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Compare Tylenol Cold Severe vs. Dayquil

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

Key takeaways

Tylenol Cold and Flu Severe (acetaminophen/dextromethorphan/guaifenesin/phenylephrine) and Alka-Seltzer Plus Severe Cold and Flu (acetaminophen/chlorpheniramine/dextromethorphan/phenylephrine) are both over-the-counter medications used to relieve symptoms of the common cold and flu, such as cough, congestion, and fever. Both medications contain acetaminophen for pain relief and fever reduction, dextromethorphan as a cough suppressant, and phenylephrine as a decongestant. However, Tylenol Cold and Flu Severe includes guaifenesin, an expectorant that helps loosen mucus, while Alka-Seltzer Plus Severe Cold and Flu contains chlorpheniramine, an antihistamine that helps with runny nose and sneezing. Tylenol Cold and Flu Severe is available in liquid and tablet forms, while Alka-Seltzer Plus comes in capsules, effervescent tablets, and liquid. Side effects aren't common with Tylenol Cold and Flu Severe, but some people get nausea or headache. Alka-Seltzer Plus Severe Cold and Flu may affect your sleep, and some people also experience dry mouth or dizziness. You should avoid taking either medication with other products containing similar ingredients to prevent overdose, especially acetaminophen. Do not monoamine oxidase inhibitors (MAOIs) with either medication due to the risk of serotonin syndrome.

  • Tylenol cold and flu severe
    Dayquil cold and flu
  • Tylenol cold and flu severe
    Dayquil cold and flu

  • Summary of Tylenol Cold Severe vs. Dayquil

    Summary for Analgesic / Cough suppressant / Expectorant / Decongestant

    Tylenol Cold and Flu Severe is an over-the-counter (OTC) combination medication containing acetaminophen (pain killer), dextromethorphan (cough suppressant), guaifenesin (expectorant), and phenylephrine (decongestant). It's used to temporarily relieve multiple cold and flu symptoms, like sore throat, cough, congestion, fever, and minor aches, for people 12 years and older. Tylenol Cold and Flu Severe is typically taken by mouth every 4 hours as needed. This medication doesn't commonly cause side effects, but watch out for nausea, belly discomfort, and headache.

    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.

  • Indications of Tylenol Cold Severe vs. Dayquil

    Indications for

    Short-term relief of common cold and flu symptoms, including:

    •Stuffy nose
    •Sinus congestion and pressure
    •Chest congestion
    •Cough
    •Sore throat
    •Minor aches and pains
    •Headache
    •Fever
    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

  • Pros and Cons of Tylenol Cold Severe vs. Dayquil

    Pros and Const for Analgesic / Cough suppressant / Expectorant / Decongestant
    Pros
    •Conveniently combines four medications into one product to treat many cold and flu symptoms
    •Available over the counter without a prescription
    •Available as a tablet and liquid
    Cons
    •Might need to take multiple times a day for optimal relief
    •Might raise blood pressure
    •Not safe for use in young children
    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

  • Common Side Effects of Tylenol Cold Severe vs. Dayquil

    Common Side Effects for
    •Side effects aren't common. See Other Side Effects.
    Common Side Effects for
    •Stomach upset
    •Nervousness or anxiety

  • Warnings of Tylenol Cold Severe vs. Dayquil

    Common Side Effects for
    •Liver damage
    •Risk of taking too much medication
    •Interaction with monoamine oxidase inhibitors (MAOIs)
    •Serious skin reaction
    •Worsening of certain medical conditions
    Common Side Effects for
    •Liver damage
    •Allergic skin reactions
    •Serotonin syndrome
    •Accidentally taking too much medication
    •Worsening of certain medical conditions

  • Prices with our coupons for Tylenol Cold Severe vs. Dayquil

    Learn more about Tylenol cold and flu severe
    Learn more about Dayquil cold and flu

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