Nyquil vs. Tylenol PM Extra Strength for Pain: Important Differences and Potential Risks.

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

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Tylenol PM Extra Strength

(acetaminophen / diphenhydramine)

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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

Sleepiness
Dizziness
Dry mouth

Warnings for Nyquil

Liver damage
Serotonin syndrome
Accidental overdose
Worsening of medical conditions
Allergic skin reactions

Summary for Tylenol PM Extra Strength

Over-the-counter

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 for Tylenol PM Extra Strength

Short-term relief of occasional headaches, minor aches, and minor pains that cause trouble sleeping

Pros and Cons for Tylenol PM Extra Strength

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