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Phenylephrine vs. Nyquil

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

Key takeaways

Phenylephrine eye drops and Nyquil Cold and Flu (acetaminophen/dextromethorphan/doxylamine) are used for different purposes and have distinct characteristics. Phenylephrine is a prescription eye drop used to dilate pupils for eye exams or procedures, while Nyquil Cold and Flu is an oral medication used to relieve symptoms of the common cold and flu, such as cough, sore throat, and fever. Nyquil Cold and Flu is available over-the-counter and combines three medications: a pain reliever, a cough suppressant, and an antihistamine. Phenylephrine can cause side effects like temporary eye stinging and increased blood pressure, while Nyquil Cold and Flu can make you sleepy and dizzy. Additionally, phenylephrine is used in both adults and children for eye dilation, but Nyquil Cold and Flu should not be used in children under 4 years old. Both medications have generic options available.

phenylephrine eye drops

 

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Nyquil Cold and Flu

 

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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 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

Warnings for Nyquil

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

Prices with our coupons for Phenylephrine vs. Nyquil

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/Doxylamine16 capsules / 325mg/15mg/6.25mg
$9.54-
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