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Bromfed DM vs. Nyquil

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

Key takeaways

Bromfed DM (brompheniramine/pseudoephedrine/dextromethorphan) and Nyquil Cold and Flu (acetaminophen/dextromethorphan/doxylamine) are both used to relieve symptoms of the common cold, such as cough and runny nose. However, they have some important differences. Bromfed DM combines an antihistamine, a decongestant, and a cough suppressant, while Nyquil Cold and Flu includes an analgesic, a cough suppressant, and an antihistamine. Bromfed DM is available by prescription only and comes as a liquid, whereas Nyquil Cold and Flu is available over-the-counter in both liquid and capsule forms. Bromfed DM is typically taken every 4 hours, while Nyquil Cold and Flu is taken every 6 hours. Common side effects of both medications include sleepiness and dizziness. If you have other health conditions or take other medications, talk to your prescriber or pharmacist before taking either medication.

Bromfed DM

 

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Nyquil Cold and Flu

 

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Summary for Bromfed DM

Prescription only

Bromfed DM is a combination of three medications: brompheniramine (an antihistamine), pseudoephedrine (a decongestant), and dextromethorphan (a cough suppressant). It's used to relieve symptoms from allergies and the common cold. Bromfed DM is available only with a prescription and comes as a liquid.

Indications for Bromfed DM

Short-term relief of symptoms from allergies and the common cold:

  • Cough
  • Runny nose
  • Sneezing
  • Itchy or watery eyes
  • Itching of the nose or throat
  • Stuffy nose (nasal congestion)

Pros and Cons for Bromfed DM

Pros

  • Convenient to take three medications in a single liquid
  • Typically starts working within 30 minutes
  • Flavored liquid for better taste
  • Available as a lower-cost, generic form

Cons

  • Might have to take as often as every 4 hours to relieve symptoms
  • More difficult to customize the dose since Bromfed DM is a fixed combination of three medications
  • Available only as a liquid
  • Might not be the best choice for people over 65 years old, people with glaucoma, or people with breathing, heart, or urinary problems

Common Side Effects for Bromfed DM

  • Sleepiness
  • Dizziness
  • Dry mouth, nose, or throat

Warnings for Bromfed DM

  • Sleepiness
  • Serotonin syndrome
  • Possible worsening of medical conditions
  • Accidental overdose

Summary for Nyquil

Over-the-counter

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 for Nyquil

Temporarily relieves common cold and flu symptoms, including:

  • Cough
  • Sore throat
  • Headache
  • Minor aches and pains
  • Fever
  • Runny nose
  • Sneezing

Pros and Cons for Nyquil

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 for Nyquil

Warnings for Nyquil

  • Liver damage
  • Serotonin syndrome
  • Accidental overdose
  • Worsening of medical conditions
  • Allergic skin reactions

Prices with our coupons for Bromfed DM vs. Nyquil

Price Card Drug Icon
Brompheniramine/Dextromethorphan/Pseudoephedrine118 ml / 2mg/30mg/10mg/5ml
$14.21-
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Acetaminophen/Dextromethorphan/Doxylamine16 capsules / 325mg/15mg/6.25mg
$9.54-
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