3 Ways to Take Dayquil (2024)

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methods

1Taking DayQuil for Common Illnesses

2Handling Side Effects

3Using DayQuil Safely

Other Sections

Tips and Warnings

Related Articles

References

Medically reviewed byJanice Litza, MD

Last Updated: May 28, 2024References

DayQuil is a common over-the-counter medication used to treat common cold and flu symptoms. If you’re suffering from a nasty bug, it can help you get some much-needed relief. However, taking DayQuil can cause complications (sometimes severe ones) if you are taking some other medications or have certain long-term medical conditions. Talk to a doctor or pharmacist before taking DayQuil if you are on any other medications or have a chronic condition. If it’s ok for you to take DayQuil, follow the dosing instructions exactly to help you recover safely and quickly.[1]

Method 1

Method 1 of 3:

Taking DayQuil for Common Illnesses

  1. 1

    Use Dayquil to relieve cold and flu symptoms. Have a dose of DayQuil to quickly relieve annoying symptoms like congestion and cough. Since it’s a daytime formula, you don’t have to worry about the medicine making you drowsy. DayQuil can help with:[2]

    • Nasal congestion
    • Coughing (but not if you have coughing with lots of mucus)
    • Sore throat
    • Headache
    • Aches and pains
    • Fever
  2. 2

    Choose a liquid or capsule form of DayQuil. The medication comes in two convenient forms. The capsules are great if you’re on the go, since you can easily drop a pack in a bag or your pocket. Some people find the liquid form easier to take, however. Either form can be found in any pharmacy.[3]

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  3. 3

    Double-check dosing information before giving DayQuil to children. Children under 4 should not be given DayQuil at all. Those above age 6 can take the liquid form of the medicine, but you should ask a doctor about giving the liquid form to a child age 4-6, or the capsules to any child between 4 and 12.[4]

  4. 4

    Follow dosing instructions exactly. If you are taking DayQuil capsules, take 2 every 4 hours. [5]Make sure to have a glass of water with them. If you are taking the liquid form of DayQuil:[6]

    • Take 30 mL every 4 hours if you are 12 or older.
    • Take 15 mL if you are 6-12.
  5. 5

    Don’t take more than 4 doses of DayQuil within 24 hours. No matter what form of DayQuil you are taking, you should not exceed the recommended daily amount. Taking too much DayQuil can cause liver damage.[7][8]

    • It will usually take at least 30 minutes for DayQuil to start working, and the effects should last about 4 hours.
    • Don’t double-dose to try and make the medicine work faster or stronger.
    • Make a note each time you take a dose so you don't accidentally take too much.
  6. 6

    See a doctor if your symptoms are severe or don’t get better in 2 days. DayQuil is generally safe for most people, but it shouldn’t be used for too many days in a row, or to treat severe conditions. See a doctor if your sore throat is:[9]

    • Severe (extreme swelling or pain)
    • Accompanied by fever, headaches, a rash, nausea, or vomiting.

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Method 2

Method 2 of 3:

Handling Side Effects

  1. 1

    Expect mild side effects. Many people take DayQuil without having any noticeable side effects. You may experience some dizziness, feelings of nervousness or excitement, or difficulty sleeping. These side effects are considered mild, but you should contact a doctor if they really bother you, or if they don’t go away.[10]

  2. 2

    Get medical assistance if you have serious side effects. Taking DayQuil may cause some less-common, severe side effects. Seek medical assistance immediately if you experience any of the following while using DayQuil:[11]

    • Dark urine
    • Tiredness
    • Loss of appetite
    • Gastrointestinal problems (upset stomach, vomiting, light-colored stool)
    • Trouble urinating or a change in how much you urinate
    • Yellow skin or eyes
    • Skin reactions (redness, swelling, blisters, peeling)
    • Irritated or red eyes
    • Sores that appear in your eyes, nose, throat, or mouth.
  3. 3

    Watch for signs of allergic reactions. People can be allergic to the active ingredients (acetaminophen and dextromethorphan) in DayQuil or its inactive ingredients, like gelatin and artificial colors. If you have a known allergy to any of the ingredients listed on the package, you should not take DayQuil. In addition, if you experience any of the following potential allergic reactions while taking the medication, you should stop taking it and see a doctor immediately:[12]

    • Rash
    • Hives
    • Itching
    • Swollen, red, blistered, or peeling skin
    • Wheezing
    • Tightness in your chest or throat, or trouble breathing
    • Hoarseness or difficulty talking
    • Swelling in your mouth, face, lips, tongue, or throat

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Method 3

Method 3 of 3:

Using DayQuil Safely

  1. 1

    Ask your doctor about taking DayQuil if you were pregnant. DayQuil is believed to be safe for use during pregnancy. However, since it can interact with many medications, and since each pregnancy is unique, you should ask your doctor before taking it.[13]

  2. 2

    Do not use DayQuil with alcohol. If you are taking DayQuil, you should not have any alcoholic drinks. You should also check and make sure that any other medications you are using do not contain any alcohol.[14]

  3. 3

    Talk to a doctor before taking DayQuil with any other products containing acetaminophen. One of the active ingredients in DayQuil is acetaminophen (Tylenol). It is sometimes ok to take a higher dose of acetaminophen, but taking too much of it can cause serious medical issues. Ask your doctor before taking any Tylenol or other products with acetaminophen while using DayQuil.[15]

  4. 4

    Don’t take DayQuil if you are on or recently used an MAOI. Monoamine Oxidase Inhibitors (MAOIs) are used to treat depression and other psychiatric conditions as well as Parkinson’s disease. Do not combine these with DayQuil, since this can cause severe blood pressure problems. If you used an MAOI anytime within the past 2 weeks, avoid using DayQuil. These medications may include:[16][17]

    • Isocarboxazid
    • Phenelzine
    • Tranylcypromine
    • Selegiline
    • Rasagiline
  5. 5

    Talk to your doctor before taking DayQuil if you are on any other medications. Aside from acetaminophen and MAOIs, DayQuil may interact with hundreds of other medications. Some of the common known potential interactions include:[18]

    • Naproxen sodium (Aleve)
    • Ibuprofen (Advil)
    • Xanax
    • Zyrtec
    • Melatonin
    • Fish oil
  6. 6

    Don't take DayQuil if you have certain chronic medical conditions. Only use DayQuil to treat acute (short-term) illnesses, unless a doctor tells you otherwise. You should not take DayQuil to treat long-term cough or sore throat. In addition, you should not take the medication if you have certain long-term (chronic) conditions, including:[19]

    • Coughing from smoking
    • Asthma
    • Emphysema
    • Alcoholism
    • Liver disease
    • Heart disease
    • Thyroid disease
    • Diabetes
    • High blood pressure
    • An enlarged prostate that causes trouble urinating

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      Tips

      • If you haven’t taken DayQuil before, take your first dose at home in the afternoon or evening in the unlikely event that it makes you drowsy. Different medications affect everyone differently.

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      Warnings

      • Do not give DayQuil to children unless the package instructions specifically say you can.

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      • Follow dosing instructions exactly, and don’t take more than 4 doses of DayQuil within 24 hours.

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      • Talk to a doctor before taking DayQuil if you are on any other medications, or have any chronic medical conditions.

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      • Seek medical assistance immediately if you experience severe side effects while taking DayQuil.

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      More References (10)

      1. https://www.drugs.com/cdi/dayquil-multi-symptom-cold-flu.html
      2. https://www.drugs.com/mtm/dayquil-severe-cold-flu.html
      3. https://www.drugs.com/cdi/dayquil-multi-symptom-cold-flu.html
      4. https://www.drugs.com/pregnancy/acetaminophen-dextromethorphan-pseudoephedrine.html
      5. https://www.drugs.com/drug-interactions/acetaminophen-dextromethorphan-pseudoephedrine,vicks-dayquil-daytime-cold-flu-old-formulation-index.html?filter=3&generic_only=
      6. https://dailymed.nlm.nih.gov/dailymed/drugInfo.cfm?setid=71443525-a9df-4952-a875-23b45a665b45
      7. https://dailymed.nlm.nih.gov/dailymed/getFile.cfm?setid=cd71be9f-4013-4ecd-9fcd-2bd3ffb7cf08&type=pdf
      8. https://www.aspenridgerecoverycenters.com/4-drugs-that-dont-mix-with-antidepressants/
      9. https://www.drugs.com/drug-interactions/acetaminophen-dextromethorphan-pseudoephedrine,vicks-dayquil-daytime-cold-flu-old-formulation.html
      10. https://www.drugs.com/mtm/dayquil-severe-cold-flu.html

      About this article

      3 Ways to Take Dayquil (30)

      Medically reviewed by:

      Janice Litza, MD

      Board Certified Family Medicine Physician

      This article was medically reviewed by Janice Litza, MD. Dr. Litza is a Board Certified Family Medicine Physician based in Racine, Wisconsin. With over 25 years of educational and professional experience, she has extensive experience providing full-spectrum Family Medicine, including obstetrics, newborn care, and hospital medicine. She is currently the Residency Program Director for Family Medicine at Ascension. Dr. Litza received her MD from the University of Wisconsin-Madison School of Medicine and Public Health and has completed additional fellowship training in Integrative Medicine through the University of Arizona. This article has been viewed 27,178 times.

      5 votes - 60%

      Co-authors: 4

      Updated: May 28, 2024

      Views:27,178

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