Can I bring Theraflu Severe Cold Relief to Korea?

Q: Can I bring Theraflu Severe Cold Relief to Korea?

Theraflu Severe Cold Relief requires prior approval from the Korean Ministry of Food and Drug Safety (MFDS) before you travel. Theraflu Severe Cold Relief Daytime packets contain dextromethorphan, a psychotropic substance in Korea, so the usual day-and-night box needs written MFDS approval. The Nighttime packet alone (acetaminophen plus diphenhydramine) has no controlled ingredient. Theraflu-D contains pseudoephedrine and is a separate case.

Multi-ingredient product

Approval
Required사전 승인 필요

MFDS permit

Required, 3-4 wks ahead

Max quantity

Approved amount, max 90-day supply

Declare at customs

Yes, goods-to-declare channel

Theraflu Severe Cold Relief requires prior approval from the Korean Ministry of Food and Drug Safety (MFDS) before you travel.

Theraflu Severe Cold Relief Daytime packets contain dextromethorphan, a psychotropic substance in Korea, so the usual day-and-night box needs written MFDS approval. The Nighttime packet alone (acetaminophen plus diphenhydramine) has no controlled ingredient. Theraflu-D contains pseudoephedrine and is a separate case.

Ingredient by ingredient

A product follows its strictest ingredient. This is how each active ingredient stands in Korea:

Ingredient	In Korea	Note
Acetaminophen500 mg (Daytime) or 650 mg (Nighttime) per packet	OK	Sold over the counter in Korea.
Dextromethorphan HBr (Daytime packets)20 mg per packet	Needs MFDS approval	A psychotropic substance in Korea (decree annex 6). Sets the verdict for the boxed combination.
Diphenhydramine HCl (Nighttime packets)25 mg per packet	OK	Not controlled in Korea.

How to apply for MFDS approval →

Before you fly

1.Apply for the MFDS self-treatment permit at least 3 to 4 weeks before departure, online at nedrug.mfds.go.kr or by email to narcotics@korea.kr. Results are issued within 10 business days.
2.Prepare a passport copy, your flight itinerary, the prescription, and a doctor's note stating diagnosis and daily dose, in Korean or English. The permit covers up to a 90-day supply.
3.Pack the medication in its original packaging with the pharmacy label attached. Loose pills in an unmarked container invite questions you do not want at the border.
4.On arrival, take the goods-to-declare channel and show the permit with the medication.

Questions

Can I bring just the Nighttime packets?

The Nighttime formula is acetaminophen and diphenhydramine, neither controlled in Korea, so on ingredients alone it travels under the personal-use rule. Check your box's active ingredients, since Theraflu sells several formulas under similar names.

Travel prepPartner links · support this site

Source DailyMed label (composition); Narcotics Control Act Enforcement Decree annex 6 (Dextromethorphan)
Verified 2026-08-23

Check another medication

MedsToKorea is an independent site with no affiliation to the Korean government. Travel preparation only, not medical or legal advice. Regulations change: confirm with the MFDS, Korea Customs Service, or a Korean embassy before traveling. We store no searches and no health data.