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Compare Delsym vs. Nyquil

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

Key takeaways

Dextromethorphan (Delsym) and acetaminophen / dextromethorphan / doxylamine (Vicks Nyquil Cold and Flu) are both over-the-counter medications used to relieve cough. Dextromethorphan is an antitussive, specifically for short-term relief of cough caused by minor throat or lung irritation, like the common cold. It comes in extended-release and immediate-release forms, taken every 12 hours or every 6 to 8 hours, respectively. On the other hand, Nyquil is a combination medication that includes acetaminophen for pain and fever, dextromethorphan for cough, and doxylamine, an antihistamine, for symptoms like runny nose and sneezing. Nyquil is available as a liquid or capsules and is typically taken every 6 hours. While Delsym is primarily focused on cough relief, Nyquil addresses a broader range of cold and flu symptoms. Both medications can cause drowsiness, but Nyquil is more likely to make you sleepy due to the antihistamine. Additionally, Nyquil carries a risk of liver damage if taken with other acetaminophen-containing products, while Delsym can interact with certain antidepressants, leading to serotonin syndrome.

  • Dextromethorphan (Delsym)
    Nyquil cold and flu
  • Dextromethorphan (Delsym)
    Nyquil cold and flu

  • Summary of Delsym vs. Nyquil

    Summary for Antitussive

    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.

    Summary for Analgesic / Cough suppressant / Antihistamine

    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 of Delsym vs. Nyquil

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

    Temporarily relieves common cold and flu symptoms, including:

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

  • Pros and Cons of Delsym vs. Nyquil

    Pros and Const for Antitussive
    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
    Pros and Const for Analgesic / Cough suppressant / Antihistamine
    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 of Delsym vs. Nyquil

    Common Side Effects for
    •Nausea
    •Belly discomfort
    Common Side Effects for
    •Sleepiness
    •Dizziness
    •Dry mouth

  • Warnings of Delsym vs. Nyquil

    Common Side Effects for
    •Overdose and misuse
    •Medication interactions
    Common Side Effects for
    •Liver damage
    •Serotonin syndrome
    •Accidental overdose
    •Worsening of medical conditions
    •Allergic skin reactions

  • Prices with our coupons for Delsym vs. Nyquil

    Learn more about Dextromethorphan
    Learn more about Nyquil cold and flu

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