How to Take Dayquil

Taking DayQuil for Common Illnesses

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

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.

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.

Follow dosing instructions exactly. If you are taking DayQuil capsules, take 2 every 4 hours. Make sure to have a glass of water with them. If you are taking the liquid form of DayQuil: Take 30 mL every 4 hours if you are 12 or older. Take 15 mL if you are 6-12.

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. 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.

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

Handling Side Effects

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.

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: 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.

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: 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

Using DayQuil Safely

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.

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.

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.

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: Isocarboxazid Phenelzine Tranylcypromine Selegiline Rasagiline

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: Naproxen sodium (Aleve) Ibuprofen (Advil) Xanax Zyrtec Melatonin Fish oil

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