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Compare Nyquil vs. Tylenol PM Extra Strength

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

Key takeaways

Nyquil Cold and Flu (acetaminophen/dextromethorphan/doxylamine) and Tylenol PM Extra Strength (acetaminophen/diphenhydramine) are both over-the-counter medications, but they serve different purposes. Nyquil Cold and Flu is designed to relieve cold and flu symptoms like cough, sore throat, fever, and runny nose, while Tylenol PM Extra Strength is used to relieve minor aches and pains that make it hard for you to sleep. Nyquil contains three active ingredients: acetaminophen (a pain reliever), dextromethorphan (a cough suppressant), and doxylamine (an antihistamine). In contrast, Tylenol PM combines the pain reliever, acetaminophen with diphenhydramine, an antihistamine that helps you sleep. Nyquil can be taken every 6 hours, whereas Tylenol PM is typically taken once at bedtime. Both medications can cause sleepiness and should not be mixed with alcohol or other medications containing similar ingredients. Both medications are available in pill and liquid forms.

  • Nyquil cold and flu
    Tylenol pm extra strength (acetaminophen / diphenhydramine)
  • Nyquil cold and flu
    Tylenol pm extra strength (acetaminophen / diphenhydramine)

  • Summary of Nyquil vs. Tylenol PM Extra Strength

    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 / Antihistamine

    Tylenol PM Extra Strength (acetaminophen / diphenhydramine) is a combination medication used to help relieve minor aches and pains. It also helps you sleep when your aches and pains are making it hard for you to sleep. Tylenol PM Extra Strength (acetaminophen / diphenhydramine) is available over the counter.

  • Indications of Nyquil vs. Tylenol PM Extra Strength

    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 occasional headaches, minor aches, and minor pains that cause trouble sleeping

  • Pros and Cons of Nyquil vs. Tylenol PM Extra Strength

    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 / Antihistamine
    Pros
    •Works within 30 minutes
    •Combines two medications for convenience
    •Taken once a day
    •Available over the counter and as a lower-cost generic
    Cons
    •Not the best option for long-term use
    •Might not be safe for people 65 and older or people who drink alcohol regularly due to higher risk of side effects
    •Might not be safe for people with certain medical conditions (e.g., liver, urinary, or breathing problems; glaucoma) due to risk of worsening these problems
    •Can't use in children younger than 12 years of age

  • Common Side Effects of Nyquil vs. Tylenol PM Extra Strength

    Common Side Effects for
    •Sleepiness
    •Dizziness
    •Dry mouth
    Common Side Effects for
    •Sleepiness
    •Dizziness
    •Dry mouth

  • Warnings of Nyquil vs. Tylenol PM Extra Strength

    Common Side Effects for
    •Liver damage
    •Serotonin syndrome
    •Accidental overdose
    •Worsening of medical conditions
    •Allergic skin reactions
    Common Side Effects for
    •Liver damage
    •Sleepiness
    •Worsening of medical conditions
    •Allergic skin reactions
    •Accidental overdose

  • Prices with our coupons for Nyquil vs. Tylenol PM Extra Strength

    Learn more about Nyquil cold and flu
    Learn more about Tylenol pm extra strength

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