I think the bigger issue with Alka-Seltzer is that some contains aspirin. Got to read every label carefully now.
Robitussin has worked well for a couple of my friends.
This made for some interesting reading
http://www.obesityaction.org/resourc...ealthqanda.php
They suggest the following for colds:
Benadryl
Dimetapp
Robitussin
Sudafed
Triaminic
Tylenol Cold Products