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Compare Phenylephrine vs. Acetaminophen / dextromethorphan / doxylamine / phenylephrine

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

  • Phenylephrine eye drops
    Tylenol cold + flu + cough night
  • Phenylephrine eye drops
    Tylenol cold + flu + cough night

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

    Summary for Alpha-1 adrenergic receptor agonist
    Prescription only

    Phenylephrine eye drops are used to dilate (widen) pupils for eye exams or certain eye procedures. Side effects include temporary burning or stinging in the eye, blurry vision, and possibly raise your blood pressure. Let your provider know if your pregnant or breastfeeding because you might need to use a different medication.

    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 Phenylephrine vs. Acetaminophen / dextromethorphan / doxylamine / phenylephrine

    Indications for
    •Dilate (widen) pupils
    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 Phenylephrine vs. Acetaminophen / dextromethorphan / doxylamine / phenylephrine

    Pros and Const for Alpha-1 adrenergic receptor agonist
    Pros
    •Can be used in adults and children
    •Starts working quickly (within 15 minutes)
    •Available as a lower-cost generic medication
    Cons
    •Can cause eye pain and stinging
    •Dilating effects can last for up to 7 hours (or longer)
    •The 10% strength can raise blood pressure in people with certain heart or thyroid problems
    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 Phenylephrine vs. Acetaminophen / dextromethorphan / doxylamine / phenylephrine

    Common Side Effects for
    •Temporary stinging or burning in your eye
    •Temporary blurry vision
    •Sensitivity to light
    Common Side Effects for
    •Drowsiness
    •Excitability in children

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

    Common Side Effects for
    •For use in the eyes only
    •Heart problems
    •High blood pressure
    •Rebound pupil constriction
    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 Phenylephrine vs. Acetaminophen / dextromethorphan / doxylamine / phenylephrine

    Learn more about Phenylephrine eye drops
    Learn more about Tylenol cold + flu + cough night

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