Zyrtec-D vs. Nyquil for Nasal Congestion: Important Differences and Potential Risks.

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)

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Nyquil Cold and Flu

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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

Trouble sleeping (4%)
Dry mouth(4%)

Warnings for Zyrtec-D

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

Summary for Nyquil

Over-the-counter

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 for Nyquil

Temporarily relieves common cold and flu symptoms, including:

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

Pros and Cons for Nyquil

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