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Compare Nyquil vs. Tylenol

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

Key takeaways

Acetaminophen / dextromethorphan / doxylamine (Vicks Nyquil Cold and Flu) and acetaminophen (Tylenol) are both over-the-counter medications that contain acetaminophen, which is used to relieve pain and reduce fever. However, they differ in several ways. Nyquil Cold and Flu is a combination medication that also includes dextromethorphan, a cough suppressant, and doxylamine, an antihistamine, making it helpful for treating cold and flu symptoms like cough, sore throat, and runny nose. In contrast, Tylenol is a single-ingredient pain reliever used for mild pain and fever. Nyquil is available in liquid and capsule forms, while Tylenol comes in various forms, including tablets, chewable tablets, and liquids. Nyquil can cause sleepiness due to doxylamine, while Tylenol typically has fewer side effects. Both medications carry a risk of liver damage if taken in excess, especially when combined with alcohol or other acetaminophen-containing products. Nyquil should not be used with MAOIs, like selegiline (Zelapar).

  • Nyquil cold and flu
    Acetaminophen (Tylenol)
  • Nyquil cold and flu
    Acetaminophen (Tylenol)

  • Summary of Nyquil vs. Tylenol

    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

    Acetaminophen (Tylenol) is an over-the-counter (OTC) medication used to lower fever and relieve mild pain in adults and children. It's available in many strengths and formulations, such as tablets, chewable tablets, and liquid. In general, acetaminophen (Tylenol) works within 45 minutes when it's taken by mouth. This medication typically doesn't have many side effects. It's recommended to limit or avoid alcohol while taking acetaminophen (Tylenol) to lower your risk for liver problems.

  • Indications of Nyquil vs. Tylenol

    Indications for

    Temporarily relieves common cold and flu symptoms, including:

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

  • Pros and Cons of Nyquil vs. Tylenol

    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
    Pros
    •Works well to relieve mild aches or pain and lower fever
    •Can use in adults and children
    •Available in a lower-cost generic and is available over the counter
    •Comes in many different strengths and forms (e.g., tablet, capsule, chewable tablet, liquid, powder, suppository)
    Cons
    •Doesn't help with inflammation and swelling
    •Might not work as well to treat moderate-to-severe pain
    •Not the best option for people who drink alcohol often because of the risk of liver damage

  • Common Side Effects of Nyquil vs. Tylenol

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

    Side effects typically aren't common with this medication.

  • Warnings of Nyquil vs. Tylenol

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

  • Prices with our coupons for Nyquil vs. Tylenol

    Learn more about Nyquil cold and flu
    Learn more about Acetaminophen

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