Approximately 1 billion colds and millions of cases of the flu occur each year in the United States, according to the National Institutes of Health and the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention. People sickened with these viral illnesses commonly purchase over-the-counter medications for symptom relief. Different brands of cold and flu medications contain various combinations of drugs, which may include pain relievers, fever reducers, decongestants, cough suppressants, antihistamines and expectorants.
DayQuil and NyQuil
DayQuil and NyQuil Cold & Flu are combination formulas containing three medications. Both medicines contain acetaminophen for pain relief and fever reduction and dextromethorphan for cough suppression. The third ingredient in DayQuil is phenylephrine, a decongestant. In NyQuil, the third ingredient is an antihistamine, doxylamine. Doxylamine commonly causes drowsiness, which is why the nighttime formula contains the drug but the daytime version does not. Children's NyQuil Cold & Flu contains dextromethorphan and chlorpheniramine, an antihistamine.
NyQuil Cold & Flu syrup contains alcohol. The manufacturer offers an alcohol-free version of the product, with the words "alcohol-free" on the label. DayQuil syrup does not contain alcohol.
Theraflu
Theraflu markets a variety of products for the treatment of colds and the flu. Theraflu Hot Liquids are powders with different combinations of drugs for various cold and flu symptoms. The consumer adds hot water and drinks the medication. Theraflu Daytime Severe Cold & Cough contains acetaminophen, the cough suppressant dextromethorphan and the decongestant phenylephrine. Theraflu Nighttime Severe Cold & Cough also contains acetaminophen and phenylephrine along with the antihistamine diphenhydramine.
Theraflu Warming Relief Severe Cold & Cough daytime and nighttime products are syrups that contain the same ingredients as their corresponding Hot Liquid products. The nighttime syrup contains 10 percent alcohol, according to the product label. Theraflu product doses are intended for patients age 12 and older, according to the manufacturer's product labeling.
Alka-Seltzer Plus
Alka-Selzter Plus is a large product line with a variety of combinations of drugs for the treatment of colds and the flu. The products come in effervescent tablets and non-effervescent crystals that dissolve in water and liquid gels.
Alka-Seltzer Plus Flu Formula contains aspirin, the cough suppressant dextromethorphan and the antihistamine chlorpheniramine. Alka-Seltzer Plus Sparkling Original Cold Formula contains aspirin, the antihistamine chlorpheniramine and the decongestant phenylephrine. The Orange Zest and Cherry Burst Cold Formulas contain the same medications.
Robitussin
The Robitussin product line includes several combination formulas for the treatment of cold and flu symptoms. Robitussin products are alcohol-free syrups, according to the manufacturer's product labeling.
Robitussin Night Time Cough, Cold and Flu contains acetaminophen, the cough suppressant dextromethorphan, the decongestant phenylephrine and chlorpheniramine, an antihistamine. Robitussin Cough and Cold CF contains dextromethorphan, phenylephrine and guaifenesin, a medicine to help thin airway secretions. The children's version contains the same medications in lower doses.
References
- National Institute of Allergy and Infectious Diseases: Common Cold Overview
- Centers for Disease Control and Prevention: Questions and Answers, Seasonal Influenza
- "2009 Physicians' Desk Reference for Nonprescription Drugs, Dietary Supplements, and Herbs"; Lori Murray, Managing Editor; 2009
- Vicks: NyQuil Cold & Flu
- Vicks: DayQuil Cold & Flu
