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Compare Alka-Seltzer vs. Nyquil

Head-to-head comparisons of medication uses, side effects, warnings, and more.

Key takeaways

Alka-Seltzer (citric acid/aspirin/sodium bicarbonate) and Nyquil Cold and Flu (acetaminophen/dextromethorphan/doxylamine) are both over-the-counter medications used to relieve symptoms like headache and body aches. However, they belong to different medication classes and treat different conditions. Alka-Seltzer is an antacid and NSAID combination used for heartburn, indigestion, and pain relief, while Nyquil Cold and Flu is an analgesic, cough suppressant, and antihistamine combination used for cold and flu symptoms like cough, sore throat, and fever. Alka-Seltzer comes as dissolvable tablets, while Nyquil is available in liquid and capsule forms. Alka-Seltzer contains aspirin, which can cause stomach bleeding and is not recommended for children under 12 due to the risk of Reye's syndrome. Nyquil contains acetaminophen, which can cause liver damage if taken in excess or with alcohol. Both medications can cause drowsiness, but Nyquil is more likely to make you sleepy due to the antihistamine doxylamine. Be cautious of drug interactions, especially with other medications containing similar ingredients.

  • 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
    Pros
    •Available over the counter
    •Works within 30 minutes to relieve cold and flu symptoms
    •Available in capsules and a liquid
    •Combines three medications in one product for convenience
    •Available as a lower-cost generic
    Cons
    •Needs to be taken multiple times per day
    •Can cause extreme sleepiness
    •More difficult to customize the dose since it's a fixed combination of three medications
    •Need to avoid alcohol while taking it
    •Not meant for long-term use

  • Common Side Effects of Alka-Seltzer vs. Nyquil

    Common Side Effects for

    See Risks and Warnings

    Common Side Effects for
    •Sleepiness
    •Dizziness
    •Dry mouth

  • Warnings of Alka-Seltzer vs. Nyquil

    Common Side Effects for
    •Stomach bleeding and ulcers
    •Reye's syndrome in children
    •Allergic reactions
    Common Side Effects for
    •Liver damage
    •Serotonin syndrome
    •Accidental overdose
    •Worsening of medical conditions
    •Allergic skin reactions

  • Prices with our coupons for Alka-Seltzer vs. Nyquil

    Learn more about Alka-seltzer
    Learn more about Nyquil cold and flu

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