Compare Dayquil vs. Advil Cold and Sinus
Head-to-head comparisons of medication uses, side effects, warnings, and more.
Key takeaways
Acetaminophen/dextromethorphan/phenylephrine (Dayquil) and ibuprofen/pseudoephedrine (Advil Cold & Sinus) are both over-the-counter medications used to relieve symptoms of the common cold and flu, such as headaches, body aches, and nasal congestion. However, they belong to different medication classes. Dayquil combines an analgesic, a cough suppressant, and a decongestant, while Advil Cold & Sinus combines a nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drug (NSAID) and a decongestant. Dayquil is available in both pill and liquid forms and is typically taken every 4 hours, while Advil Cold & Sinus comes as a caplet taken every 4 to 6 hours. Dayquil can cause side effects like stomach upset and nervousness, whereas Advil Cold & Sinus may cause difficulty sleeping and nausea. Both medications should not be taken with monoamine oxidase inhibitors (MAOIs). Additionally, you should avoid drinking alcohol while taking either medication.
- Dayquil cold and fluAdvil cold and sinus (ibuprofen / pseudoephedrine)
- Dayquil cold and fluAdvil cold and sinus (ibuprofen / pseudoephedrine)
Summary of Dayquil vs. Advil Cold and Sinus
Summary for Analgesic / Cough suppressant / DecongestantDayquil 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 / DecongestantAdvil Cold and Sinus contains ibuprofen, a nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drug (NSAID), and pseudoephedrine, a decongestant. It's for adults and children ages 12 years and older to treat common cold or flu symptoms, like headaches, body aches, and nasal congestion. Advil Cold and Sinus (ibuprofen / pseudoephedrine) is taken by mouth every 4-6 hours. This medication is available without a prescription in most states, but you'll have to purchase it from behind the pharmacy counter because it contains pseudoephedrine. It's non-drowsy, but can cause side effects like difficulty sleeping and nausea.
Indications of Dayquil vs. Advil Cold and Sinus
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•FeverIndications forShort-term relief of symptoms from the common cold or flu:
•Headache•Fever•Sinus pressure•Stuffy nose•Minor body aches and painsPros and Cons of Dayquil vs. Advil Cold and Sinus
Pros and Const for Analgesic / Cough suppressant / DecongestantPros•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 availableCons•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 regularlyPros and Const for NSAID / DecongestantPros•Treats pain and congestion with one pill•No prescription needed (in most states)•Available as lower-cost genericsCons•Needs to be taken every 4 to 6 hours•Raises risk of stomach ulcers•Not for children younger than 12 years oldCommon Side Effects of Dayquil vs. Advil Cold and Sinus
Common Side Effects forCommon Side Effects for•Nervousness•Difficulty sleeping•Stomach upset•Heartburn•Nausea•Skin rashesWarnings of Dayquil vs. Advil Cold and Sinus
Common Side Effects for•Liver damage•Allergic skin reactions•Serotonin syndrome•Accidentally taking too much medication•Worsening of certain medical conditionsCommon Side Effects for•Stomach bleeding•Heart attack and stroke•Worsening of medical conditions•Severe allergic reactions•Potential harm to unborn babyPrices with our coupons for Dayquil vs. Advil Cold and Sinus
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