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Compare Sudafed vs. Nyquil

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

Key takeaways

Sudafed (pseudoephedrine) and Nyquil Cold and Flu (acetaminophen/dextromethorphan/doxylamine) are both over-the-counter medications, but they serve different purposes and have different active ingredients. Sudafed is a decongestant that helps relieve nasal and sinus congestion by narrowing blood vessels, and it can be taken in various forms, including immediate-release and extended-release tablets. It can cause side effects like anxiety, headache, and difficulty sleeping. On the other hand, Nyquil Cold and Flu is a combination medication that includes a pain reliever (acetaminophen), a cough suppressant (dextromethorphan), and an antihistamine (doxylamine). It treats multiple cold and flu symptoms such as cough, sore throat, fever, and runny nose, and it can make you feel sleepy and dizzy. Unlike Sudafed, Nyquil Cold and Flu does not contain a decongestant and is available in both liquid and capsule forms. While Sudafed is restricted and must be purchased at the pharmacy counter, Nyquil Cold and Flu is more readily available on store shelves. Both medications should not be taken with monoamine oxidase inhibitors (MAOIs), such as selegiline (Zelapar), and have specific age restrictions for children.

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

  • Summary of Sudafed vs. Nyquil

    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 / Antihistamine

    Nyquil Cold and Flu is a combination medication containing acetaminophen (a pain reliever), dextromethorphan (a cough suppressant), and doxylamine (an antihistamine). It's used to treat cold and flu symptoms, like sore throat, fever, cough, runny nose, sneezing, and aches, in adults and children. Nyquil Cold and Flu is available as pills and a liquid. This medication can make you feel sleepy and dizzy as side effects.

  • Indications of Sudafed vs. Nyquil

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

    Temporarily relieves common cold and flu symptoms, including:

    •Cough
    •Sore throat
    •Headache
    •Minor aches and pains
    •Fever
    •Runny nose
    •Sneezing

  • Pros and Cons of Sudafed vs. Nyquil

    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 / Antihistamine
    Pros
    •Available over the counter
    •Works within 30 minutes to relieve cold and flu symptoms
    •Available in capsules and a liquid
    •Combines three medications in one product for convenience
    •Available as a lower-cost generic
    Cons
    •Needs to be taken multiple times per day
    •Can cause extreme sleepiness
    •More difficult to customize the dose since it's a fixed combination of three medications
    •Need to avoid alcohol while taking it
    •Not meant for long-term use

  • Common Side Effects of Sudafed vs. Nyquil

    Common Side Effects for
    •Sweating
    •Nervousness
    •Excitability
    •Difficulty sleeping
    •Low appetite
    •Difficulty urinating
    Common Side Effects for
    •Sleepiness
    •Dizziness
    •Dry mouth

  • Warnings of Sudafed vs. Nyquil

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

  • Prices with our coupons for Sudafed vs. Nyquil

    Learn more about Sudafed
    Learn more about Nyquil cold and flu

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