Compare Nyquil vs. Advil PM
Head-to-head comparisons of medication uses, side effects, warnings, and more.
Key takeaways
Nyquil Cold and Flu (acetaminophen/dextromethorphan/doxylamine) and Advil PM (ibuprofen/diphenhydramine) are both over-the-counter medications, but they serve different purposes. Nyquil Cold and Flu is designed to relieve symptoms of the common cold and flu, such as cough, sore throat, fever, and runny nose. It contains acetaminophen for pain relief, dextromethorphan as a cough suppressant, and doxylamine, an antihistamine that can make you sleepy. On the other hand, Advil PM can help you fall asleep and stay asleep when you have minor aches and pains. It combines ibuprofen, a non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drug (NSAID) that reduces pain and inflammation, with diphenhydramine, an antihistamine that also causes drowsiness. While both medications can make you sleepy, Nyquil Cold and Flu is more focused on treating cold and flu symptoms, whereas Advil PM is specifically for pain relief and sleep aid. Additionally, Nyquil Cold and Flu comes in both liquid and capsule forms, while Advil PM is available as tablets and liquid gels. Both medications should be used short-term and have potential side effects, including sleepiness and dizziness.
- Nyquil cold and fluAdvil pm (ibuprofen / diphenhydramine)
- Nyquil cold and fluAdvil pm (ibuprofen / diphenhydramine)
Summary of Nyquil vs. Advil PM
Summary for Analgesic / Cough suppressant / AntihistamineNyquil 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 / AntihistamineAdvil PM is a combination medication that contains ibuprofen (a nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drug, or NSAID) and diphenhydramine (an antihistamine). This medication is used to help you fall asleep and stay asleep if you're having trouble sleeping from minor aches and pains. Advil PM (ibuprofen / diphenhydramine) comes as tablets and liquid gels (capsules), and it's taken by mouth at bedtime. The combination of medications in Advil PM (ibuprofen, diphenhydramine) can also be found as generics and under other brands, such as Motrin PM. Common side effects of this medication include dizziness, stomach upset, and dry mouth.
Indications of Nyquil vs. Advil PM
Indications forTemporarily relieves common cold and flu symptoms, including:
•Cough•Sore throat•Headache•Minor aches and pains•Fever•Runny nose•SneezingIndications for•Trouble falling asleep and staying sleeping due to minor aches and painsPros and Cons of Nyquil vs. Advil PM
Pros and Const for Analgesic / Cough suppressant / AntihistaminePros•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 genericCons•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 usePros and Const for NSAID / AntihistaminePros•Good option for treating pain and difficulty sleeping•More convenient to take two medications in one pill•Available over the counter•Available as a lower-cost genericCons•Unable to adjust the dose of a single medication; fixed-dose combination of two medications•Risk of stomach bleeding or stomach ulcers•Might cause next-day drowsiness; don't take if you can't get full night of sleepCommon Side Effects of Nyquil vs. Advil PM
Common Side Effects forCommon Side Effects for•Sleepiness•Dizziness•Constipation•Blurry vision•Dry mouth•Stomach upset•Heartburn•Nausea•Skin rashesWarnings of Nyquil vs. Advil PM
Common Side Effects for•Liver damage•Serotonin syndrome•Accidental overdose•Worsening of medical conditions•Allergic skin reactionsCommon Side Effects for•Stomach bleeding and ulcers•Heart attack and stroke•High blood pressure and heart failure•Kidney damage•Liver problems•Severe allergic reactions•Harm to unborn babies•Sleepiness•Worsening of medical conditions•Accidental overdosePrices with our coupons for Nyquil vs. Advil PM
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