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Zyrtec vs. Nyquil

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

Key takeaways

Cetirizine (Zyrtec) and Nyquil Cold and Flu (acetaminophen/dextromethorphan/doxylamine) are both used to relieve symptoms, but they serve different purposes and have different ingredients. Cetirizine is an antihistamine that helps with allergy symptoms like runny nose and itchy eyes. It is available in various forms, including tablets and liquids, and is typically taken once a day. Nyquil Cold and Flu, on the other hand, is a combination medication containing acetaminophen, dextromethorphan, and doxylamine. It is used to treat cold and flu symptoms such as cough, sore throat, and fever, and is taken every 6 hours. While both medications can cause sleepiness, Nyquil Cold and Flu is more likely to make you extremely sleepy due to the antihistamine doxylamine. Additionally, Nyquil Cold and Flu should not be taken with other medications containing acetaminophen to avoid liver damage, whereas cetirizine does not have this restriction.

Cetirizine

(Zyrtec)

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Nyquil Cold and Flu

 

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Summary for Zyrtec

Prescription or over-the-counter

Cetirizine (Zyrtec) is an antihistamine. It's used for relief of allergy symptoms, such as runny nose or watery eyes, in adults and children. Cetirizine (Zyrtec) is also a safe option for people who are pregnant. This medication is available in different formulations, including tablets and liquid solutions. Typically, cetirizine (Zyrtec) is taken by mouth once per day. The most common side effect of cetirizine (Zyrtec) is sleepiness. But it's less likely to make you drowsy compared to some other antihistamines, such as diphenhydramine (Benadryl).

Indications for Zyrtec

  • Short-term relief of allergy symptoms (sneezing, runny nose, itchy or watery eyes, itching of the nose or throat)
  • Relief of itchiness due to chronic (long-term) hives in children ages 6 months to under 6 years old - certain liquid solutions only

Pros and Cons for Zyrtec

Pros

  • First-choice option for relieving allergy symptoms
  • Taken once per day
  • Available in several formulations (e.g., pills, chewable tablets, orally disintegrating tablets, liquids)
  • Safe to take while pregnant

Cons

  • Can cause you to feel sleepy
  • Higher risk of side effects in people with liver or kidney problems
  • Pills can't be used in children younger than 6 years.

Common Side Effects for Zyrtec

People 12 years of age and older:

  • Sleepiness (14%)
  • Tiredness (6%)
  • Dry mouth (5%)

Children age 6 to under 12 years:

  • Headache (11-14%)
  • Sore throat (3-6%)
  • Stomach pain (4-6%)
  • Cough (3-4%)
  • Sleepiness (2-4%)

Warnings for Zyrtec

  • Sleepiness
  • 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

Common Side Effects for Nyquil

Warnings for Nyquil

  • Liver damage
  • Serotonin syndrome
  • Accidental overdose
  • Worsening of medical conditions
  • Allergic skin reactions

Prices with our coupons for Zyrtec vs. Nyquil

Price Card Drug Icon
Cetirizine90 tablets / 24 hour of 10mg
$9.11$14.04
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Acetaminophen/Dextromethorphan/Doxylamine16 capsules / 325mg/15mg/6.25mg
$9.54-
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