DayQuil is a line of over-the-counter medication that treats daytime symptoms of the cold and flu, which can include nasal congestion, cough, headache, minor aches and pains, fever, and sore throat.
DayQuil contains the active ingredients acetaminophen, dextromethorphan, and phenylephrine. It temporarily treats symptoms of the common cold and flu. DayQuil is made for use during the day. Unlike NyQuil, it doesn’t contain the active ingredient doxylamine, which is an antihistamine that can make you feel drowsy.
How does it work?
Acetaminophen is a fever reducer and a pain reliever. It works by changing the way your body senses pain. It also changes how your body regulates its temperature. Dextromethorphan suppresses your urge to cough. The third ingredient, phenylephrine, is a nasal decongestant. It reduces the swelling of the blood vessels in your nasal passages.
What does DayQuil do?
The DayQuil line of products offers non-drowsy relief of your worst cold and flu symptoms, so you can power through your day.
How often can you take DayQuil?
DayQuil can be taken every four hours. Do not exceed four doses within 24 hours. DayQuil Cough can be taken every 6-8 hours.
How long does DayQuil last?
DayQuil treats cold and flu symptoms for approximately four hours. DayQuil Cough provides up to 8 hours of cough relief.
How long does it take for DayQuil to work?
This depends on many factors but it usually takes 30 minutes for DayQuil to start working.
What should I avoid while taking DayQuil Severe Cold & Flu?
Avoid drinking alcohol. It may increase your risk of liver damage while you are taking acetaminophen. Ask a doctor or pharmacist before using any other cold, allergy, pain, or sleep medication. Acetaminophen (sometimes abbreviated as APAP) is contained in many combination medicines. Taking certain products together can cause you to get too much acetaminophen which can lead to a fatal overdose. Check the label to see if a medicine contains acetaminophen or APAP. This medication may impair your thinking or reactions. Be careful if you drive or do anything that requires you to be alert.
What’s the difference between DayQuil and DayQuil SEVERE?
DayQuil SEVERE delivers maximum symptom-fighting ingredients to relieve your worst cold symptoms. It contains an extra ingredient, guaifenesin, which is an expectorant that helps clear mucus and phlegm from the chest. DayQuil does not contain guaifenesin.
Can I take DayQuil while pregnant or breastfeeding?
If you are pregnant or breastfeeding, check with your health professional before taking DayQuil.
Does DayQuil contain alcohol?
No, DayQuil does not contain alcohol.
Does DayQuil expire?
Yes. Do not use DayQuil beyond the expiration date on the package.
Does DayQuil make you tired?
DayQuil is a non-drowsy formulation for relief of your cold and flu symptoms.
Does DayQuil contain acetaminophen?
Yes, DayQuil contains 325 mg of acetaminophen per liquicap or 650 mg per liquid dose. Severe liver damage may occur if you: take more than four doses of DayQuil within 24 hours, take DayQuil with other drugs containing acetaminophen, consume three or more alcoholic drinks every day while taking DayQuil.
Does DayQuil contain caffeine?
No, DayQuil does not contain caffeine.
Can I take DayQuil if I have high blood pressure?
A: In patients with hypertension, the use of certain medications may raise their blood pressure. Decongestants provide relief by narrowing blood vessels to reduce nasal stuffiness, but this can potentially affect other blood vessels, which may increase blood pressure. DayQuil™ HBP is free of decongestants for people with high blood pressure.
What are the side effects of DayQuil?
Get emergency medical help if you have signs of an allergic reaction: hives; difficult breathing; swelling of your face, lips, tongue, or throat.
In rare cases, acetaminophen may cause a severe skin reaction that can be fatal. This could occur even if you have taken acetaminophen in the past and had no reaction. Stop taking this medicine and call your doctor right away if you have skin redness or a rash that spreads and causes blistering and peeling. If you have this type of reaction, you should never again take any medicine that contains acetaminophen.
Stop using this medicine and call your doctor at once if you have:
• chest pain, fast, slow, or uneven heart rate;
• severe dizziness, feeling like you might pass out;
• mood changes, confusion, hallucinations;
• tremor, seizure (convulsions);
• fever;
• urinating less than usual or not at all;
• nausea, pain in your upper stomach, itching, loss of appetite, dark urine, clay-colored stools, jaundice (yellowing of your skin or eyes); or
• dangerously high blood pressure (severe headache, blurred vision, buzzing in your ears, anxiety, chest pain, uneven heartbeats, seizure).
Common side effects may include:
• dizziness, weakness;
• mild headache;
• mild nausea, diarrhea, upset stomach;
• dry mouth, nose, or throat;
• feeling nervous, restless, irritable, or anxious; or
• sleep problems (insomnia).
This is not a complete list of side effects and others may occur. Call your doctor for medical advice about side effects. You may report side effects to FDA at 1-800-FDA-1088.
