Take this medication by mouth with or without food, usually every 4 to 6 hours as needed, or as directed by your doctor. Drink plenty of fluids when you use this medication unless otherwise directed by your doctor. The fluid will help loosen the mucus in your lungs.
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Can you take DayQuil every four hours?
DayQuil can generally be taken every 4 hours as needed, up to 4 times a day. Some products aren’t suitable for children under 12 years old. DayQuil is available OTC as a brand-name medication. But you can also find it as a lower-cost generic.
Should I take DayQuil every 4 or 6 hours?
| adults & children 12 yrs & over | 30 mL every 4 hrs |
|---|---|
| children 6 to under 12 yrs | 15 mL every 4 hrs |
| children 4 to under 6 yrs | ask a doctor |
| children under 4 yrs | do not use |
Can I take DayQuil 3 times a day?
How much DayQuil and NyQuil can I take in one day? – If you are using DayQuil and NyQuil on the same day, DO NOT exceed 4 doses total in a 24 hour period if you combined their use. DO NOT take DayQuil Cold and Flu Relief Liquid and NyQuil Cold and Flu Nighttime Relief Liquid at the same time.
Adults and children 12 yrs and over: 30 mL every 4 hrs Children 6 to under 12 yrs: 15 mL every 4 hrs Children under 4 to under 6 yrs: ask a doctor
NyQuil If you are only using NyQuil Cold and Flu Nighttime Relief Liquid, it can be taken every 6 hours, but do not exceed 4 doses within 24 hours. If you have taken 4 doses of NyQuil in one day, do not take DayQuil in the same day unless recommended by your healthcare provider. The dose for NyQuil Cold and Flu Nighttime Relief is:
Adults and children 12 yrs and over: 30 mL every 6 hrs Children 4 to under 12 yrs: ask a doctor Children under 4 yrs: do not use
Use the cups that come with the medication to measure out the dose, as they are more accurate. Do not use a household spoon or other measuring device. When using any DayQuil or NyQuil product, carefully read each label to be sure the correct dose is taken.
Can I take DayQuil more than once a day?
Individuals should not take more than 4 doses of DayQuil within 24 hours. Taking more than the recommended dosage can lead to adverse health effects, such as liver damage. DayQuil can help those dealing with a cold or flu continue their daily activities.
fever sore throat headaches congestion cough sinus pressure minor body aches
This medication works quickly to provide daytime relief for colds and flu. Temporary relief from these conditions lasts for about 4 hours, Although DayQuil can reduce cold and flu symptoms, it does not cure either condition. The common cold and the flu tend to go away independently over time.
A cold may last 7–10 days, while the flu may last for over 2 weeks, In most cases, cold and flu symptoms improve with at-home care, such as drinking plenty of fluids, resting, and eating a nutritious diet. However, if symptoms persist or worsen, contact a doctor to learn more about other treatment options.
Each dose of DayQuil contains active ingredients to combat flu and cold symptoms. These ingredients include:
acetaminophen dextromethorphanphenylephrine
Acetaminophen is one of the most common over-the-counter (OTC) medications. This medication treats fever and pain ranging from mild to moderate. Some countries refer to this drug as paracetamol. The Food and Drug Administration (FDA) approved dextromethorphan as a cough suppressant in 1958,
Since then, dextromethorphan has been a common OTC choice for treating coughs. Finally, phenylephrine is a medication that can help treat nasal congestion, DayQuil combines these three drugs to target multiple symptoms of cold and flu. DayQuil comes in several different types and delivery options. The most common type of DayQuil is DayQuil Cold & Flu LiquiCaps,
These liquid-filled capsules deliver DayQuil medication rapidly in an easy-to-swallow pill. DayQuil LiquiCaps also come in SEVERE Cold & Flu options. DayQuil Severe contains the same ingredients as DayQuil. However, it also contains guaifenesin, an expectorant that loosens and thins mucus.
DayQuil Cough DM + Congestion Maximum Strength Daytime Relief Liquid DayQuil High Blood Pressure Cold and Flu Relief Liquid Medicine DayQuil SEVERE Honey Maximum Strength Cough, Cold & Flu Daytime Relief Liquid DayQuil Hot Remedy Cold & Flu Relief Hot Drink Powder Medicine DayQuil KIDS Cold and Cough + Mucus Relief
DayQuil’s effectiveness will vary between individuals and their illness type. A person should speak with a doctor to determine which type of DayQuil may be most appropriate.
Does DayQuil make you sleepy?
More common side effects – The more common side effects of DayQuil can include:
lightheadednessdrowsinessstomach painnauseavomitingnervousnessdizzinesstrouble sleeping
Also, avoid drinking grapefruit juice while taking this drug. Grapefruit juice might increase the levels of dextromethorphan, one of the ingredients in DayQuil. Higher levels increase your chance of side effects such as nervousness and dizziness.
Can I take DayQuil and ibuprofen?
Frequently Asked Questions –
How often can you take DayQuil? You can take DayQuil every four hours, with no more than six doses in 24 hours. Will DayQuil make you tired? Even though it is marketed for daytime use, some people who take DayQuil report it makes them tired. Common side effects of DayQuil include nervousness, dizziness, or sleepiness. How long does it take for DayQuil to kick in? It varies from person to person, but DayQuil typically starts to work to relieve symptoms in about 30 minutes. Can I take DayQuil and ibuprofen? Yes, you can take DayQuil and ibuprofen together, but you may want to spread out the doses to provide longer symptom relief. Can I take DayQuil and Tylenol? No, you should not take DayQuil and Tylenol together. Dayquil contains acetaminophen, which is the same medicine as Tylenol. Taking more than the recommended maximum of 3,000 mg a day can cause liver damage.
Verywell Health uses only high-quality sources, including peer-reviewed studies, to support the facts within our articles. Read our editorial process to learn more about how we fact-check and keep our content accurate, reliable, and trustworthy. By Kristina Duda, RN Kristina Duda, BSN, RN, CPN, has been working in healthcare since 2002. She specializes in pediatrics and disease and infection prevention. Thanks for your feedback!
When does DayQuil wear off?
How Long Should You Wait Before Taking a Drink? – Dayquil is active in the system for 4-6 hours depending on individual health variables. While mixing alcohol and Dayquil is not advised; you could have a drink after 4-6 hours from your last Dayquil medication dosage.
Does DayQuil help runny nose?
This combination medication is used to temporarily relieve symptoms caused by the common cold, flu, allergies, or other breathing illnesses (such as sinusitis, bronchitis). Antihistamines help relieve watery eyes, itchy eyes/nose/throat, runny nose, and sneezing.
Is DayQuil good for flu?
Take Dayquil for non-drowsy relief during the day.
– DayQuil relieves many of the uncomfortable flu symptoms that keep you distracted from doing anything besides laying on the couch all day while you have the flu. DayQuil SEVERE has acetaminophen to reduce fever and relieve sore throat, plus minor aches and pains. It also has ingredients that relieve cough, chest congestion, and nasal/sinus congestion, and sinus pressure.
Is DayQuil safe to use?
Dayquil Cold and Flu is generally safe to take, but it might not be the best choice for everyone. If you have a cough that’s lasted for a long time, a cough that occurs with smoking, asthma, or emphysema, or a cough with a lot of mucus, this medication might not be right for you.
Can you drink on DayQuil?
Acetaminophen and Liver Damage – Acetaminophen is also sold under the brand name Tylenol. It’s the most common drug ingredient in the U.S. and is found in more than 600 medications. This includes many popular over-the-counter medications. And even though it is an effective pain reliever and fever reducer, it can also be toxic to your liver.
In fact, the leading cause of acute liver failure in the U.S. is acetaminophen overdose. And it’s the second-leading cause of liver failure that requires transplantation. Taking acetaminophen, or medications that contain it, and drinking alcohol increase your risk of liver damage. DayQuil manufacturer Procter & Gamble cautions that the safest choice is to not drink at all while taking DayQuil, especially if you usually drink heavily and regularly.
Using alcohol and acetaminophen together can cause serious side effects such as:
Fever Joint pain or swelling Chills Excessive tiredness or weakness Unusual bleeding or bruising Loss of appetite Nausea and vomiting Yellowing of the skin and whites of the eyes
What happens if you exceed 4 doses of DayQuil?
Symptoms of overdose may include: nausea, vomiting, loss of appetite, sweating, stomach/abdominal pain, extreme tiredness, yellowing eyes/skin, dark urine, agitation, confusion, hallucinations, seizures. Keep all medical and lab appointments.
Can I take DayQuil on an empty stomach?
See also Warning section. If you are taking the over-the-counter product, read and follow all directions on the package label. If your doctor has prescribed this medication for you, take as directed by your doctor. If you have any questions, consult your doctor or pharmacist,
Take this medication by mouth with or without food or as directed by your doctor. If stomach upset occurs, it may help to take this medication with food or milk. Drink plenty of fluids when you use this medication unless otherwise directed by your doctor. The fluid will help loosen the mucus in your lungs,
If you are using the liquid form of this medication, carefully measure the dose using a special measuring device/spoon. Do not use a household spoon because you may not get the correct dose. If your liquid form is a suspension, shake the bottle well before each dose.
If you are taking extended-release capsules, swallow them whole. Do not crush or chew extended-release capsules or tablets. Doing so can release all of the drug at once, increasing the risk of side effects. Also, do not split extended-release tablets unless they have a score line and your doctor or pharmacist tells you to do so.
Swallow the whole or split tablet without crushing or chewing. If you are taking the chewable form of this medication, chew it thoroughly before swallowing. The dosage is based on your age, medical condition, and response to treatment. Do not increase your dose, take it more often, or use it for a longer time than directed.
How often can you alternate DayQuil and ibuprofen?
Can I Take DayQuil and Ibuprofen at the Same Time? – Because the active ingredients for pain (acetaminophen and ibuprofen itself) have different mechanisms of action, these two OTC meds are safe to take at the same time to reduce your cold or flu symptoms.
However,” Dr. Platz says, “you may want to spread out taking the medications to see better benefit.” It doesn’t matter which you take first, DayQuil or ibuprofen, but after you take one, wait until the middle of the four-hour dose before taking the other medication. And if you only want to take one of them, choose DayQuil.
“DayQuil will most likely be more effective at relieving more symptoms of the common cold than ibuprofen alone due to it being a combination product that works on multiple symptoms,” says Dr. Platz. Notes: This article was originally published November 23, 2022 and most recently updated January 17, 2023,
Should I lay down after taking DayQuil?
What can I take to correct the problem? – If prescription medications are causing reflux to worsen, then there are two options. First, try to switch the offending medication to something else. There are many types of medications available to treat high blood pressure.
- The inhalers for asthma and other breathing problems probably cause less reflux than the oral theophyllines.
- Second, if the offending medication cannot be stopped, better treatment for the reflux would be in order.
- For example, talk to your doctor about either increasing the dose of the current medication or switching to a more powerful drug.
People who suffer from reflux should be aware of another pill-related problem. If a medication were to become lodged in the esophagus, it may cause injury to the lining. This may lead to ulcers and narrowing of the esophagus. Medications most likely to do this are certain antibiotics (particularly tetracycline), potassium supplements, quinidine (a medication for heart palpitations), and alendronate (Fosomax).
First, take a full glass of water with these medications to wash them down. Second, do not lie down for 30-60 minutes after taking these pills.
Taking these precautions helps one to more safely take these medications and help avoid pill-induced injury to the esophagus.
Can I drink caffeine while taking DayQuil?
Notes for Consumers: Limit caffeine intake (examples: coffee, teas, colas, chocolate and some herbal supplements) while taking Phenylephrine. Also avoid medicines containing additional Caffeine whenever possible. Side effects from Phenylephrine may get worse if you take excessive Caffeine.
Does DayQuil have any stimulants?
Dextromethorphan may produce mild CNS depressant effects while phenylephrine has CNS stimulant effects.
Can I take 2 paracetamol and 2 ibuprofen together?
Taking ibuprofen with other painkillers – It’s safe to take ibuprofen with paracetamol or codeine, But do not take ibuprofen with similar painkillers like aspirin or naproxen without talking to a pharmacist or doctor. Ibuprofen, aspirin and naproxen belong to the same group of medicines called non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drugs (NSAIDs),
Can I take ibuprofen 2 hours after DayQuil?
Over-the-Counter Recommendations – 
For over-the-counter recommendations, it depends on what symptom you are treating. For cough and nasal congestion, I prefer guaifenesin to loosen up that drainage. The important thing is to drink a full glass of water with each dose. Guaifenesin is also called Mucinex,
- You can also get a product containing guaifenesin with dextromethorphan, which is abbreviated DM like Mucinex-DM, this is a cough suppressant.
- This can sometimes make you drowsy; I recommend it at night.
- Dayquil/Nyquil are a good daytime/nighttime combination, just be sure you measure the portions! Pseudoephedrine, also called Sudafed, often abbreviated with a D at the end of the medication name, like Mucinex-D, is a good choice for nasal congestion.
Sudafed can act as a mild stimulant, so it is labeled non-drowsy, but it can affect mood. I only recommend it for morning time. I also do not recommend it for anyone with hypertension or heart issues. Sometimes people will take antihistamines to help dry up nasal drainage. 
As a general rule, I only like one combination product to be used at a time, like Dayquil in the morning, Nyquil in the evening, in addition to plain ibuprofen for muscle aches. It is too easy to take too much of one individual medication if you take multiple combination products.
What is the best cold medicine with ibuprofen?
When you need flu or cold symptom medicine that works, choose Advil Multi Symptom Cold & Flu with the unique triple ingredient combination of pain reliever (Ibuprofen), nasal decongestant (Phenylephrine HCI) and antihistamine (Chlorpheniramine Maleate) to tackle your worst cold and flu symptoms.
What happens if you exceed 4 doses of DayQuil?
Symptoms of overdose may include: nausea, vomiting, loss of appetite, sweating, stomach/abdominal pain, extreme tiredness, yellowing eyes/skin, dark urine, agitation, confusion, hallucinations, seizures. Keep all medical and lab appointments.
How many doses of DayQuil is too much?
It’s not recommended to use more than 8 tablespoons (120 mL) in a single day. If you’re using the capsules, the typical dose for adults and children, ages 12 years and older, is 2 capsules by mouth as needed every 4 hours. It’s not recommended to take more than 8 capsules in a single day.
Can I take NyQuil 4 hours after drinking?
What other medications should not be mixed with alcohol? – Many medications can interact badly with alcohol. These include many OTC nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drugs (NSAIDs), other pain medications, certain medications for mood disorders, and many more.
The National Institute of Alcohol Abuse and Alcoholism (NIAAA) offers a thorough list of different prescription and OTC medications that may interact with alcohol. However, it may not include every medication, so you should ask your doctor if it’s safe to drink alcohol with any medication you’re taking.
NyQuil and alcohol shouldn’t be mixed. Doing so can have some unpleasant short-term side effects and lead to more serious long-term effects in some cases. If you’ve already combined them, make sure you know how to recognize the signs of a potential overdose.
How long does DayQuil last in your system?
How Long Should You Wait Before Taking a Drink? – Dayquil is active in the system for 4-6 hours depending on individual health variables. While mixing alcohol and Dayquil is not advised; you could have a drink after 4-6 hours from your last Dayquil medication dosage.