Dayquil vs. Alka-Seltzer Plus Severe Cold And Cough for Cold Symptoms: Important Differences and Potential Risks.

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 Flu

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Alka-Seltzer Plus Severe Cold And Cough

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Summary for Dayquil

Over-the-counter

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.

Indications for Dayquil

Short-term relief of symptoms from the common cold and flu:
- Minor aches and pains
- Headache
- Stuffy nose (nasal congestion)
- Cough
- Sore throat
- Fever

Pros and Cons for Dayquil

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

Common Side Effects for Dayquil

Warnings for Dayquil

Liver damage
Allergic skin reactions
Serotonin syndrome
Accidentally taking too much medication
Worsening of certain medical conditions

Summary for Alka-Seltzer Plus Severe Cold And Cough

Over-the-counter

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 for Alka-Seltzer Plus Severe Cold And Cough

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 for Alka-Seltzer Plus Severe Cold And Cough

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