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Compare Benadryl vs. Dayquil

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

Key takeaways

Diphenhydramine (Benadryl) and acetaminophen/dextromethorphan/phenylephrine (Dayquil Cold and Flu) are both over-the-counter medications that can be used to treat symptoms of the common cold. However, they belong to different medication classes and have important differences. Diphenhydramine is an antihistamine that helps with allergies, cold symptoms, and can be used as an occasional sleep aid due to its sedative effects. On the other hand, Dayquil Cold and Flu is a combination medication that includes an analgesic (acetaminophen), a cough suppressant (dextromethorphan), and a decongestant (phenylephrine) to relieve pain, cough, and nasal congestion. Diphenhydramine is available in various forms like tablets and liquids, while Dayquil is available as pills and liquid. Diphenhydramine can cause drowsiness, dizziness, and dry mouth, whereas Dayquil may cause stomach upset and nervousness. You should avoid alcohol with both medications and avoid acetaminophen-containing products with Dayquil Cold and Flu, to avoid getting too much acetaminophen.

  • Diphenhydramine (Benadryl)
    Dayquil cold and flu
  • Diphenhydramine (Benadryl)
    Dayquil cold and flu

  • Summary of Benadryl vs. Dayquil

    Summary for Antihistamine

    Diphenhydramine (Benadryl) is an over-the-counter (OTC) oral medication that's commonly used to treat allergies, common cold symptoms, and itching. Because it makes most people very sleepy, it can also be used as an occasional sleep aid.

    Summary for Analgesic / Cough suppressant / Decongestant

    Dayquil Cold and Flu is a combination of three active ingredients: acetaminophen (an analgesic), dextromethorphan (a cough suppressant), and phenylephrine (a decongestant). Dayquil Cold and Flu helps treat symptoms from the common cold and flu in adults and children. It can relieve stuffy nose, cough, sore throat, headache, aches, and fever. Besides Dayquil Cold and Flu, this medication is available under many other brand names and as a generic. It's available as pills and a liquid that's typically taken every 4 hours. Side effects aren't common but can include stomach upset and nervousness.

  • Indications of Benadryl vs. Dayquil

    Indications for
    •Allergies
    •Common cold symptoms
    •Trouble sleeping for people 12 years and older
    Indications for
    •Short-term relief of symptoms from the common cold and flu:
    •Minor aches and pains
    •Headache
    •Stuffy nose (nasal congestion)
    •Cough
    •Sore throat
    •Fever

  • Pros and Cons of Benadryl vs. Dayquil

    Pros and Const for Antihistamine
    Pros
    •Can help relieve allergy and cold symptoms within about 30 minutes
    •Can be used in children as young as 6 years old with allergy and cold symptoms
    •Can help with occasional sleep problems (12 years and older)
    •Available as a lower-cost generic
    •Available OTC in several different dosage forms
    Cons
    •Not the best option for long-term use
    •Can cause drowsiness the next day when used for sleep
    •Can cause hyperactivity in some children
    •Might not be safe for people with breathing problems, glaucoma, or problems with urinating
    •Can impair your ability to drive or do tasks that require alertness
    Pros and Const for Analgesic / Cough suppressant / Decongestant
    Pros
    •Can treat a wide variety of common cold or flu symptoms
    •More convenient to take three medications in a single dose
    •Available over the counter and as a lower-cost generic
    •Alcohol-free liquid forms of the medication are available
    Cons
    •Might need to take as often as every 4 hours to relieve symptoms
    •More difficult to customize the dose since Dayquil Cold and Flu is a fixed combination of three medications
    •Might not be the best choice for people with certain medical conditions, such as high blood pressure
    •Might not be the best choice for people who drink alcohol regularly

  • Common Side Effects of Benadryl vs. Dayquil

    Common Side Effects for
    •Sleepiness
    •Dizziness
    •Dry mouth, nose, and throat
    •Headache
    •Constipation
    •Blurry vision
    Common Side Effects for
    •Stomach upset
    •Nervousness or anxiety

  • Warnings of Benadryl vs. Dayquil

    Common Side Effects for
    •Accidental overdose
    •Excessive sleepiness
    •Worsening of certain health problems
    Common Side Effects for
    •Liver damage
    •Allergic skin reactions
    •Serotonin syndrome
    •Accidentally taking too much medication
    •Worsening of certain medical conditions

  • Prices with our coupons for Benadryl vs. Dayquil

    Learn more about Diphenhydramine
    Learn more about Dayquil cold and flu

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