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Compare Nyquil vs. Advil Congestion

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

Key takeaways

Nyquil Cold and Flu (acetaminophen/dextromethorphan/doxylamine) and Advil Sinus Congestion and Pain (ibuprofen/phenylephrine) are both over-the-counter medications used to treat symptoms of the common cold and flu, but they have different active ingredients and uses. Nyquil combines a pain reliever, a cough suppressant, and an antihistamine to address symptoms like cough, sore throat, fever, runny nose, and sneezing. It can make you very sleepy and is available in both liquid and capsule forms. On the other hand, Advil Sinus Congestion and Pain combines a pain reliever (ibuprofen) and a decongestant (phenylephrine) to relieve pain, sinus pressure, and nasal congestion. It is available in tablet form and should be taken every 4 hours. While Nyquil can cause liver damage if taken with other acetaminophen-containing products, Advil can cause stomach bleeding and should not be used by children under 12 or people with certain health conditions. Both medications should be used short-term and with caution, especially if you have other health issues or are taking other medications.

  • Nyquil cold and flu
    Ibuprofen/phenylephrine
  • Nyquil cold and flu
    Ibuprofen/phenylephrine

  • Summary of Nyquil vs. Advil Congestion

    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.

    Summary for NSAID / Decongestant

    Ibuprofen/phenylephrine is a combination of two medications used to treat pain and congestion, which are symptoms of the common cold or flu. It's available over the counter (OTC) and as a lower-cost generic medication. Using it longer than recommended can put you at risk for side effects such as stomach bleeds.

  • Indications of Nyquil vs. Advil Congestion

    Indications for

    Temporarily relieves common cold and flu symptoms, including:

    •Cough
    •Sore throat
    •Headache
    •Minor aches and pains
    •Fever
    •Runny nose
    •Sneezing
    Indications for
    •Short-term relief of symptoms from the common cold or flu: headache, fever, sinus pressure, nasal congestion, minor body aches and pains
    •Lowers swelling in nasal passages
    •Improves freer breathing through the nose

  • Pros and Cons of Nyquil vs. Advil Congestion

    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
    Pros and Const for NSAID / Decongestant
    Pros
    •Can treat a wide variety of common cold or flu symptoms
    •More convenient to take two medications in one pill
    •Available over the counter
    •Available as lower-cost generics
    Cons
    •Needs to be taken every 4 hours
    •More difficult to customize the dose since ibuprofen/phenylephrine is a combination of two medications
    •Can cause stomach bleeding or stomach ulcers
    •Can't be used in children younger than 12 years old, right before or after heart surgery, or with current or recent (within the last 14 days) use of monoamine oxidase inhibitors (MAOIs)

  • Common Side Effects of Nyquil vs. Advil Congestion

    Common Side Effects for
    •Sleepiness
    •Dizziness
    •Dry mouth
    Common Side Effects for
    •Dizziness
    •Difficulty sleeping
    •Restlessness
    •Stomach upset
    •Heartburn
    •Nausea
    •Skin rashes

  • Warnings of Nyquil vs. Advil Congestion

    Common Side Effects for
    •Liver damage
    •Serotonin syndrome
    •Accidental overdose
    •Worsening of medical conditions
    •Allergic skin reactions
    Common Side Effects for
    •Stomach bleeding
    •Heart attack and stroke
    •Worsening of medical conditions
    •Severe allergic reactions
    •Potential harm to unborn baby

  • Prices with our coupons for Nyquil vs. Advil Congestion

    Learn more about Nyquil cold and flu
    Learn more about Ibuprofen/phenylephrine

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