Theraflu Thin Strips

Theraflu Thin Strips is a line of over-the-counter (OTC) cold and cough medications developed by Novartis Consumer Health. The product line is distinguished by its novel thin film dosage form, which dissolves on the tongue without the need for water, facilitating convenient systemic delivery. The line includes several variants with different active ingredients: the Long Acting Cough variant contains dextromethorphan (a cough suppressant); the Multi-Symptom variant contains diphenhydramine (an antihistamine); and the Nighttime Cold and Cough variant contains a combination of diphenhydramine and phenylephrine (a nasal decongestant). Dextromethorphan suppresses cough by acting on the cough center in the medulla; diphenhydramine blocks H1 histamine receptors to relieve allergy-like symptoms and provide sedation; and phenylephrine acts as an alpha-1 adrenergic agonist to reduce nasal congestion through vasoconstriction. Launched in the mid-2000s, it was the first systemic medication available in a thin film format.

Brand names

Theraflu Thin StripsTheraflu Thin Strips Long Acting CoughTheraflu Thin Strips Multi-SymptomTheraflu Thin Strips Nighttime Cold and Cough