Compare Dayquil vs. Alka-Seltzer Plus Severe Cold And Cough
Head-to-head comparisons of medication uses, side effects, warnings, and more.
Key takeaways
Acetaminophen/dextromethorphan/phenylephrine (Dayquil) and aspirin/chlorpheniramine/dextromethorphan/phenylephrine (Alka-Seltzer Plus Severe Cold and Cough) are both over-the-counter medications used to relieve symptoms of the common cold and flu, such as cough, congestion, and minor aches. Both medications contain dextromethorphan as a cough suppressant and phenylephrine as a decongestant. However, they have some important differences. Dayquil includes acetaminophen, an analgesic, while Alka-Seltzer Plus Severe Cold and Cough contains aspirin, a nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drug (NSAID), and chlorpheniramine, an antihistamine. Dayquil is available in pill and liquid forms, while Alka-Seltzer Plus Severe Cold and Cough comes as effervescent tablets that dissolve in water. Dayquil may cause stomach upset and nervousness, while Alka-Seltzer Plus Severe Cold and Cough can cause sleepiness, dizziness, and dry mouth. Both medications should not be taken with monoamine oxidase inhibitors (MAOIs) or other medications containing similar ingredients to avoid serious side effects.
- Dayquil cold and fluAlka-seltzer plus severe cold and cough
- Dayquil cold and fluAlka-seltzer plus severe cold and cough
Summary of Dayquil vs. Alka-Seltzer Plus Severe Cold And Cough
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 / Antihistamine / Cough suppressant / DecongestantAlka-Seltzer Plus Severe Cold And Cough is a combination of four medications: aspirin (a nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drug or NSAID), chlorpheniramine (an antihistamine), dextromethorphan (a cough suppressant), and phenylephrine (a decongestant). It's used to treat symptoms from the common cold (e.g., cough, congestion, pain, headache). This medication is available over the counter for adults and children ages 12 years and older. It comes as effervescent tablets that you dissolve in water before you drink the mixture. The dosage can be repeated every 4 hours if needed. Side effects might include making you sleepy or dizzy.
Indications of Dayquil vs. Alka-Seltzer Plus Severe Cold And Cough
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 forShort-term relief of symptoms from the common cold:
•Nasal congestion•Sinus pressure and congestion•Cough•Sore throat•Runny nose•Sneezing•Minor aches and pains•Headache•FeverPros and Cons of Dayquil vs. Alka-Seltzer Plus Severe Cold And Cough
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 / Antihistamine / Cough suppressant / DecongestantPros•Can treat a wide variety of common cold symptoms•More convenient to take four medications in a single dose•Available over the counter•Available as fruit-flavored tablets that dissolve in water so it can taste better and is easy to takeCons•Might need to take as often as every 4 hours to relieve symptoms•Might not be the best choice for older adults•Contains sodium (salt), so might not be a good option for people on a low-salt diet•Can't use in children younger than 12 years old•Not recommended during pregnancy because of safety concerns with phenylephrine and aspirinCommon Side Effects of Dayquil vs. Alka-Seltzer Plus Severe Cold And Cough
Common Side Effects forCommon Side Effects forWarnings of Dayquil vs. Alka-Seltzer Plus Severe Cold And Cough
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 and ulcers•Kidney problems•Reye's syndrome in children•Serotonin syndrome•Risks from accidentally taking too much medication•Allergic reactions•Worsening of certain medical conditions•Caution use in people with phenylketonuria (PKU)Prices with our coupons for Dayquil vs. Alka-Seltzer Plus Severe Cold And Cough
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