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Compare Zyrtec-D vs. Nyquil

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

Key takeaways

Zyrtec-D (cetirizine/pseudoephedrine) and Nyquil Cold and Flu (acetaminophen/dextromethorphan/doxylamine) are both over-the-counter medications, but they serve different purposes and have distinct ingredients. Zyrtec-D combines an antihistamine (cetirizine) and a decongestant (pseudoephedrine) to relieve allergy symptoms and nasal congestion. It is best taken in the morning or early afternoon to avoid trouble sleeping. On the other hand, Nyquil Cold and Flu combines a pain reliever (acetaminophen), a cough suppressant (dextromethorphan), and an antihistamine (doxylamine) to treat cold and flu symptoms like cough, sore throat, fever, and runny nose. Nyquil can make you very sleepy and is typically taken at night. Zyrtec-D is not recommended for people with high blood pressure or heart problems, while Nyquil should be avoided if you have liver disease or are taking other medications with acetaminophen. Both medications should not be used with monoamine oxidase inhibitors (MAOIs).

  • Zyrtec-d (cetirizine / pseudoephedrine)
    Nyquil cold and flu
  • Zyrtec-d (cetirizine / pseudoephedrine)
    Nyquil cold and flu

  • Summary of Zyrtec-D vs. Nyquil

    Summary for Antihistamine / Decongestant

    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.

    Summary for Analgesic / Cough suppressant / Antihistamine

    Nyquil Cold and Flu is a combination medication containing acetaminophen (a pain reliever), dextromethorphan (a cough suppressant), and doxylamine (an antihistamine). It's used to treat cold and flu symptoms, like sore throat, fever, cough, runny nose, sneezing, and aches, in adults and children. Nyquil Cold and Flu is available as pills and a liquid. This medication can make you feel sleepy and dizzy as side effects.

  • Indications of Zyrtec-D vs. Nyquil

    Indications for

    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
    Indications for

    Temporarily relieves common cold and flu symptoms, including:

    •Cough
    •Sore throat
    •Headache
    •Minor aches and pains
    •Fever
    •Runny nose
    •Sneezing

  • Pros and Cons of Zyrtec-D vs. Nyquil

    Pros and Const for Antihistamine / Decongestant
    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
    Pros and Const for Analgesic / Cough suppressant / Antihistamine
    Pros
    •Available over the counter
    •Works within 30 minutes to relieve cold and flu symptoms
    •Available in capsules and a liquid
    •Combines three medications in one product for convenience
    •Available as a lower-cost generic
    Cons
    •Needs to be taken multiple times per day
    •Can cause extreme sleepiness
    •More difficult to customize the dose since it's a fixed combination of three medications
    •Need to avoid alcohol while taking it
    •Not meant for long-term use

  • Common Side Effects of Zyrtec-D vs. Nyquil

    Common Side Effects for
    •Trouble sleeping (4%)
    •Dry mouth(4%)
    Common Side Effects for
    •Sleepiness
    •Dizziness
    •Dry mouth

  • Warnings of Zyrtec-D vs. Nyquil

    Common Side Effects for
    •Fast heart rate and high blood pressure
    •Worsening of certain medical conditions
    •Accidentally taking too much medication
    Common Side Effects for
    •Liver damage
    •Serotonin syndrome
    •Accidental overdose
    •Worsening of medical conditions
    •Allergic skin reactions

  • Prices with our coupons for Zyrtec-D vs. Nyquil

    Learn more about Zyrtec-d
    Learn more about Nyquil cold and flu

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