Treating Colds with Advil and Nyquil: A Comparison

Understanding the Common Cold

The common cold is a viral infection of the upper respiratory tract, primarily caused by rhinoviruses. It is one of the most widespread illnesses worldwide, with adults averaging 2-3 colds per year and children averaging 6-8 per year.

The most common symptoms of a cold include:

• Sore throat
• Nasal congestion and runny nose
• Sneezing
• Coughing
• Watery eyes
• Headache
• Mild fever

While uncomfortable, most colds resolve within 7-10 days without treatment. However, over-the-counter medications can help to manage symptoms and relieve discomfort while your body fights off the infection.

Treating Colds with Advil and NyQuil

Two popular over-the-counter treatment options for colds are Advil and NyQuil. Understanding how these medications work and the ingredients they contain can help determine which option may be best suited to help ease your symptoms.

Advil for Cold Symptom Relief

Advil contains the generic drug ibuprofen, which belongs to a class of medications called non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drugs (NSAIDs). Ibuprofen works by reducing inflammation and pain in the body.

For treating cold symptoms, Advil is best suited for helping to reduce:

• Body aches and headaches
• Sore throat pain
• Fever

The anti-inflammatory effects can help alleviate some sinus pressure and minor body aches associated with colds as well. The fever-reducing effect helps bring down mild fevers.

NyQuil for Nighttime Cold Symptom Relief

NyQuil contains a combination of the drugs acetaminophen, dextromethorphan, and doxylamine. Heres how each ingredient contributes to cold symptom relief:

• Acetaminophen Reduces fever and body aches/pains
• Dextromethorphan Cough suppressant
• Doxylamine Antihistamine for congestion and sneezing relief

This makes NyQuil helpful for targeting multiple cold symptoms including:

• Nasal congestion
• Sneezing
• Sore throat
• Cough
• Body aches
• Headache
• Fever

The nighttime formulations of NyQuil contain the additional ingredient doxylamine which is a sedating antihistamine. This can help promote sleep while also temporarily relieving symptoms.

Comparing Advil and NyQuil

When weighing options between Advil and NyQuil for treating your cold symptoms, there are some key differences to consider:

1. Single vs Multiple Ingredients

One of the biggest distinctions is that Advil only contains ibuprofen while NyQuil contains a combination of acetaminophen, dextromethorphan, and doxylamine. For some, a single ingredient is preferred to avoid interactions. However, others may favor the multi-ingredient approach to target a wider range of symptoms.

2. Duration of Action

The duration of symptom relief tends to be longer with Advil at up to 8 hours compared to 4-6 hours with regular NyQuil. However, NyQuil manufactures extended release formulations to prolong the effects up to 12 hours.

3. Side Effects

As both over-the-counter drugs, Advil and NyQuil come with possible side effects. These may include:

• Advil - Nausea, vomiting, dizziness, headache
• NyQuil - Nausea, vomiting, dizziness, headache, drowsiness

These medications can also interact with certain prescription drugs. It is always smart to read labels carefully. For Advil and NyQuil, this includes checking if formulations contain additional medicines like Sudafed.

4. Age Appropriateness

If considering for a child, the age guidelines do vary between these products.

• Advil Approved ages 12+ years
• NyQuil - Approved ages 12+ years (daytime), 18+ years (nighttime)

This relates to differences in dosing guidance as well as the sedative effect of ingredients like doxylamine in NyQuil.

The Best Treatment Approach

In most cases, Advil and NyQuil can both be effective options for common cold relief. However, some key questions to help guide the best treatment choice include:

• Is fever-reduction a priority? If so, NyQuil may work better.
• Is long-lasting congestion relief needed? NyQuil may work better.
• Are body aches the main bothersome symptom? Advil may help address this directly.
• Is sedation from antihistamines an unwanted side effect? May be better to avoid NyQuil.
• Is use by children under 12 years old needed? Advil aligns better with age guidelines.

Additionally, when used appropriately these drugs can provide stronger symptom relief when combined together. The different mechanisms of action can prove complementary. For example, adding an Advil dose to a NyQuil regimen further reduces inflammation and body aches.

Other Considerations

A few other useful tips when treating colds with over-the-counter medications:

• Carefully check labels for all active ingredients and drug interactions
• Follow all dosage recommendations based on age and weight
• Avoid combining other products containing acetaminophen while taking NyQuil to prevent exceeding maximum dose
• Stay hydrated by drinking plenty of water and other clear fluids
• Get plenty of rest to help your body heal

While making good choices about symptom relief aids recovery, the most effective cure for the common cold involves giving your immune system time to clear the underlying viral infection.

Disclaimer: This article is for informational purposes only and does not constitute medical advice. Always consult with a healthcare professional before starting any new treatment regimen.