Difference between Nyquil, Robitussin and Theraflu
When in the midst of a fierce cold, most people turn to medication that they have always taken over the years. Many families actually have a preferred brand of family cold medicine that all family members typically take, and most people pass the brand loyalty onto their kids. However, there are a few brands on the market that may provide a better alternative to your traditional cold medicine, and here we take a look at some worthy examples: Nyquil, Robitussin and Theraflu.
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Nyquil is a medication commonly used in the treatment of cold and flu symptoms. Its active ingredients are Acetaminophen, Dextromethorphan HBr and Doxylamine succinate, which serves as a pain reliever, a cough suppressant and an antihistamine respectively.
Robitussin is an over-the-counter medication that is marketed as a cough suppressant and expectorant. This medication works to control coughs and thins out the phlegm, making it easier to expel. Robitussin contains the cough suppressant Dextromethorphan HBrm and the expectorant Guafenisen.
Theraflu is also an over-the-counter medication, and it is commonly used in the treatment of colds and flu. This Theraflu line is actually comprised of several different types of cold and flu medications.
Uses
Nyquil aims to relieve the common symptoms of colds and flu, such as coughing, sore throat, headaches, minor pains, fever, runny nose and sneezing.
As for Robitussin, it is commonly used in the treatment of coughs and irritation of the throat caused by a cold, flu, and irritants that may have been inhaled. Robitussin works by loosening the phlegm, making it a lot easier to expel.
Theraflu is made with a combination of acetaminophen, pheniramine, and phenylephrine, which makes it suitable for use in the relief of allergies, hay fever, and colds.
Side Effects
Among the side effects you may experience from the use of Nyquil are drowsiness and excitability. This last symptom is particularly common in children.
Robitussin for its part may cause drowsiness, dizziness, hives, rashes, nausea, and stomach pain. In rare cases, users may also experience confusion, excitement, nervousness, nausea, impaired speech, and even convulsions. When these symptoms occur after taking Robitussin, you should consult with your doctor as soon as possible.
Theraflu has been known to cause allergic reaction that may manifest themselves as hives, rashes, impaired breathing, swelling of the face, eyelids, lips, and tongue, or a constriction of the throat. In less severe allergic reactions, the patient may experience drowsiness or conversely, a feeling of restlessness.
Summary
Nyquil
- Commonly used in the treatment of cold and flu symptoms
- Active ingredients are Acetaminophen, Dextromethorphan HBr and Doxylamine succinate
- May cause drowsiness and excitability
Robitussin
- Is an over-the-counter medication marketed as a cough suppressant and expectorant
- May cause drowsiness, dizziness, hives, rashes, nausea, and stomach pain
Theraflu
- Is an over-the-counter medication commonly used in the treatment of colds and flu
- May cause an allergic reaction marked by hives, rashes, impaired breathing, swelling