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Compare Dayquil vs. Alka-Seltzer Plus Severe Cold And Cough

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

  • Dayquil cold and flu
    Alka-seltzer plus severe cold and cough
  • Dayquil cold and flu
    Alka-seltzer plus severe cold and cough

  • Summary of Dayquil vs. Alka-Seltzer Plus Severe Cold And Cough

    Summary for Analgesic / Cough suppressant / Decongestant

    Dayquil 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 / Decongestant

    Alka-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
    •Fever
    Indications for

    Short-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
    •Fever

  • Pros and Cons of Dayquil vs. Alka-Seltzer Plus Severe Cold And Cough

    Pros and Const for Analgesic / Cough suppressant / Decongestant
    Pros
    •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 available
    Cons
    •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 regularly
    Pros and Const for NSAID / Antihistamine / Cough suppressant / Decongestant
    Pros
    •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 take
    Cons
    •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 aspirin

  • Common Side Effects of Dayquil vs. Alka-Seltzer Plus Severe Cold And Cough

    Common Side Effects for
    •Stomach upset
    •Nervousness or anxiety
    Common Side Effects for
    •Sleepiness
    •Dizziness
    •Dry mouth
    •Upset stomach

  • Warnings 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 conditions
    Common 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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