Compare Dayquil vs. Sudafed
Head-to-head comparisons of medication uses, side effects, warnings, and more.
Key takeaways
Dayquil (acetaminophen/dextromethorphan/phenylephrine ) and Sudafed (pseudoephedrine) are both used to relieve symptoms of the common cold, but they contain different ingredients. Dayquil is a combination medication that includes an analgesic, a cough suppressant, and a decongestant, while pseudoephedrine is a single-ingredient decongestant. Both medications are available over-the-counter, but pseudoephedrine is restricted and must be purchased at the pharmacy counter. Dayquil is typically taken every 4 hours, while Sudafed offers both immediate-release (every 4 to 6 hours) and extended-release (every 12 or 24 hours) options. Dayquil can cause side effects like stomach upset and nervousness, whereas Sudafed may lead to anxiety, headache, and difficulty sleeping. Both medications should not be taken with monoamine oxidase inhibitors (MAOIs) due to the risk of severe side effects. Additionally, Dayquil contains acetaminophen, which can cause liver damage if taken in excess or with alcohol, while Sudafed can raise blood pressure and heart rate.and should be used with caution if you have a history of heart problems.
- Dayquil cold and fluSudafed (pseudoephedrine)
- Dayquil cold and fluSudafed (pseudoephedrine)
Summary of Dayquil vs. Sudafed
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 Alpha agonistSudafed (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.
Indications of Dayquil vs. Sudafed
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 for•Short-term relief of nasal and sinus congestion and pressurePros and Cons of Dayquil vs. Sudafed
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 Alpha agonistPros•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 genericsCons•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 pregnancyCommon Side Effects of Dayquil vs. Sudafed
Common Side Effects forCommon Side Effects for•Sweating•Nervousness•Excitability•Difficulty sleeping•Low appetite•Difficulty urinatingWarnings of Dayquil vs. Sudafed
Common Side Effects for•Liver damage•Allergic skin reactions•Serotonin syndrome•Accidentally taking too much medication•Worsening of certain medical conditionsCommon Side Effects for•Fast heart rate and high blood pressure•Worsening of medical conditions•Accidental overdosePrices with our coupons for Dayquil vs. Sudafed
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