Compare Dayquil vs. Advil Congestion
Head-to-head comparisons of medication uses, side effects, warnings, and more.
Key takeaways
Dayquil (acetaminophen/dextromethorphan/phenylephrine) and Advil Congestion Relief (ibuprofen/phenylephrine) are both over-the-counter medications used to relieve symptoms of the common cold and flu, such as nasal congestion and minor aches. However, they belong to different medication classes. Dayquil combines an analgesic, cough suppressant, and econgestant, while Advil Congestion Relief combines a nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drug (NSAID) and a decongestant. You can take Dayquil every 4 hours, but you should not exceed the maximum daily dose, which varies by brand. IAdvil Congestion Relief is also taken every 4 hours, with a maximum of 6 tablets in 24 hours. Common Dayquil side effects include stomach upset and nervousness, while Advil Congestion Relief may cause dizziness, stomach upset, and heartburn. Both medications should be used cautiously with other medications, especially those affecting the liver or containing similar ingredients.
- Dayquil cold and fluIbuprofen/phenylephrine
- Dayquil cold and fluIbuprofen/phenylephrine
Summary of Dayquil vs. Advil Congestion
Summary for Analgesic / Cough suppressant / DecongestantDayquil Cold and Flu is a combination of three active ingredients: acetaminophen (an analgesic), dextromethorphan (a cough suppressant), and phenylephrine (a decongestant). Dayquil Cold and Flu helps treat symptoms from the common cold and flu in adults and children. It can relieve stuffy nose, cough, sore throat, headache, aches, and fever. Besides Dayquil Cold and Flu, this medication is available under many other brand names and as a generic. It's available as pills and a liquid that's typically taken every 4 hours. Side effects aren't common but can include stomach upset and nervousness.
Summary for NSAID / DecongestantIbuprofen/phenylephrine is a combination of two medications used to treat pain and congestion, which are symptoms of the common cold or flu. It's available over the counter (OTC) and as a lower-cost generic medication. Using it longer than recommended can put you at risk for side effects such as stomach bleeds.
Indications of Dayquil vs. Advil Congestion
Indications for•Short-term relief of symptoms from the common cold and flu:•Minor aches and pains•Headache•Stuffy nose (nasal congestion)•Cough•Sore throat•FeverIndications for•Short-term relief of symptoms from the common cold or flu: headache, fever, sinus pressure, nasal congestion, minor body aches and pains•Lowers swelling in nasal passages•Improves freer breathing through the nosePros and Cons of Dayquil vs. Advil Congestion
Pros and Const for Analgesic / Cough suppressant / DecongestantPros•Can treat a wide variety of common cold or flu symptoms•More convenient to take three medications in a single dose•Available over the counter and as a lower-cost generic•Alcohol-free liquid forms of the medication are availableCons•Might need to take as often as every 4 hours to relieve symptoms•More difficult to customize the dose since Dayquil Cold and Flu is a fixed combination of three medications•Might not be the best choice for people with certain medical conditions, such as high blood pressure•Might not be the best choice for people who drink alcohol regularlyPros and Const for NSAID / DecongestantPros•Can treat a wide variety of common cold or flu symptoms•More convenient to take two medications in one pill•Available over the counter•Available as lower-cost genericsCons•Needs to be taken every 4 hours•More difficult to customize the dose since ibuprofen/phenylephrine is a combination of two medications•Can cause stomach bleeding or stomach ulcers•Can't be used in children younger than 12 years old, right before or after heart surgery, or with current or recent (within the last 14 days) use of monoamine oxidase inhibitors (MAOIs)Common Side Effects of Dayquil vs. Advil Congestion
Common Side Effects forCommon Side Effects for•Dizziness•Difficulty sleeping•Restlessness•Stomach upset•Heartburn•Nausea•Skin rashesWarnings of Dayquil vs. Advil Congestion
Common Side Effects for•Liver damage•Allergic skin reactions•Serotonin syndrome•Accidentally taking too much medication•Worsening of certain medical conditionsCommon Side Effects for•Stomach bleeding•Heart attack and stroke•Worsening of medical conditions•Severe allergic reactions•Potential harm to unborn babyPrices with our coupons for Dayquil vs. Advil Congestion
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