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).
