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Compare Dayquil vs. Tylenol

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

Key takeaways

Acetaminophen/dextromethorphan/phenylephrine (Dayquil) and acetaminophen (Tylenol) are both over-the-counter medications used to relieve symptoms like pain and fever. However, they belong to different medication classes and have distinct uses. Dayquil is a combination medication that also includes a cough suppressant and a decongestant, making it helpful for cold and flu symptoms such as cough, sore throat, and nasal congestion. On the other hand, acetaminophen is a single-ingredient analgesic used primarily for mild pain and fever. While both medications are available in oral forms, acetaminophen also comes in rectal and injectable forms. Dayquil is typically taken every 4 hours, whereas acetaminophen can be taken every 4 to 6 hours depending on the formulation. Common side effects of Dayquil include stomach upset and nervousness, while acetaminophen generally has fewer side effects but can cause nausea and headache. Because both medications contain acetaminophen, you should avoid drinking alcohol or taking other acetaminophen products while taking either medication.

  • Dayquil cold and flu
    Acetaminophen (Tylenol)
  • Dayquil cold and flu
    Acetaminophen (Tylenol)

  • Summary of Dayquil vs. Tylenol

    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 Analgesic

    Acetaminophen (Tylenol) is an over-the-counter (OTC) medication used to lower fever and relieve mild pain in adults and children. It's available in many strengths and formulations, such as tablets, chewable tablets, and liquid. In general, acetaminophen (Tylenol) works within 45 minutes when it's taken by mouth. This medication typically doesn't have many side effects. It's recommended to limit or avoid alcohol while taking acetaminophen (Tylenol) to lower your risk for liver problems.

  • Indications of Dayquil vs. Tylenol

    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
    •Mild pain
    •Fever

  • Pros and Cons of Dayquil vs. Tylenol

    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 Analgesic
    Pros
    •Works well to relieve mild aches or pain and lower fever
    •Can use in adults and children
    •Available in a lower-cost generic and is available over the counter
    •Comes in many different strengths and forms (e.g., tablet, capsule, chewable tablet, liquid, powder, suppository)
    Cons
    •Doesn't help with inflammation and swelling
    •Might not work as well to treat moderate-to-severe pain
    •Not the best option for people who drink alcohol often because of the risk of liver damage

  • Common Side Effects of Dayquil vs. Tylenol

    Common Side Effects for
    •Stomach upset
    •Nervousness or anxiety
    Common Side Effects for

    Side effects typically aren't common with this medication.

  • Warnings of Dayquil vs. Tylenol

    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
    •Liver damage
    •Accidental overdose
    •Allergic skin reactions

  • Prices with our coupons for Dayquil vs. Tylenol

    Learn more about Dayquil cold and flu
    Learn more about Acetaminophen

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