Catching a cold or the flu in Japan is most likely between December and March, so ahead of winter, we quizzed local drug store employees to hear their recommendations on the best cold and flu products in Japan.

As always, this list is meant to be a general guide, and it is not medical advice. All of the prices listed are before tax and are accurate as of November 2025.

Paralon Cold EX Gold

Summary: This all-around acting cold medicine contains 120 pills to combat a variety of symptoms. The box indicates that it can help reduce pain, sore throat, fever, sneezing, runny nose, headache, as well as joint and muscle pain. It also mentions that you should take this medication with water within 30 minutes after eating.

Price: ¥880 (120 pills)

Dosage: For those 15 and older, take 3 pills up to 3 times a day (9 pills per day maximum). For children between ages 11 and 15, take 2 pills up to 3 times a day (6 pills per day maximum). For children between ages 6 and 11, take 1 pill up to 3 times a day (3 pills per day maximum).

Considerations: The box indicates that you should not operate a car or machinery while taking this medication. Additionally, children under the age of 6 years old should not take this medication. The label indicates that the elderly and those who are pregnant should consult their doctor before taking this medication. Store this in a cool and dry place that is out of direct sunlight.

Stona EX 

Summary: The drugstore staff recommended this medication as the best over-the-counter cold medication by drug store employees. It comes in a few different types, depending on what you are looking for. From the top picture to the bottom picture above, the types are as follows: (のどの痛み、発熱) sore throat and fever reducer, (つらいせき、たん) painful cough and phlegm, (鼻水、鼻づまり) nasal drip and stuffy nose. However, all the boxes have the same label of (かぜ薬), cold medicine, so they all help with general cold symptoms.

Each box indicates that they bring relief for symptoms such as nasal discharge, stuffy nose, sneezing, sore throat, cough, chills, fever, headache, joint pain and muscle pain. Take this medication within 30 minutes of eating a meal.

Price: From left to right:  ¥1280 (12 pills), ¥1380 (12 pills), ¥1280 (18 pills)

Dosages: Red box: For those 15 and older, take 2 capsules 3 times per day (6 capsules maximum). This medication is intended only for those ages 15 and over.

Yellow box: For children between ages 12 and 14, take 1 capsule 3 times per day (3 capsules maximum). For children and adults 15 and over, take 2 capsules 3 times per day (6 capsules maximum). This medication is intended for people 12 years and over.

White box: For children and adults 15 and over, take 2 capsules 3 times per day (6 capsules maximum). This medication is intended for those older than 15 years.

Considerations: Store this medication in a dry place away from the sun. These medications should not be taken while operating machinery. 

Buy them online here:

–Sore throat and fever reducer
–Painful cough and phlegm
–Nasal drip and stuffy nose

Pabron Medical N

Summary: This medication was also recommended by drugstore employees. It is specifically for nasal symptoms including: 鼻水 (runny nose) and 鼻づまりに (stuffy nose). 

Price: ¥1,280 (18 tablets)

Dosage: Take 2 tablets 3 times per day within 30 minutes of a meal (6 tablets per day). The box indicates that the tablets should be taken with lukewarm water. Additionally, the box says that this medication is for those aged 15 years old and over.

Considerations: Store this medication in a dry place away from sunlight. This medication should not be taken while operating machinery. 

All images in Japan Drugstore Guide: Cold and Flu Medicine are taken by Lillian Loescher

You might also find these guides helpful:
Japan Drugstore Guide: Best Sleeping Aids in Japan
Japan Drugstore Guide: Allergy Medicine for Hayfever in Japan

For more information, read our full guide to drugstores in Japan.

This page has been brought to you as a public service of The Bluff Medical and Dental Clinic in Yokohama.