Cough, Cold & Flu Drugs in Nigeria
In-depth guides to 4 of the most-used cough, cold and flu medications in Nigeria. Each drug page lists NAFDAC-registered brands, current prices, dosage information, side effects, and where to buy.
Market view: the cough, cold and flu registration data — 41 active registrations from 28 companies.
Catarrh season is real: when the harmattan dust arrives, or the rains bring a wave of colds, Nigerian pharmacies sell cough syrups by the carton. The useful ones do specific jobs — guaifenesin loosens chesty phlegm, dextromethorphan calms a dry cough, ambroxol and bromhexine thin stubborn mucus — and knowing which cough you have saves money and disappointment. Many popular syrups (Benylin, Emzolyn, Coldcap) are combinations, so it pays to read what is actually in the bottle.
One caution dominates this category: codeine-containing cough syrups were banned from over-the-counter sale in 2018 after an addiction epidemic, and any seller offering them casually is breaking the law. And for children, simple measures — fluids, rest, paracetamol for fever — often do as much as any syrup; most colds are viral and simply run their course.
Cough, cold and flu drug prices in Nigeria
As of September 2026, cough, cold and flu medicines in Nigeria cost between ₦1,750–₦43,600 per pack depending on the drug, brand, and pack size, with live online prices sampled from Nigerian pharmacies for 2 of the 4 medicines below. The table below compares each medicine's typical range.
- AmbroxolTypical: Price varies — check with a pharmacy
- BromhexineTypical: ₦1,750 · Online: ~₦1,750
- DextromethorphanTypical: Price varies — check with a pharmacy
- GuaifenesinTypical: ₦14,700–₦43,600 · Online: ~₦21,000
Ranges span brands and pack sizes; online figures are medians sampled from Nigerian online pharmacies and refreshed monthly. Open-market prices are often lower.
All cough, cold and flu drug guides
Ambroxol
Mucolytic agent
Common brands: Mucosolvan, Brozelin, Prescuf
Forms: Syrup, Tablet
Price: Price varies — check with a pharmacy
Bromhexine
Mucolytic agent
Common brands: Bisolvon, Solvin, Bromex
Forms: Tablet, Syrup
Price: ~₦1,750 online
Dextromethorphan
Cough suppressant (antitussive)
Common brands: Benylin Dry Cough, Robitussin Dry Cough
Forms: Syrup, Lozenge
Price: Price varies — check with a pharmacy
Guaifenesin
Expectorant
Common brands: Benylin Chesty Cough, Robitussin Chesty Cough, Shaltoux
Forms: Syrup, Tablet
Price: ~₦21,000 online
Every registered brand, by medicine
The NAFDAC Greenbook's complete brand list for each cough, cold and flu medicine — every registration holder and number, not just the well-known names.
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Conditions treated with cough, cold and flu drugs
Guides
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Frequently asked questions
About cough, cold & flu drugs in Nigeria
All brand information on this page is cross-referenced with the NAFDAC Greenbook (Nigeria's official registered products database). Pricing reflects typical retail ranges in Nigerian pharmacies and is updated regularly. This information is for educational purposes only and should not replace professional medical advice — always consult a qualified pharmacist or doctor.
Daily puzzle: Meddle — pair five brands with their medicines. New game at midnight.