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Compare Nyquil vs. Acetaminophen / dextromethorphan / doxylamine / phenylephrine

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

Key takeaways

Nyquil Cold and Flu (acetaminophen/dextromethorphan/doxylamine) and Tylenol Cold + Flu + Cough Night (acetaminophen/dextromethorphan/doxylamine/phenylephrine) are both over-the-counter medications used to relieve symptoms of the common cold and flu. Nyquil Cold and Flu combines a pain reliever, a cough suppressant, and an antihistamine, while Tylenol Cold + Flu + Cough Night adds a decongestant to this mix. This means Tylenol Cold + Flu + Cough Night can also help with nasal congestion and sinus pressure. Nyquil Cold and Flu is available in liquid and capsule forms, whereas Tylenol Cold + Flu + Cough Night comes in capsules, tablets, and liquid. Nyquil Cold and Flu is typically taken every 6 hours, while Tylenol Cold + Flu + Cough Night is taken every 4 hours. Both medications can cause drowsiness, but Tylenol Cold + Flu + Cough Night might also make you feel restless due to the phenylephrine. Always check the labels and consult with a healthcare provider to ensure safe use, especially if you have other health conditions or are taking other medications.

  • Nyquil cold and flu
    Tylenol cold + flu + cough night
  • Nyquil cold and flu
    Tylenol cold + flu + cough night

  • Summary of Nyquil vs. Acetaminophen / dextromethorphan / doxylamine / phenylephrine

    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 Analgesic / Cough suppressant / Antihistamine / Decongestant

    Tylenol Cold + Flu + Cough Night is a combination medication containing acetaminophen, dextromethorphan, doxylamine, and phenylephrine. It's used to treat cold and flu symptoms, like sore throat, fever, cough, runny nose, sneezing, stuffy nose, and minor aches. Since it can make you sleepy, it's meant to be taken at nighttime. Tylenol Cold + Flu + Cough Night is available over the counter.

  • Indications of Nyquil vs. Acetaminophen / dextromethorphan / doxylamine / phenylephrine

    Indications for

    Temporarily relieves common cold and flu symptoms, including:

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

    Temporarily relieves common cold and flu symptoms, including:

    •Cough
    •Sore throat
    •Headache
    •Minor aches and pains
    •Fever
    •Runny nose
    •Sneezing
    •Nasal congestion (stuffy nose)
    •Sinus congestion and pressure

  • Pros and Cons of Nyquil vs. Acetaminophen / dextromethorphan / doxylamine / phenylephrine

    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 Analgesic / Cough suppressant / Antihistamine / Decongestant
    Pros
    •Works within 30 minutes to relieve cold and flu symptoms
    •Combines four medications for convenience
    •Available in capsules, tablets, and a liquid
    •Available over the counter
    Cons
    •Needs to be taken multiple times per day
    •Can cause drowsiness
    •Can't be used in children under 12 years old (depending on the product)
    •Not meant for long-term use

  • Common Side Effects of Nyquil vs. Acetaminophen / dextromethorphan / doxylamine / phenylephrine

    Common Side Effects for
    •Sleepiness
    •Dizziness
    •Dry mouth
    Common Side Effects for
    •Drowsiness
    •Excitability in children

  • Warnings of Nyquil vs. Acetaminophen / dextromethorphan / doxylamine / phenylephrine

    Common Side Effects for
    •Liver damage
    •Serotonin syndrome
    •Accidental overdose
    •Worsening of medical conditions
    •Allergic skin reactions
    Common Side Effects for
    •Liver damage
    •Sleepiness and driving impairment
    •Dangerous for children under 4 years old
    •Overdose and misuse
    •Serotonin syndrome
    •Allergic skin reactions
    •Worsening of certain medical conditions

  • Prices with our coupons for Nyquil vs. Acetaminophen / dextromethorphan / doxylamine / phenylephrine

    Learn more about Nyquil cold and flu
    Learn more about Tylenol cold + flu + cough night

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