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Zyrtec-D vs. Acetaminophen / dextromethorphan / doxylamine / phenylephrine

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

Key takeaways

Zyrtec-D (cetirizine / pseudoephedrine) and Tylenol Cold + Flu + Cough Night (acetaminophen / dextromethorphan / doxylamine / phenylephrine) are both over-the-counter medications used to relieve symptoms of allergies, colds, and the flu. They both contain a decongestant to help with stuffy noses, but they are different in many ways. Zyrtec-D is a combination of an antihistamine (cetirizine) and a decongestant (pseudoephedrine) and is specifically used for allergy symptoms like runny nose and nasal congestion. The usual dosage is one tablet by mouth every 12 hours. On the other hand, Tylenol Cold + Flu + Cough Night combines four medications: a pain and fever medication (acetaminophen), a cough suppressant (dextromethorphan), an antihistamine (doxylamine), and a decongestant (phenylephrine). It's used for a wider range of cold and flu symptoms, including cough, sore throat, and fever. It comes as a liquid and is taken every 4 hours. Zyrtec-D can cause trouble sleeping, while Tylenol Cold + Flu + Cough Night may make you sleepy. Both medications have potential interactions with other medications, so check with your prescriber before taking either one.

Zyrtec-D

(cetirizine / pseudoephedrine)

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Tylenol Cold + Flu + Cough Night

 

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Summary for Zyrtec-D

Over-the-counter

Zyrtec-D is a combination medication containing cetirizine (an antihistamine) and pseudoephedrine (a decongestant). It's taken by people ages 12 years and older to relieve allergy symptoms, like runny nose and nasal congestion. This medication comes as an extended-release tablet that's taken by mouth every 12 hours. Zyrtec-D is available as a brand-name and generic medication. Side effects can include trouble sleeping and dry mouth.

Indications for Zyrtec-D

Short-term relief of allergy symptoms in adults and children ages 12 years and older:

  • Itchy nose or throat
  • Sneezing
  • Itchy or watery eyes
  • Runny or stuffy nose
  • Sinus congestion or pressure

Pros and Cons for Zyrtec-D

Pros

  • Starts working within an hour
  • Easier to take a combination pill instead of two separate pills to treat congestion and other allergy symptoms
  • Available over the counter (behind the counter)

Cons

  • Might need to take twice daily
  • Tablets can't be crushed or chewed and there isn't a liquid version available
  • Not the safest choice if you have certain conditions, like heart problems and trouble urinating

Common Side Effects for Zyrtec-D

Warnings for Zyrtec-D

  • Fast heart rate and high blood pressure
  • Worsening of certain medical conditions
  • Accidentally taking too much medication

Summary for Acetaminophen / dextromethorphan / doxylamine / phenylephrine

Over-the-counter

Tylenol Cold + Flu + Cough Night is a combination medication containing acetaminophen, dextromethorphan, doxylamine, and phenylephrine. It's used to treat cold and flu symptoms, like sore throat, fever, cough, runny nose, sneezing, stuffy nose, and minor aches. Since it can make you sleepy, it's meant to be taken at nighttime. Tylenol Cold + Flu + Cough Night is available over the counter.

Indications for Acetaminophen / dextromethorphan / doxylamine / phenylephrine

Temporarily relieves common cold and flu symptoms, including:

  • Cough
  • Sore throat
  • Headache
  • Minor aches and pains
  • Fever
  • Runny nose
  • Sneezing
  • Nasal congestion (stuffy nose)
  • Sinus congestion and pressure

Pros and Cons for Acetaminophen / dextromethorphan / doxylamine / phenylephrine

Pros

  • Works within 30 minutes to relieve cold and flu symptoms
  • Combines four medications for convenience
  • Available in capsules, tablets, and a liquid
  • Available over the counter

Cons

  • Needs to be taken multiple times per day
  • Can cause drowsiness
  • Can't be used in children under 12 years old (depending on the product)
  • Not meant for long-term use

Common Side Effects for Acetaminophen / dextromethorphan / doxylamine / phenylephrine

  • Drowsiness
  • Excitability in children

Warnings for Acetaminophen / dextromethorphan / doxylamine / phenylephrine

  • Liver damage
  • Sleepiness and driving impairment
  • Dangerous for children under 4 years old
  • Overdose and misuse
  • Serotonin syndrome
  • Allergic skin reactions
  • Worsening of certain medical conditions

Prices with our coupons for Zyrtec-D vs. Acetaminophen / dextromethorphan / doxylamine / phenylephrine

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Cetirizine/Pseudoephedrine24 tablets / 12 hour
$17.23$26.46
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Price Card Drug Icon
Acetaminophen/Dextromethorphan/Doxylamine/Phenylephrine1 bottle / 237ml of 325mg/10mg/6.25mg/5mg/15ml
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