NyQuil is an over-the-counter medication used to treat cold and flu symptoms such as cough, sneezing, congestion, and pain. It is available in several different formulations and may include the drugs acetaminophen, dextromethorphan, and doxylamine or a combination of these.
NyQuil contains ingredients that can make you drowsy and is usually recommended for use at night so you can get relief from cold symptoms while you sleep. Generic versions of this medication are also available.
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What Does NyQuil Do?
NyQuil provides temporary relief ofcold and flu symptomsincluding:
Does NyQuil Make You Sleepy?NyQuil contains a medication called doxylamine succinate, an antihistamine.This medication can make you sleepy, which is why NyQuil is usually recommended for use at bedtime.
Does NyQuil Make You Sleepy?
NyQuil contains a medication called doxylamine succinate, an antihistamine.This medication can make you sleepy, which is why NyQuil is usually recommended for use at bedtime.
NyQuil Dosage
NyQuil is available as a liquid or as a pill (LiquiCap).
Do not take more than four doses of NyQuil in a 24-hour period.
Active Ingredients in NyQuil
NyQuil is available in different formulations. One dose of NyQuil Cold & Flu contains:
Other formulations such as NyQuil Cough DM+ Congestion may contain different active ingredients. Always check the label before taking any medication, especially if you are taking drugs that may interact or contain the same ingredients.
Most NyQuil products contain 10%alcoholas a solvent.
What is the difference between DayQuil and NyQuil?DayQuil is a non-drowsy formula. It contains acetaminophen (pain and fever), dextromethorphan (cough suppressant) and phenylephrine (nasal decongestant). It does not contain an antihistamine.
What is the difference between DayQuil and NyQuil?
DayQuil is a non-drowsy formula. It contains acetaminophen (pain and fever), dextromethorphan (cough suppressant) and phenylephrine (nasal decongestant). It does not contain an antihistamine.
Nyquil Side Effects
Nyquil can cause side effects such as:
Nyquil is likely to make you very drowsy; be sure you can devote time to sleep before taking this product.
Warnings
Nyquil should not be taken with certain medications or other substances. You should also watch out for signs that you may need to stop using the medication and see a healthcare provider.
Stop use and ask a healthcare provider if:
NyQuil for SleepNyQuil should not be used as a sleep aid. You should only take this medication to treat cold and flu symptoms.
NyQuil for Sleep
NyQuil should not be used as a sleep aid. You should only take this medication to treat cold and flu symptoms.
Ask a Healthcare Provider Before Use
Certain people should not take Nyquil. Ask your healthcare provider before taking Nyquil if:
Does NyQuil help if you have Covid?Cold medications such as NyQuil may help relieve some symptoms of COVID such as coughing or sore throat, but they will not cure you of the illness.If you’re taking any other medications, check with your healthcare provider first since there may be interactions. Also, do not take any additional acetaminophen (including Tylenol) while using NyQuil.
Does NyQuil help if you have Covid?
Cold medications such as NyQuil may help relieve some symptoms of COVID such as coughing or sore throat, but they will not cure you of the illness.If you’re taking any other medications, check with your healthcare provider first since there may be interactions. Also, do not take any additional acetaminophen (including Tylenol) while using NyQuil.
Summary
NyQuil is an over-the-counter medication used to treat cold and flu symptoms such as cough, sneezing, congestion, fever, and aches and pains. NyQuil can make you drowsy, which is why it’s recommended for use at bedtime.
NyQuil is available in several different formulations, which may contain a combination of ingredients including a decongestant, cough suppressant, pain reliever, and/or antihistamine. Make sure to read the label before using, especially if you are taking other medications.
6 SourcesVerywell Health uses only high-quality sources, including peer-reviewed studies, to support the facts within our articles. Read oureditorial processto learn more about how we fact-check and keep our content accurate, reliable, and trustworthy.Vicks.Vicks Nyquil FAQ.U.S. National Library of Medicine.Label. Vicks Nyquil Cold and Flu - acetaminophen, dextromethorphan hydobromide, and doxylamine succinate capsule, liquid filled.Vicks.DayQuil™ Cough, Cold & Flu Daytime Relief Liquid.DailyMed.Vicks Nyquil Cold and Flu label.U.S. Food & Drug Administration.Don’t overuse acetaminophen.Memorial Sloan Kettering Cancer Center.Managing COVID-19 at Home.
6 Sources
Verywell Health uses only high-quality sources, including peer-reviewed studies, to support the facts within our articles. Read oureditorial processto learn more about how we fact-check and keep our content accurate, reliable, and trustworthy.Vicks.Vicks Nyquil FAQ.U.S. National Library of Medicine.Label. Vicks Nyquil Cold and Flu - acetaminophen, dextromethorphan hydobromide, and doxylamine succinate capsule, liquid filled.Vicks.DayQuil™ Cough, Cold & Flu Daytime Relief Liquid.DailyMed.Vicks Nyquil Cold and Flu label.U.S. Food & Drug Administration.Don’t overuse acetaminophen.Memorial Sloan Kettering Cancer Center.Managing COVID-19 at Home.
Verywell Health uses only high-quality sources, including peer-reviewed studies, to support the facts within our articles. Read oureditorial processto learn more about how we fact-check and keep our content accurate, reliable, and trustworthy.
Vicks.Vicks Nyquil FAQ.U.S. National Library of Medicine.Label. Vicks Nyquil Cold and Flu - acetaminophen, dextromethorphan hydobromide, and doxylamine succinate capsule, liquid filled.Vicks.DayQuil™ Cough, Cold & Flu Daytime Relief Liquid.DailyMed.Vicks Nyquil Cold and Flu label.U.S. Food & Drug Administration.Don’t overuse acetaminophen.Memorial Sloan Kettering Cancer Center.Managing COVID-19 at Home.
Vicks.Vicks Nyquil FAQ.
U.S. National Library of Medicine.Label. Vicks Nyquil Cold and Flu - acetaminophen, dextromethorphan hydobromide, and doxylamine succinate capsule, liquid filled.
Vicks.DayQuil™ Cough, Cold & Flu Daytime Relief Liquid.
DailyMed.Vicks Nyquil Cold and Flu label.
U.S. Food & Drug Administration.Don’t overuse acetaminophen.
Memorial Sloan Kettering Cancer Center.Managing COVID-19 at Home.
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