Dayquil vs. Phenylephrine for Pupil Dilation: Important Differences and Potential Risks.

Dayquil Cold and Flu

phenylephrine eye drops

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 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

Prices with our coupons for Dayquil vs. Phenylephrine

Dayquil24 capsules / 325mg/10mg/5mg

$10.68$15.01

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Phenylephrine1 eye dropper / 2ml of 2.5%

$21.25$40.99

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Dayquil vs. Phenylephrine

Dayquil Cold and Flu

phenylephrine eye drops

Summary for Dayquil

Indications for Dayquil

Pros and Cons for Dayquil

Pros

Cons

Common Side Effects for Dayquil

Warnings for Dayquil

Summary for Phenylephrine

Indications for Phenylephrine

Pros and Cons for Phenylephrine

Pros

Cons

Common Side Effects for Phenylephrine

Warnings for Phenylephrine

Prices with our coupons for Dayquil vs. Phenylephrine

Browse medications by letter

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Dayquil Cold and Flu

phenylephrine eye drops

Summary for Dayquil

Indications for Dayquil

Pros and Cons for Dayquil

Pros

Cons

Common Side Effects for Dayquil

Warnings for Dayquil

Summary for Phenylephrine

Indications for Phenylephrine

Pros and Cons for Phenylephrine

Pros

Cons

Common Side Effects for Phenylephrine

Warnings for Phenylephrine