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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

 

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Dayquil Cold and Flu

 

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Summary for Benadryl

Over-the-counter

Diphenhydramine, also known by the brand name Benadryl, is an over-the-counter antihistamine used to relieve allergy or common cold symptoms in adults and children. It comes as pills and a liquid and is typically taken by mouth every 4 to 6 hours as needed. Because it can make you drowsy, some people also use it as a sleep aid at bedtime. Common side effects include sleepiness, dizziness, and dry mouth.

Indications for Benadryl

  • Short-term relief of allergy or common cold symptoms (runny nose, sneezing, itchy nose or throat, and itchy or watery eyes) - people 6 years and older
  • Occasional trouble sleeping - people 12 years and older

Pros and Cons for Benadryl

Pros

  • Relieves allergy and cold symptoms in about 15 to 30 minutes
  • Safe for children as young as 6 years old
  • Available over the counter
  • Comes as pills and liquid

Cons

  • Can make you feel sleepy or dizzy
  • Might need to take multiple times a day for symptom relief
  • Not the best choice for older adults
  • Can worsen certain conditions like glaucoma and stomach ulcers

Common Side Effects for Benadryl

  • Sleepiness
  • Dizziness
  • Constipation
  • Blurry vision
  • Dry mouth

Warnings for Benadryl

  • Sleepiness
  • Accidental overdose
  • Worsening of certain health problems

Summary for Dayquil

Over-the-counter

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 for Dayquil

  • 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 for Dayquil

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 for Dayquil

Warnings for Dayquil

  • 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

Price Card Drug Icon
Diphenhydramine30 capsules / 25mg
$3.10$7.22
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Price Card Drug Icon
Dayquil24 capsules / 325mg/10mg/5mg
$10.68$14.97
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