DayQuil which is an over-the-counter medication mainly prescribed in the cold and flu. The common cold and flu symptoms of coughing, sneezing, sore throat, and nasal congestion can be relieved with the use of the over-the-counter drug Dayquil. The active chemicals in it, which include acetaminophen, dextromethorphan, and phenylephrine, combine to lessen pain, stifle coughing, and clear nasal congestion.
Do you ever wonder what occurs if Dayquil is taken at night? Is it risk-free to do it or are there any possible downsides? There are many people who often ask can I take DayQuil at night? In this blog, we will discuss the benefits and risks associated with taking DayQuil at night.
General Medical Information About DayQuil
DayQuil is the product of Vicks and is considered a multi-symptom relief medicine. It is widely used as a temporary relief medium for various issues like nasal congestion, sore throat, headache, fever, etc. Let’s take a look at DayQuil key ingredients and their purpose:
- Acetaminophen(325 mg): Pain reliever/fever reducer
- Dextromethorphan(10 mg): Cough Suppressant
- Phenylephrine(5 gm): Nasal Decongestant
Without making you sleepy, DayQuil cures the symptoms of the flu and cold. As per the medical experts, the recommended dose of DayQuil is a maximum of 4 within 24 hours. Unfavorable health effects, such as liver damage, might result from taking more than the recommended doses. However, one of the most asked questions is still can I take DayQuil at night? Since the name of medicine involves Day, it confuses many people regarding its usage at night.
What Are The Benefits Of Taking Dayquil?
DayQuil is a proven medicine to treat the common symptoms of cold and flu along with other normal health issues. If taken in considered amount, DayQuil is effective in treating the various symptoms:
- Fever headaches
- Sore throat
- Hypertension
- Cough, and congestion
- Mild aches and pains
For midday cold and flu treatment, this drug works swiftly. For roughly 4 hours, these problems are temporarily relieved. DayQuil helps lessen the symptoms of the flu and the cold, but it cannot treat either disease. The cold and the flu typically disappear on their own over time. While the flu may linger longer than two weeks, a cold may only last 7–10 days.
Most of the time, cold and flu symptoms go better with at-home care including drinking lots of fluids, getting enough rest, and eating a healthy diet. To discover more about alternative treatments, speak with a doctor if your symptoms worsen or continue to persist.
How Does Dayquil Work?
DayQuil includes active ingredients to treat cold and flu symptoms in every dose. These components are as follows:
Acetaminophen
One of the most widely used over-the-counter (OTC) drugs is paracetamol. This drug contains Acetaminophen which cures mild to severe pain and fever. This medication is known as paracetamol in some nations.
Dextromethorphan
Dextromethorphan was authorized by the Food and Drug Administration (FDA) as a cough suppressant in 1958 Trusted Source. Dextromethorphan has since become a popular over-the-counter remedy for treating coughs.
Phenylephrine
Last but not least, Phenylephrine is a drug that can help relieve nasal congestion. These three medications are combined in DayQuil to treat a variety of cold and flu symptoms.
Types Of DayQuil
DayQuil Cold & Flu LiquiCaps are the most popular variety of this medication. These liquid-filled capsules provide DayQuil medication quickly in a tablet form that is simple to take. Additionally, severe cold & flu DayQuil LiquiCaps are also available. However, there is confusion regarding its effectiveness like NyQuil’s total time to stay in the system after a dose.
The components in DayQuil Severe are the same as those in DayQuil. Guaifenesin, an expectorant that thins and loosens mucus, is additionally present. DayQuil is also offered as a liquid, which may be a more convenient option for those who have trouble swallowing pills. The DayQuil line of goods also includes the following in addition to the items already mentioned:
- Maximum Strength DayQuil Cough DM + Congestion Liquid Daytime Painkiller
- High Blood Pressure DayQuil Liquid Medicine for Cold and Flu Relief
- DayQuil Maximum Strength SEVERE Honey Cold, flu, and cough Liquid Daytime Painkiller.
- The Hot Remedy DayQuil Cold and Flu Treatment Medicine Powder for Hot Drink
- Cold & Cough + Mucus Relief DayQuil KIDS.
The efficacy of DayQuil varies depending on the patient and the ailment being treated. To find out which kind of DayQuil could be most suitable, a patient should speak with a doctor.
Prescribed Dosage Of The DayQuil Oral Tablet
Depending on the type of DayQuil taken, a specific dose must be administered. One dose of DayQuil Cold & Flu LiquiCaps contains two tablets. This dosage includes:
- 20 mg of Dextromethorphan
- 10 mg of Phenylephrine
- 650 mg of Paracetamol.
Taking a liquid form's dosage - The same quantity of each ingredient is included in the liquid form of this drug as it is in the tablet form, but a dose of liquid DayQuil is 30 ml rather than 2 pills. It is also essential to get an idea of the total time it remains in the body. Like Subutex which remains 24-48 hours in your system after a first dose.
Severe Kind Of Dosage
Contains in a dose of DayQuil SEVERE Cold & Flu:-
Acetaminophen 650 milligrams
- 40 mg of Guaifenesin,
- 10 mg of Phenylephrine
- 20 mg of Dextromethorphan
The directions should be carefully read before taking any DayQuil. It is crucial to just take the prescribed drug, even though the dosage may vary between goods.
Can I take DayQuil At Night?
It's true that DayQuil can be taken at night, but it's vital to remember that this is not how the medication is meant to be taken. Phenylephrine, an ingredient in DayQuil that acts as a stimulant, can make you jittery and make it hard to fall asleep. It is difficult for you to fall asleep, which could make you feel drowsy and fatigued the following day.
Taking Dayquil at night may be important to relieve your discomfort if you have severe cold or flu symptoms, though. The best course of action in this situation is to take Dayquil a few hours before bedtime so the stimulant has time to wear off before you try to fall asleep.
How Soon Does DayQuil Start To Work?
DayQuil usually takes approximately 30 minutes to start working. After taking the first dose you will start seeing its effects within an hour. Like NyQuil which takes hours to wear off completely, DayQuil also takes approx 1-2 days to wear off from your system.
Possible Side Effects Of Taking DayQuil At Night
DayQuil's side effects are mostly minor and could involve:-
- Dizziness
- Tiredness
- Swelling
- Difficulty in sleeping
- Weakness
In rare instances, taking more DayQuil than is advised can harm the liver. That is why it is recommended to take this medication in prescribed amounts.
Possible Safety Measures
DayQuil products shouldn't be given to children under 2 years of age. Studies have indicated that childrens are more susceptible to its major adverse effects. DayQuil side effects are more likely to occur if you have specific medical conditions. These may consist of:
- Diabetes
- Liver disease
- High blood pressure
- Thyroid conditions
- Heart disease
Before taking DayQuil, anyone with secondary medical issues should consult their doctor. Infants and toddlers suffering from the flu or cold might also receive alternate recommendations for therapy from a medical practitioner.
Expected Interactions Of DayQuil With Other Medications
When using DayQuil, the chance of unpleasant side effects may rise if you consume additional substances or medications. For instance, mixing DayQuil products with alcohol can make it more difficult to drive safely and raise the risk of taking too much.
Adding alcohol to DayQuil can also result in the following side effects:
- Gastrointestinal problems
- Sleepiness
- Increased heart rate and
- Vertigo
Phenylephrine has been found to raise blood pressure, according to research. Therefore, those who have high blood pressure should refrain from using this drug. DayQuil, on the other hand, provides an alternate drug that doesn't include phenylephrine and may be appropriate for those with high blood pressure.
Lastly, DayQuil products should not be consumed by anyone using Monoamine Oxidase Inhibitors (MAOIs). According to the FDA, DayQuil, and MAOIs interact poorly and can have harmful effects on one's health. A person should speak with a doctor or chemist before beginning any new medicine to find out about potential interactions.
Wrap Up
Products by DayQuil aid in the treatment of cough and flu symptoms. They lessen congestion, discomfort, fever, and coughing. Numerous drugs, including capsules and liquid formulations, are part of the DayQuil product line. These can aid in the treatment of mild to severe symptoms day or night. We hope you get the answer to your question Can I take DayQuil at night?
The majority of DayQuil users report no significant negative effects. DayQuil may mix with other medications or have an adverse effect on people who have certain diseases, so it's important to speak with a doctor to make sure it's the appropriate choice before taking it. If you find this information insightful, please share it with your friends and family members. For more tips and guides, subscribe to our newsletter.
