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Compare Sudafed vs. Dayquil

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

Key takeaways

Pseudoephedrine (Sudafed) and Dayquil Cold and Flu (acetaminophen/dextromethorphan/phenylephrine) are both over-the-counter medications used to treat symptoms of the common cold, but they have some key differences. Pseudoephedrine is a decongestant that works by narrowing blood vessels to reduce nasal and sinus congestion. It is available in both immediate-release and extended-release forms, and it can be taken every 4 to 24 hours depending on the formulation. Dayquil Cold and Flu, on the other hand, is a combination medication that includes acetaminophen for pain and fever, dextromethorphan for cough suppression, and phenylephrine for congestion. Since studies show oral phenylephrine is not an effective decongestant, DayQuil Cold and Flu may not be the best choice for relieving congestion. It is typically taken every 4 hours. While pseudoephedrine is restricted and must be purchased at the pharmacy counter, Dayquil Cold and Flu is more readily available on store shelves. Additionally, pseudoephedrine can cause side effects like anxiety and difficulty sleeping, whereas Dayquil Cold and Flu can cause stomach upset and nervousness. Both medications should be used with caution if you have high blood pressure or other medical conditions.

  • Sudafed (pseudoephedrine)
    Dayquil cold and flu
  • Sudafed (pseudoephedrine)
    Dayquil cold and flu

  • Summary of Sudafed vs. Dayquil

    Summary for Alpha agonist

    Sudafed (pseudoephedrine) is a non-drowsy decongestant taken by mouth to treat nasal and sinus congestion from allergies and the common cold. It's available in a short-acting version that's taken once every 4 to 6 hours. It also comes in longer-acting versions that are taken every 12 or 24 hours, depending on the dose. Side effects of Sudafed (pseudoephedrine) include anxiety and headache. This medication might also keep you awake at night if you take it too close to bedtime. Sudafed (pseudoephedrine) is an OTC medication, but it's restricted, so you can only purchase it at the pharmacy counter.

    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.

  • Indications of Sudafed vs. Dayquil

    Indications for
    •Short-term relief of nasal and sinus congestion and pressure
    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

  • Pros and Cons of Sudafed vs. Dayquil

    Pros and Const for Alpha agonist
    Pros
    •Works well to treat congestion
    •Available in longer-acting versions that last 12 hours or 24 hours
    •Children's oral liquids can be taken by kids as young as 4 years old
    •Available as lower-cost generics
    Cons
    •Several products have different age cut-offs for use in children, so can be confusing
    •Might make it hard for some people to sleep
    •Can raise blood pressure and heart rate
    •Not recommended during pregnancy
    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

  • Common Side Effects of Sudafed vs. Dayquil

    Common Side Effects for
    •Sweating
    •Nervousness
    •Excitability
    •Difficulty sleeping
    •Low appetite
    •Difficulty urinating
    Common Side Effects for
    •Stomach upset
    •Nervousness or anxiety

  • Warnings of Sudafed vs. Dayquil

    Common Side Effects for
    •Fast heart rate and high blood pressure
    •Worsening of medical conditions
    •Accidental overdose
    Common Side Effects for
    •Liver damage
    •Allergic skin reactions
    •Serotonin syndrome
    •Accidentally taking too much medication
    •Worsening of certain medical conditions

  • Prices with our coupons for Sudafed vs. Dayquil

    Learn more about Sudafed
    Learn more about Dayquil cold and flu

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