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Compare Dayquil vs. Advil Congestion

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

Key takeaways

Acetaminophen/dextromethorphan/phenylephrine (Dayquil) and ibuprofen/phenylephrine (Advil Sinus Congestion and Pain) are both over-the-counter medications used to relieve symptoms of the common cold and flu, such as congestion and pain. However, they belong to different medication classes. Dayquil combines an analgesic, a cough suppressant, and a decongestant, while Advil Sinus Congestion and Pain combines a nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drug (NSAID) and a decongestant. Dayquil is available in both pill and liquid forms, while Advil Sinus Congestion and Pain is available as tablets. You typically take Dayquil every 4 hours, while Advil Sinus Congestion and Pain is taken every 4 hours, with a maximum of 6 tablets per day. Common side effects of Dayquil include stomach upset and nervousness, whereas Advil Sinus Congestion and Pain can cause dizziness, stomach upset, and heartburn. Both medications should not be used with monoamine oxidase inhibitors (MAOIs) and should not be combined with alcohol.

  • Dayquil cold and flu
    Ibuprofen/phenylephrine
  • Dayquil cold and flu
    Ibuprofen/phenylephrine

  • Summary of Dayquil vs. Advil Congestion

    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.

    Summary for NSAID / Decongestant

    Ibuprofen/phenylephrine is a combination of two medications used to treat pain and congestion, which are symptoms of the common cold or flu. It's available over the counter (OTC) and as a lower-cost generic medication. Using it longer than recommended can put you at risk for side effects such as stomach bleeds.

  • Indications of Dayquil vs. Advil Congestion

    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
    Indications for
    •Short-term relief of symptoms from the common cold or flu: headache, fever, sinus pressure, nasal congestion, minor body aches and pains
    •Lowers swelling in nasal passages
    •Improves freer breathing through the nose

  • Pros and Cons of Dayquil vs. Advil Congestion

    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
    Pros and Const for NSAID / Decongestant
    Pros
    •Can treat a wide variety of common cold or flu symptoms
    •More convenient to take two medications in one pill
    •Available over the counter
    •Available as lower-cost generics
    Cons
    •Needs to be taken every 4 hours
    •More difficult to customize the dose since ibuprofen/phenylephrine is a combination of two medications
    •Can cause stomach bleeding or stomach ulcers
    •Can't be used in children younger than 12 years old, right before or after heart surgery, or with current or recent (within the last 14 days) use of monoamine oxidase inhibitors (MAOIs)

  • Common Side Effects of Dayquil vs. Advil Congestion

    Common Side Effects for
    •Stomach upset
    •Nervousness or anxiety
    Common Side Effects for
    •Dizziness
    •Difficulty sleeping
    •Restlessness
    •Stomach upset
    •Heartburn
    •Nausea
    •Skin rashes

  • Warnings of Dayquil vs. Advil Congestion

    Common Side Effects for
    •Liver damage
    •Allergic skin reactions
    •Serotonin syndrome
    •Accidentally taking too much medication
    •Worsening of certain medical conditions
    Common Side Effects for
    •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 Congestion

    Learn more about Dayquil cold and flu
    Learn more about Ibuprofen/phenylephrine

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