Evidence supporting the use of: Gelcap
For the health condition: Colds (with fever)
Synopsis
Source of validity: Scientific
Rating (out of 5): 4
Gelcap is a term that refers to a gelatin capsule, which is a dosage form rather than a specific medication. However, when referring to over-the-counter (OTC) "Gelcap" products used for colds with fever, these often contain active ingredients such as acetaminophen (paracetamol), ibuprofen, or a combination of analgesics and decongestants. The scientific justification for their use is well established. Acetaminophen and ibuprofen are both antipyretics (fever reducers) and analgesics (pain relievers), and numerous randomized controlled trials and systematic reviews have shown their efficacy in reducing fever and alleviating symptoms such as sore throat, headache, and muscle aches associated with the common cold. While these medications do not treat the underlying viral infection, they provide symptomatic relief, which is a key component of cold management. Guidelines from organizations such as the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) and the World Health Organization (WHO) recommend the use of these agents for symptomatic relief in viral respiratory infections, including colds with fever. Therefore, the use of gelcap formulations containing these medications is supported by robust scientific evidence for the management of cold symptoms with fever.
Other ingredients used for Colds (with fever)
aloe veragreen chiretta
anthocyanins
basil
bilberry
black cumin
black currant
blueberry
capsaicinoids
chamomile
citrus oil
clove
coconut milk
cowage seed
turmeric
elderberry
forsythia
garlic bulb
ginger
grape
green tea
lemon
licorice root
pear
plantain
pomegranate
quercetin
rhizome
rosemary
sage
sphaeranthus indicus
thyme
vitamin C
vitamin D
zinc
xanthium (cockleburs)
mugwort
nut grass
alpinia galangal
pistacia integerrima gall
blackboard tree
boxthorne
buckthorn
yerba santa
sweet flag
hyacinth bean
trichosanthes
aster root
indigo leaves
Avens
Agastache
Ardisia
acacia
Amomum
Asarum heterotropoides
Aconite
Ajuga
Andrographolide
Aerva lanata
Asam gelugor
Andrographis
Asteracea
Amor seco
Arani
Atractylone
Bermuda Grass
Baikal Skullcap
Baphicacanthus cusia
Bishop's Weed
Bayleaf
Black galingale
Bitter Grass
Bael
Baccharoides anthelmintica
Bur-Reed
Bee products
Black Nightshade
Bassia scoparia
Capillary Artemisia
Chinese Raisintree
Cowherb
Cistus
Common madia
Cinnamaldehyde
Celosia
Chrysophanics
Dragonhead
Eclipta
Little ironweed
Mallow
Vervain
Other health conditions supported by Gelcap
Colds (decongestant)Colds (general)
Colds (with fever)
Headache (general)