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Compare Dayquil vs. Sudafed PE

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

Key takeaways

Dayquil (acetaminophen/dextromethorphan/phenylephrine) and phenylephrine (Sudafed PE) are both used to relieve symptoms of the common cold, such as nasal congestion. Dayquil is a combination medication that includes an analgesic, a cough suppressant, and a decongestant, making it suitable for treating a wider range of cold and flu symptoms, such as cough, sore throat, and fever. In contrast, phenylephrine is a single-ingredient decongestant that specifically targets nasal and sinus congestion. Both medications are available over the counter, and may cause side effects such as insomnia and agitation. Both medications can interact with monoamine oxidase inhibitors (MAOIs) and should not be taken together or with other medications containing similar ingredients to avoid overdose.

  • Dayquil cold and flu
    Phenylephrine (Sudafed PE)
  • Dayquil cold and flu
    Phenylephrine (Sudafed PE)

  • Summary of Dayquil vs. Sudafed PE

    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.

    Summary for Alpha agonist

    Phenylephrine (Sudafed PE) is a decongestant used to treat nasal and sinus congestion from allergies and the common cold. It's available over the counter as tablets and a liquid solution. Phenylephrine (Sudafed PE) isn't a first-choice option for people who are pregnant or breastfeeding because there's a chance that it can affect the growing baby and the mother's milk supply. Side effects of phenylephrine (Sudafed PE) are typically mild and can include feeling anxious, headache, and nausea.

  • Indications of Dayquil vs. Sudafed PE

    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
    Indications for
    •Short-term relief of nasal and sinus congestion and pressure

  • Pros and Cons of Dayquil vs. Sudafed PE

    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
    Pros and Const for Alpha agonist
    Pros
    •Available as tablets and a liquid
    •Available over the counter
    •Available as a lower-cost generic medication
    Cons
    •Tablets can't be taken by children younger than 12 years old
    •Can raise blood pressure and heart rate
    •Needs to be taken multiple times a day

  • Common Side Effects of Dayquil vs. Sudafed PE

    Common Side Effects for
    •Stomach upset
    •Nervousness or anxiety
    Common Side Effects for
    •Feeling anxious
    •Headache
    •Nausea

  • Warnings of Dayquil vs. Sudafed PE

    Common Side Effects for
    •Liver damage
    •Allergic skin reactions
    •Serotonin syndrome
    •Accidentally taking too much medication
    •Worsening of certain medical conditions
    Common Side Effects for
    •High heart rate and blood pressure
    •Accidental overdose
    •Worsening of medical conditions

  • Prices with our coupons for Dayquil vs. Sudafed PE

    Learn more about Dayquil cold and flu
    Learn more about Phenylephrine

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