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Phenylephrine vs. Acetaminophen / dextromethorphan / doxylamine / phenylephrine

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

phenylephrine eye drops

 

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Tylenol Cold + Flu + Cough Night

 

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Summary for Phenylephrine

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.

Indications for Phenylephrine

  • Dilate (widen) pupils

Pros and Cons for Phenylephrine

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

Common Side Effects for Phenylephrine

  • Temporary stinging or burning in your eye
  • Temporary blurry vision
  • Sensitivity to light

Warnings for Phenylephrine

  • For use in the eyes only
  • Heart problems
  • High blood pressure
  • Rebound pupil constriction

Summary for Acetaminophen / dextromethorphan / doxylamine / phenylephrine

Over-the-counter

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 for Acetaminophen / dextromethorphan / doxylamine / phenylephrine

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 for Acetaminophen / dextromethorphan / doxylamine / phenylephrine

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 for Acetaminophen / dextromethorphan / doxylamine / phenylephrine

  • Drowsiness
  • Excitability in children

Warnings for Acetaminophen / dextromethorphan / doxylamine / phenylephrine

  • 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

Price Card Drug Icon
Phenylephrine1 eye dropper / 2ml of 2.5%
$21.67$40.99
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Price Card Drug Icon
Acetaminophen/Dextromethorphan/Doxylamine/Phenylephrine1 bottle / 237ml of 325mg/10mg/6.25mg/5mg/15ml
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