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Compare Dayquil vs. Delsym

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

Key takeaways

Acetaminophen/dextromethorphan/phenylephrine (Dayquil) and dextromethorphan (Delsym) are both over-the-counter medications used to relieve symptoms of the common cold. However, they belong to different medication classes and have different uses. Dayquil is a combination medication that includes an analgesic, a cough suppressant, and a decongestant, making it helpful for multiple cold and flu symptoms like aches, fever, and nasal congestion. In contrast, Deslym is just a cough suppressant used for dry coughs. Dayquil is available in both pill and liquid forms and is typically taken every 4 hours, while Delsym is available as an extended-release syrup taken every 12 hours. Dayquil can cause side effects like stomach upset and nervousness, and it has interactions with alcohol and certain medications like MAOIs. Delsym can cause nausea and an upset stomach. Do not take other dextromethorphan-containing products while taking either medication.

  • Dayquil cold and flu
    Dextromethorphan (Delsym)
  • Dayquil cold and flu
    Dextromethorphan (Delsym)

  • Summary of Dayquil vs. Delsym

    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 Antitussive

    Dextromethorphan (Delsym) is an over-the-counter cough suppressant (antitussive). It helps relieve "dry" cough in adults and children by suppressing the cough reflex. Dextromethorphan (Delsym) is available as an extended-release (ER) cough syrup that's taken by mouth, typically every 12 hours. It also comes as an immediate-release (IR) caplet that's usually taken every 6 to 8 hours. Dextromethorphan might also come in additional formulations, under other brands. Some common side effects of dextromethorphan (Delsym) include nausea and stomach upset. Rarely, it can also make you sleepy.

  • Indications of Dayquil vs. Delsym

    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 cough caused by minor throat or lung irritation (e.g., common cold)

  • Pros and Cons of Dayquil vs. Delsym

    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 Antitussive
    Pros
    •Available as pills or oral liquids
    •Sugar-free options available
    •Available over the counter without a prescription
    Cons
    •Might need to take multiple times a day
    •Meant for short-term treatment of cough only
    •Found in many OTC products, so you can accidentally take too much

  • Common Side Effects of Dayquil vs. Delsym

    Common Side Effects for
    •Stomach upset
    •Nervousness or anxiety
    Common Side Effects for
    •Nausea
    •Belly discomfort

  • Warnings of Dayquil vs. Delsym

    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
    •Overdose and misuse
    •Medication interactions

  • Prices with our coupons for Dayquil vs. Delsym

    Learn more about Dayquil cold and flu
    Learn more about Dextromethorphan

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