Skip to main content

Compare
Nasonex vs. Nyquil

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

Key takeaways

Nasonex (mometasone) and Nyquil Cold and Flu (acetaminophen/dextromethorphan/doxylamine) are both used to treat symptoms related to respiratory issues, but they work in different ways and are used for different conditions. Nasonex is a corticosteroid nasal spray that helps reduce inflammation and treat allergy symptoms like a stuffy or runny nose, sneezing, and itchy nose. It is available both over-the-counter and by prescription. On the other hand, Nyquil Cold and Flu is a combination of an analgesic, a cough suppressant, and an antihistamine, used to relieve cold and flu symptoms such as cough, sore throat, fever, and minor aches. Nyquil is only available over-the-counter and can make you feel sleepy due to the antihistamine doxylamine. Nasonex does not cause drowsiness and is used regularly to prevent symptoms, while Nyquil is taken as needed for short-term relief. Additionally, Nasonex is safe for children as young as 2 years old (OTC version), whereas Nyquil should not be used in children under 12 years old.

mometasone nasal spray

 

Get free coupons

Nyquil Cold and Flu

 

Get free coupons

Summary for Nasonex

Prescription or over-the-counter

Mometasone nasal spray is used to prevent the nose symptoms of seasonal allergies, as well as to treat nose and sinus inflammation in adults with nasal polyps. Some side effects this medication can cause include headache and bloody nose. Mometasone nasal spray is available both with a prescription and over the counter (OTC).

Indications for Nasonex

  • Temporary relief of allergy symptoms (e.g., stuffy or runny nose, sneezing, itchy nose) (OTC only)
  • Prevention of seasonal allergies (prescription only)
  • Treatment of long-term nose and sinus inflammation with nasal polyps (prescription only)

Pros and Cons for Nasonex

Pros

  • Works well to prevent and treat allergy symptoms
  • Available OTC
  • Can be used to help control allergy symptoms in children 2 years or older (OTC only)
  • Available as a lower-cost generic with a prescription

Cons

  • Can take 1 to 2 weeks or longer to see the full effects
  • Doesn't have a counter on the spray bottle, so it can be hard to remember how many sprays are left
  • Can cause side effects like headache and nose bleeds in some people
  • Unknown if safe while pregnant or breastfeeding

Common Side Effects for Nasonex

  • Headache (26%)
  • Viral infection (14%)
  • Sore throat (12%)
  • Bloody nose or mucus (11%)
  • Coughing (7%)
  • Upper respiratory tract infection (i.e., common cold; 6%)
  • Period cramps (5%)
  • Muscle pain (5%)
  • Congestion, pressure near the nose or forehead, and other symptoms of sinus infection (5%)

Warnings for Nasonex

  • Nose injury and slowed wound healing
  • Fungal infection in the nose and throat
  • Vision changes
  • Risk of infection
  • Hormone changes
  • Poor growth in children

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 Nasonex vs. Nyquil

Price Card Drug Icon
Mometasone1 nasal spray / 17g of 50mcg
$39.19$136.12
Get free coupons
More Information
Price Card Drug Icon
Acetaminophen/Dextromethorphan/Doxylamine16 capsules / 325mg/15mg/6.25mg
$9.54-
Get free coupons
More Information

Browse medications by letter

Show All

Browse prescription and over-the-counter medications from A to Z, compare drug prices, and start saving.