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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 Flu

 

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Advil Cold and Sinus

(ibuprofen / pseudoephedrine)

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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 Advil Cold and Sinus

Over-the-counter

Advil 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 for Advil Cold and Sinus

Short-term relief of symptoms from the common cold or flu:

  • Headache
  • Fever
  • Sinus pressure
  • Stuffy nose
  • Minor body aches and pains

Pros and Cons for Advil Cold and Sinus

Pros

  • Treats pain and congestion with one pill
  • No prescription needed (in most states)
  • Available as lower-cost generics

Cons

  • Needs to be taken every 4 to 6 hours
  • Raises risk of stomach ulcers
  • Not for children younger than 12 years old

Common Side Effects for Advil Cold and Sinus

  • Nervousness
  • Difficulty sleeping
  • Stomach upset
  • Heartburn
  • Nausea
  • Skin rashes

Warnings for Advil Cold and Sinus

  • Stomach bleeding
  • Heart attack and stroke
  • Worsening of medical conditions
  • Severe allergic reactions
  • Potential harm to unborn baby

Prices with our coupons for Dayquil vs. Advil Cold and Sinus

Price Card Drug Icon
Dayquil24 capsules / 325mg/10mg/5mg
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Ibuprofen/Pseudoephedrine30 tablets / 200mg/30mg
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