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Delsym vs. Dayquil

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

Key takeaways

Dextromethorphan (Delsym) and acetaminophen / dextromethorphan / phenylephrine (Dayquil Cold and Flu) are both used to treat coughs, but they belong to different medication classes. Dextromethorphan is an antitussive, which means it specifically suppresses coughs. It is available over-the-counter as an extended-release syrup or immediate-release caplet. On the other hand, Dayquil is a combination medication that includes an analgesic (acetaminophen), a cough suppressant (dextromethorphan), and a decongestant (phenylephrine). This combination helps relieve multiple symptoms of the common cold and flu, such as cough, sore throat, and nasal congestion. Dextromethorphan is typically taken every 6 to 12 hours, while Dayquil can be taken every 4 hours. Both medications can cause side effects like stomach upset, but Dayquil can also cause nervousness. Additionally, Dayquil carries a risk of liver damage if taken with other acetaminophen-containing products or with alcohol. Both medications can interact with monoamine oxidase inhibitors (MAOIs) and other medications that affect serotonin levels, potentially leading to serotonin syndrome.

Dextromethorphan

(Delsym)

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Dayquil Cold and Flu

 

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Summary for Delsym

Over-the-counter

Dextromethorphan (Delsym) is an over-the-counter cough suppressant (antitussive). It helps relieve "dry" cough in adults and children by suppressing the cough reflex. Dextromethorphan (Delsym) is available as an extended-release (ER) cough syrup that's taken by mouth, typically every 12 hours. It also comes as an immediate-release (IR) caplet that's usually taken every 6 to 8 hours. Dextromethorphan might also come in additional formulations, under other brands. Some common side effects of dextromethorphan (Delsym) include nausea and stomach upset. Rarely, it can also make you sleepy.

Indications for Delsym

  • Short-term relief of cough caused by minor throat or lung irritation (e.g., common cold)

Pros and Cons for Delsym

Pros

  • Available as pills or oral liquids
  • Sugar-free options available
  • Available over the counter without a prescription

Cons

  • Might need to take multiple times a day
  • Meant for short-term treatment of cough only
  • Found in many OTC products, so you can accidentally take too much

Common Side Effects for Delsym

Warnings for Delsym

  • Overdose and misuse
  • Medication interactions

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 Delsym vs. Dayquil

Price Card Drug Icon
Dextromethorphan180 capsules / 15mg
$31.75$46.93
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Price Card Drug Icon
Dayquil24 capsules / 325mg/10mg/5mg
$10.68$14.97
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