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In January 2025, Costco recalled Kirkland Signature Severe Cold & Flu Plus Congestion caplets sold between October 30 and November 30, 2024, due to potential contamination. If you purchased this product during that timeframe, stop using it immediately and return it to your local Costco for a full refund.
Kirkland Cold and Flu: Complete Product Guide & 2025 Recall Updates
Kirkland Signature Severe Cold & Flu Plus Congestion is a popular, multi-symptom over-the-counter medication relied upon by millions of Costco shoppers. Designed to tackle everything from stubborn coughs to sinus pressure, this bulk-sized remedy offers significant value compared to name-brand alternatives.
However, recent safety alerts have made it critical for consumers to check their medicine cabinets. Below is everything you need to know about the product, its active ingredients, and the urgent 2025 recall.
Urgent Safety Alert: 2025 Product Recall
If you recently purchased cold medication from Costco, you must check the packaging before consuming it.
Is there a recall on Kirkland Cold and Flu medicine?
Yes, in January 2025, Costco announced a recall for Kirkland Signature Severe Cold & Flu Plus Congestion caplets. The recall affects boxes sold between October 30 and November 30, 2024, due to potential foreign material contamination. Consumers should stop using the affected product immediately and return it for a full refund.
Recall Details at a Glance:
- Affected Dates: Products purchased between October 30 and November 30, 2024.
- Manufacturer: LNK International, Inc.
- Reason for Recall: Potential contamination with foreign material.
- Action Required: Do not consume. Return the product to any Costco warehouse for a full refund.
Active Ingredients: What’s Inside the Caplets?
When safe to use, the Kirkland Severe Cold & Flu daytime formula packs a powerful combination of four active ingredients designed to target multiple symptoms simultaneously.
| Ingredient | Amount (per caplet) | Purpose |
|---|---|---|
| Acetaminophen | 325 mg | Pain reliever and fever reducer |
| Dextromethorphan HBr | 10 mg | Cough suppressant |
| Guaifenesin | 200 mg | Expectorant (loosens mucus) |
| Phenylephrine HCl | 5 mg | Nasal decongestant |
Brand Comparisons: Kirkland vs. Name Brands
Costco’s private label is famous for mimicking or improving upon national brands at a fraction of the cost.
Is Kirkland Severe Cold and Flu the same as DayQuil?
Kirkland Severe Cold and Flu contains similar active ingredients to DayQuil Severe, including acetaminophen, dextromethorphan, and phenylephrine. However, the Kirkland version also includes guaifenesin, an expectorant to help loosen chest congestion. While highly comparable in symptom relief, they are not completely identical formulations.
Value and Formulation Differences:
- Price: Kirkland typically offers 168-count combo packs (Day and Night) for the price of a standard 48-count name-brand box.
- Day vs. Night: The daytime caplets are non-drowsy. The nighttime caplets typically drop the expectorant (guaifenesin) and add an antihistamine (like doxylamine succinate) to help you sleep.
Dosage, Usage, and Safety Guidelines
Always follow the package instructions to avoid accidental overdose, especially when dealing with multi-symptom medications.
- Standard Dosage: For adults and children 12 years and older, take 2 caplets with water every 4 hours.
- Maximum Limit: Do not exceed 10 caplets in any 24-hour period.
- Liver Warning: This product contains acetaminophen. Severe liver damage may occur if you take more than the maximum daily amount, take it with other acetaminophen-containing drugs, or consume 3 or more alcoholic drinks daily while using it.
Can I take day Tylenol at night?
You can safely take daytime cold medicines like Day Tylenol or Kirkland Severe Cold and Flu at night, but they may not help you sleep. Daytime formulas are designed to be non-drowsy and often contain decongestants like phenylephrine, which can act as a mild stimulant and potentially keep you awake.
Managing Symptoms Effectively
Medication is only one part of recovering from a severe viral infection.
How to dry up a cold?
To dry up a cold and reduce a runny nose, use an over-the-counter antihistamine or a nasal decongestant spray. Additionally, drinking plenty of warm fluids, using a saline nasal rinse, and resting with your head elevated can help clear nasal passages and safely dry up excess mucus production.
When to See a Doctor:
- Your fever lasts for more than 3 days.
- Your pain or cough gets worse or lasts for more than 7 days.
- You develop a rash, persistent headache, or redness/swelling.
Where to Buy (Post-Recall Availability)
Due to the January 2025 recall, Costco temporarily pulled affected batches of Kirkland Signature Severe Cold & Flu Plus Congestion from its shelves and website.
To purchase safe, newly stocked batches, check Costco.com or call your local warehouse pharmacy. If the specific caplets are out of stock, Costco offers several alternative Kirkland Signature products, such as Aller-Flo (fluticasone propionate nasal spray) for congestion, and standard acetaminophen for fever relief.