Late reply, but I'm currently sick, and saw this as an opportunity.
I have never had much success with OTC cold medicines. The best I've seen is Alka Seltzer Plus and Mucinex, but I felt these always underperformed significantly. With other commenters offering advice, and the internet being vast, I did some research.
I ended up taking Sudafed (bought today) and Zyrtec (always have on hand). I also took Excedrin for pain relief (last dose I had).
I'm still sneezing occasionally, and my nose is slightly tingly, but I feel obviously better than before--much better success than I've seen with other OTC drugs.
I don't have ibuprofen, but I suggest that over Excedrin. Excedrin contains acetaminophin (and aspirin--important!), as well as caffeine. Essentially, I'd recommend doing the following, as directed on packaging:
Pseudoephedrine (DANGEROUS MAOI INTERRACTION--Non-Rx, non-OTC, works well for congestion)
Antihistamine (Zyrtec, Allegra--Benadryl if you feel like seeing the hat man)
Ibuprofin (NSAID--do NOT take with alcohol or other NSAIDs--reads more effective as an NSAID than aspirin and acetaminophen. Most effective NSAID of the three)
Caffeine (Tea is probably better than coffee--helps with pain slightly, but especially drowsiness, and therefore depends on time of day)
For something more unique, cannabis products are certain to help without all too much risk. I experience neck pain when I'm sick, so lightly smoking helped. CBD oil works super well for specific spots, and is probably better than THC for most people. This is a sure-fire way to help with pain and insomnia, but I hope you aren't that sick.
Finally, another unique suggestion, and one you'll only see from me. Proceed with reasonable caution and do your research, though. Red kratom strains, or green if you prefer something a little easier on the system--faster onset, too. Recent "gas station heroin" headlines are fearmongering and utter bollocks, in a surprise to nobody. Thanks, Nixon. Kratom helps considerably with pain/insomnia, but it's somewhat risky to use kratom with NSAIDs and antihistamines. Don't see issues with pseudoephedrine. I sincerely doubt a 4g toss-and-wash is going to do more harm than good, but please measure by weight, and not volume. Do the minimum effective dose. Yet again, do not drink with alcohol--it's horrible on the liver. Just don't drink in general, to be honest. All in all, I'd honestly suggest picking between either your NSAID of choice, or kratom--not both. If you're really being kept awake, or you're really in pain, then kratom is likely the better option over your Excedrins or Tylenols. Sorry this section's long--it's important that it's detailed, for obvious reasons.
Quite a lot at once--balance doses responsibly, experiment, see what works, and stick with that when you fall ill. It's a lot of information, but safety isn't something to compromise with. I hope I've been helpful. That's all, folks.
