Qianhu, Windbreak, Alder, Licorice, Divine Comedy, Chuanxiong, Tea, Magnolia, Bellflower, Malt, Su Ye ) This is a traditional method for treating colds or colds with internal injuries. You can take 1 sachet per serving, decocting or boiling water, taking more medicine, and it is best to cover it to make you sweat slightly.

11. Chuanxiong tea tea powder (mint, Chuanxiong, Zhihuo, licorice, Paeonia lactiflora, Asarum, Asparagus, Nepeta) is suitable for people with severe cold headache, this medicine can also be used for those who have no cold and headache. Can be taken twice a week, 6 grams each time.

Cold medicine (7) Yinhuang tablets (Yinhua extract, baicalein) are suitable for upper respiratory tract infections, such as acute pharyngitis, acute tonsillitis, and can also be used for erysipelas and enteritis. Can be taken 3-4 times a day, 2 tablets each time.

12. Kangyanling (at first sight) is suitable for upper respiratory tract infections, but also for bacillary dysentery and urinary tract infections. Take 4-6 tablets 4 times a day.

13. Qingrexiaoyan tablets (dandelion) is suitable for upper respiratory tract infections, can also be used for sores, mastitis. Take 4-6 times daily with 8 tablets each time.

14. Sijiqing tablets (Sijiqingye) are suitable for upper respiratory tract infections and can also be used for enteritis, trauma infections or sores. Take 6 tablets 3-4 times a day.

The above drugs can be used for upper respiratory tract infections. In case of those who are susceptible to pharyngitis and tonsillitis and are resistant to them, they can be replaced and used, or combined with the two drugs to strengthen the effect. Swallow after eating.

Cold medicine commonly used in children

Sneeze, runny nose

Baoying Dan (Wind Cold), Taurine Granules (Wind-Cold Cold), Zhupo Monkey Zaozan Powder, Pediatric Baotaikang (Wind-Fever), Pediatric Cold Particles, Tongganlin Oral Liquid, Pediatric Jindan;

Cold medicine

Cold and fever

Shuanghuanglian Oral Liquid, Haowa Cold Granules (Xiaoerxin), Taurine Granules, Baoying Dan;

Cold, cough

Monkey Date Niuhuang Powder, Baoying Dan, Pediatric Cold Granules, Pediatric Qingfei Oral Liquid (Tongrentang), Pediatric Cough Syrup (Lu), Qingxuan Zhike Dew;

Cough, sputum

Pediatric Cough Syrup (Lu), Qingfei Huatan Granules, Mushutan, Xiaoer Xiaoji Zhike Oral Liquid, Baoying Dan, Houzao Niuhuang Powder, Jianer Qingjie Liquid

Severe nasal congestion and pus;

Bi Yuan Shu, Di Ning, 0.5% ephedrine nasal drops

Fever reduction

Tylenol, Merrill Lynch, Chen Gongxinxin, Pediatric Antipyretic Patch, Ibuprofen Suspension;

Fever, tonsillitis

Pediatric pharyngeal granules with thick tongue coating, internal fire Sheng Wang's Baochi Pills, Pediatric Qixing Tea, Pediatric Qizhendan;

Loss of appetite, weak spleen and stomach

Infant Jianpi San (Babyin), Xingpi Yanger Granules, Spleen Kexin, Pediatric Seven Star Tea;

Cold medicine precautions

Most cold medicines, whether they are western medicine, proprietary Chinese medicines or compound medicines, are OTC (over-the-counter) medicines. Many people buy medicines just like buying consumer goods in a supermarket of their choice. They take it directly to the front desk to check out. The main product with a large sales volume in pharmacies. I couldn't find the variety I used often, and the purchaser simply exchanged a few words with the staff to discuss an idea. Moreover, many people often buy more than one cold medicine at a time, and some buy both traditional Chinese medicine and western medicine.

People who have prescribed a certain type of cold medicine can continue to use the medicine. If they don't feel good, they can try different cold medicines of other brands, but it is better to consult a doctor and take it as prescribed.

It is important to remind that cold medicine should not be superimposed. Many people, in pursuit of normal work the next day, increase the dose or take two or three cold medicines at the same time. Excessive medication will not only shorten the course of the cold, but also increase the side effects of the medicine. Blind drug treatment will increase bacterial resistance, and it is not conducive to the normal functioning of the human immune system.

Some people think that a combination of Chinese and Western medicine will be more effective in treating colds, so after taking Baifu Ning, add a few more Vitamin C Yinqiao tablets.

But Victoria C Yinqiao Tablet is actually a compound medicine. In addition to Yinqiao and other traditional Chinese medicine ingredients, it also contains paracetamol and chlorpheniramine maleate like Baifuning. In addition to pure western medicine and pure traditional Chinese medicine, commonly used cold medicines in the market are a combination of traditional Chinese medicine and western medicine. This type of medicine is often mistaken for patients who lack common knowledge as pure traditional Chinese medicine. Often, it is easy to unknowingly ingest excessive amounts, and rashes, liver and kidney damage may occur, and severe allergic reactions may even occur. Unconsciously, you will be placed in dangerous situations such as anaphylactic shock and dyspnea.

Patients with chronic diseases are best under the guidance of a doctor

Over-the-counter western medicines commonly found in regular pharmacies are generally safer, and there is little chance of eating problems or even killing them. Of course, it is not ruled out that a very small number of people are very allergic to the drugs, and shock occurs immediately after use. Although oral cold medicines are relatively mature and stable and have been shown to have no significant side effects, they should be used with caution.

For example, pediatrics are a high-risk group of colds. Pediatric cold medicines must be prepared at home, and the dosage must be well controlled. It can not be said that adult medicines are used to reduce the top of the share. This is a risk of medication.

In addition, many people think that proprietary Chinese medicines treat colds more mildly and have less side effects. From the point of view of Chinese medicine, colds are divided into cold and fever. If the traditional Chinese medicines used are not right, they often aggravate the disease and prolong the course of the disease.

As for the death of cold medicine, it is very unlikely. But for people with basic diseases, it is possible to choose the wrong cold medicine for a long time and eat the body. Such as: people with liver and kidney dysfunction, if often take acetaminophen cold medicines, it will damage the liver and kidneys. Therefore, it is recommended that patients with chronic diseases must carefully read the instructions when purchasing cold medicines. It is best to understand the indications, contraindications and safe doses of the medicines under the guidance of a doctor and their own physical conditions.

Cold is a self-healing disease

In fact, a cold is a self-healing disease. Modern medicine believes that colds are generally divided into two types: common colds and epidemic colds. The common cold in Guangzhou is a common respiratory disease caused by a variety of viruses. Although it is more common in winter, the incidence is not low in any season, including spring and summer. Of course, the flu is divided into peak seasons and low seasons every year, even if it has entered a high incidence period each year.

If it is a simple cold, no other complications are caused. The course of a cold is about 3 to 7 days. "Experts said that because the virus lives in human cells, there is no drug in the world that can directly kill the cold virus. Therefore, treating colds with drugs is actually" treating the symptoms and not the root cause. "

If you have a cold, the best way to avoid fever is to drink orange juice or add vitamin C to help the body improve immunity. And bed rest is by no means empty talk. No matter what kind of medicine you take, you can only alleviate the symptoms that occurred at the time. If you can combine bed rest and drink warm water at the same time, this simple "oldest third" can help you pass the cold period safely and quickly. ^[2]

Cold medicine for pregnant women

Cold medicine

Various viral and bacterial activities are frequent in spring. Pregnant women often need to ventilate because they need to meet their own and fetal needs for oxygen, so they inhale more dust, which increases the chance of respiratory infections such as colds.

Common colds have milder symptoms, such as a runny nose, sneezing, etc., which have little effect on the fetus. You don't need to take medicine. You can take a few days off. However, early pregnancy (5-14 weeks) is the period when fetal embryonic organs are formed. If you have influenza and the symptoms are severe, it will have a greater impact on the fetus. Taking the medicine here also has a greater risk to the fetus.

There are more than 300 known influenza viruses related to humans, and 13 of them are known to affect the growth and development of the fetus after infecting the mother, with low energy, mental retardation and various deformities.

After pregnancy, there are certain changes in enzymes in pregnant women, which have a certain impact on the metabolic process of certain drugs. The drug is not easy to detoxify and excrete, and may have accumulated poisoning. When the fetal organs are formed in early pregnancy, the drug has a certain effect on the fetus, so it is best not to take medicine for colds. However, the impact of some diseases on the fetus and mother far exceeds the effects of drugs. At this time, the pros and cons should be weighed, and the drug should be used under the guidance of a doctor.

Anti-cold medicines are mostly compound preparations, which contain multiple ingredients. Commonly available are quick-acting cold capsules, cold-pass, Kangtaike, Baijiahei, Kang Bide, Kegankang, crack, etc. Most of these drugs contain histamines It should not be taken during pregnancy, especially before 4 weeks of pregnancy. Cold medicines are mainly symptomatic drugs, which treat the symptoms but not the root cause, and are not safe drugs for pregnant women, so experts suggest that pregnant women are best not to use anti-cold medicines.

Antiviral drugs have adverse effects on the fetus. Pregnant women should not use them. If they must be used, they should be directed by a doctor.

Antipyretics and colds are accompanied by high fever, which usually indicates a serious condition, and you should see your doctor in time. Indomethacin is an antipyretic drug for pregnant women, and aspirin should not be used after 32 weeks of pregnancy.

Antibiotics For pregnant women, if there is no clear evidence of bacterial infection, such as tonsillitis, high blood pressure, yellow sputum, runny nose, etc., antibiotics may not be used. Because antibiotics can act on the fetus through the placenta, there is a 20% -40% chance of harming the fetus. Under the guidance of a doctor, choose a safe antibiotic.

Expectorants and cough medicines are generally safe, but cough medicines containing iodine preparations should not be used by pregnant women.

During pregnancy, women do not touch patients with colds. The air in the home is well-ventilated, and the temperature and humidity are appropriate. The room is often fumigated with vinegar to maintain a good mood and increase resistance to disease. Once you have a cold, don't panic or take drugs indiscriminately, let alone pay no attention to this, you should go to the hospital for consultation in time.

Cold medicine is selected according to the length of pregnancy

01. Early pregnancy.

3 months before pregnancy: During this 3 months pregnant women should ban all medications. If they have a cold, they should be treated separately according to the following two situations.

Case 1: You don't have a cold, or your body temperature does not exceed 38 degrees.

In this case, pregnant women usually have mild cold symptoms such as runny nose and sneezing, which can be left untreated and will not affect the fetus. If the pregnant woman has cough and other symptoms, you can take the medicine reasonably under the guidance of a doctor and take some medicines that have no effect on the fetus.

Case 2: If a pregnant woman has a fever of over 39 degrees when she catches a cold and lasts for more than 3 days.

If a pregnant woman has a cold within 2 weeks after the ovulation period, the medicine can be used without affecting the fetus. If you have a cold after 2 weeks of ovulation, the medication may affect the fetus, because the fetal central nerve has begun to develop. In this case, the doctor may advise the pregnant woman to terminate the pregnancy.

02. Second trimester.

At this time, drugs should be used with caution, such as gentamicin, streptomycin, kanamycin and other drugs that damage the auditory nerve should be used with caution, it is best not to use them. If you have a fever, ask your doctor to choose some Chinese herbs that have less toxic side effects. Banlangen granules with heat-clearing, detoxifying and anti-viral effects have good curative effects. Chinese patent medicines such as Yinqiaojiedu granules can be taken. Yinqiaojiedu granules have the functions of refreshing and detoxifying, clearing heat and detoxifying. Mainly used for wind-heat cold, fever headache, cough, dry mouth, sore throat.

The market price of Yinqiao Detoxification Granules is 8.3 yuan, while the price of Baiyang is only 6.5 yuan. Not only the authenticity is guaranteed, the price is affordable, but the entire package is free shipping!

If a cold is accompanied by a high fever, it usually indicates that the condition is serious and you should see a doctor in time. Do not take indomethacin, which is a contraceptive antipyretic for pregnant women.

03, the third trimester.

At this time, taking cold medicine generally does not have much impact on pregnant women and fetuses. You can choose the right medicine on the advice of your doctor.

The above are the suggestions for pregnant women after taking a cold, but "it's a three-drug poison", pregnant women should pay attention to prevent colds, ensure nutritional balance, and strengthen their physique.

Cold medicine market analysis

Cold medicine environmental analysis

Market capacity

China's current OTC market has a capacity of nearly 20 billion yuan. If the consumption of cold medicine in the Beijing OTC market accounts for 28% of the total, China's cold medicine market has a market share of almost 5 billion yuan. A conservative estimate also has a market of 2 billion yuan. According to the survey, the sales of anti-cold drugs accounted for about 15.0% of the total retail sales of drugs, which was the largest group of drugs after health care products (31.3%). Including certain seasonal factors, the winter and spring season is a season of frequent colds. Another notable feature is that consumer medication tends to brand-name products, and the top four brands occupy a considerable market share in both sales and sales.

2. Policy analysis

Entering the new century and entering WTO, the pharmaceutical market environment is changing. Especially with the implementation of the drug classification management measures, the reform of the health system, medical insurance system, and drug circulation has a huge impact on the pharmaceutical industry. The retail market is becoming a hotspot for competition among pharmaceutical companies. It is worth discussing how pharmaceutical companies dominated by the over-the-counter market face such a market environment and how to open up the retail market. As a major component of over-the-counter medicines (OTCs), cold medicines are the most successful examples of brand promotion of pharmaceutical products in China. As the OTC market moves towards regulation and competition intensifies, competition in the pharmaceutical retail market will enter a brand new period. Facing new markets, new opportunities and challenges, many production and sales companies will adopt a series of countermeasures in product research and development, market development, marketing mix, and management. More and more companies have joined the cold medicine battle group under this background. Recently, Hutong, Xinkangtaike, and Zhengyuandan entered the market, and Tianbao Gaimo is facing huge competitive pressure. It can be said that risks and opportunities coexist.

Cold medicine competition analysis

Competitive product

According to the investigation, the main anti-cold drugs are: crack, Xin Kang Tai Ke, Kang Bi De, Zheng Yuan Dan, Xin Su Da cold tablets, Gan Kang, white plus black, cold Tong, Tai Nuo, Bai Fu Ning, Britton, Finbit, Futarin , Tektronix, Gannuo, cold-clearing heat granules, Shuanghuanglian oral liquid, Parker, happy tetanus, Lexu and more than 20 varieties. Medicines with a price level of less than 10 yuan include crack (6.5 yuan), Kang Bi De (4.0 yuan), Xin Su Da cold tablets (7.0 yuan), cold pass (1.8 yuan), Baifuning (8.0 yuan), Britton (7.5 Yuan) six kinds, accounting for 63% of total sales and 32% of total sales; medicines with price levels ranging from 10 to 15 yuan have Kang (12 yuan), white plus black (12.4 yuan), Tylenol (12.5 yuan) ), Accounting for 37% of total sales and 60% of total sales; medicines with a price level of 15 to 40 yuan include vitalin (39.10 yuan) and Finbit (18 yuan), accounting for 8% of total sales. Of the 13 drugs in the top 10 rankings in terms of sales volume and sales, none were proprietary Chinese medicines, and all were chemical drugs. Among the total of 13 kinds of drugs, there are 10 types of joint venture brands including crack, combitech, new contec, white plus black, tylenol, bevanine, bridgeton, futarene, and fembitol. Their sales and sales account for 10 61% and 75% of total sales and sales. Domestic brands have three types of Suda cold tablets, Gankang, and Tongtong. Their sales and sales account for 39% and 25% of the total sales and sales, respectively.

2. Consumption characteristics of anti-cold drugs

The consumption characteristics of anti-cold drugs are closest to those of consumer goods, but it is a medicine after all, and it is different from the consumption of general commodities. The consumption of cold medicine is a cautious consumption behavior, a small amount of consumption, and the elasticity of demand is small. Like ordinary daily necessities, advertising (especially TV advertising) is greatly affected in terms of product awareness, but in purchasing decisions, doctors' recommendations, sales staff's recommendations and even store displays have a great impact on consumers. Because in medicine consumption, consumption is a typical non-professional purchase, consumers have less autonomy and can only passively accept advertisements or doctor's advice and other external factors. Although colds are frequently-occurring and common diseases, their basic knowledge is still not well understood, and this situation has also led to great initiative for drug manufacturers and sellers in setting prices.

3. Domestic brands lag behind the development of joint venture brands in the domestic market

It can be seen that the number and market share of domestic brands are far lower than those of joint venture brands. Moreover, from the results of our product composition analysis, we can see that the inherent differences between the products are not large. The gap between domestic companies and joint ventures is mainly in the concept of competition and market operation. The market is different from the prescription drug market. It has its own characteristics in terms of product packaging, price setting, channel selection, and advertising. Joint ventures generally do earlier and better than domestic companies in these areas. Good results are also inevitable, and sooner or later domestic companies will pay the price for their lagging ideas. Cold medicine

4. The price level is high, and there should be room for further decline

Mid-priced products (mainly concentrated at around 12 yuan) accounted for 38% of sales and 63% of total sales. Among them, Gankang, Baijiahei, and Tylenol accounted for the top three sales. Low-priced products (less than 10 yuan) accounted for 32% of total sales and 66% of total sales. Of which, Coldstream ranked first in terms of sales with its low price (1.8 yuan). The price (4 yuan), good curative effect has also achieved good results. In general, as a common and multiple disease, cold medicine has become a standing medicine, and the current price is still high. For manufacturers, profits are relatively high, but as competition intensifies and brands become more concentrated, prices should have room to fall. For market challengers, in addition to improving product quality, strengthening advertising and other measures, using appropriate price positioning strategies is also a good way to gain market share.

5. Pay attention to channel promotion

Good advertising ideas, exquisite advertising production, and high playback frequency are effective methods to increase brand awareness, but channel promotion plays a greater role in motivating consumers to buy. Advertising only makes consumers aware of the product. Excellent advertising can even arouse consumers' purchasing interest, but shop assistant recommendations and store displays are obviously more influential in motivating consumers to make final purchasing decisions. It will become more and more difficult for enterprises to gain a large market share by relying only on a large amount of advertising investment. The competition in the OTC market is not just the competition between products and advertising. Whoever studies the consumer thoroughly and who pays more attention to the consumer can gain a competitive advantage.

6. Traditional Chinese patent medicine should be able to make a difference

Of the dozen or so drugs in the top ten rankings in terms of sales and sales, all are Western medicines. In fact, traditional Chinese medicine in China still has unique curative effect in treating colds, and the side effects are small. Many patients hope to use proprietary Chinese medicines to treat colds. In the early prevention of colds, traditional Chinese patent medicines have broad prospects, but Western medicine still has an irreplaceable role in treating patients with cold emergency. At present, Mrs. Pharmaceuticals is launching an offensive with Chinese medicine as its appeal, which deserves attention.

In short, anti-cold medicine is not only a medicine, but also a commodity. Especially after the classification management of medicines, the competition in the OTC market is getting closer to the competition of ordinary commodities. Whoever can win the trust of customers can win the market.