Head-to-head comparisons of medication uses, side effects, warnings, and more.
Alka-seltzer
Nyquil cold and flu
Alka-seltzer
Nyquil cold and flu
Summary of Alka-Seltzer vs. Nyquil
Summary for Antacid / NSAID
Alka-Seltzer is a medication used to treat symptoms of heartburn, such as upset stomach and headache. While there are multiple products under this brand, this page focuses on the combination medication containing 3 active ingredients: citric acid, sodium bicarbonate, and aspirin. It comes as tablets that are dissolved in water. You drink the mixture by mouth, typically every 4-6 hours as needed.
Summary for Analgesic / Cough suppressant / Antihistamine
Nyquil Cold and Flu is a combination medication containing acetaminophen (a pain reliever), dextromethorphan (a cough suppressant), and doxylamine (an antihistamine). It's used to treat cold and flu symptoms, like sore throat, fever, cough, runny nose, sneezing, and aches, in adults and children. Nyquil Cold and Flu is available as pills and a liquid. This medication can make you feel sleepy and dizzy as side effects.
Indications of Alka-Seltzer vs. Nyquil
Indications for
•Heartburn, indigestion, and sour stomach with headache, body aches, or pain
•Upset stomach and headache from having too much food or drink
•Headache, body aches, and pain alone
Indications for
Temporarily relieves common cold and flu symptoms, including:
•Cough
•Sore throat
•Headache
•Minor aches and pains
•Fever
•Runny nose
•Sneezing
Pros and Cons of Alka-Seltzer vs. Nyquil
Pros and Const for Antacid / NSAID
Pros
•Combination of three medications in a single pill
•Easy to take for people who have trouble swallowing pills
•Available over the counter
Cons
•Might not be safe for children 12 years old and younger
•Might need to take multiple times per day
•Might not be safe for people with certain health conditions (e.g. kidney problems, heart problems, high bleeding risk)
Pros and Const for Analgesic / Cough suppressant / Antihistamine