Dayquil Cold and Flu is a combination of three medications that work together to relieve symptoms caused by the common cold or flu. Show
When does Dayquil Cold and Flu start working? Time passed since treatment started: MINUTES HOURS DAYS WEEKS MONTHS Initial effect Full effect Drug FactsCommon BrandsVicks Dayquil Cold and Flu Multi-Symptom Relief, Theraflu Severe Cold and Cough, Tylenol Cold Max Drug ClassAnalgesic / Cough suppressant / Decongestant Controlled Substance ClassificationNot a controlled medication Generic StatusLower-cost generic available AvailabilityOver-the-counter Get your GoodRx couponWhat are the side effects of Dayquil Cold and Flu?The following side effects may get better over time as your body gets used to the medication. Let your healthcare provider know immediately if you continue to experience these symptoms or if they worsen over time. Serious Side EffectsContact your healthcare provider immediately if you experience any of the following.
Source: DailyMed More on Dayquil Cold and Flu side effectsPros and cons of Dayquil Cold and FluProsCan treat a wide variety of common cold or flu symptoms More convenient to take three medications in a single dose Available over the counter and as a lower-cost generic Alcohol-free liquid forms of the medication are available ConsMight need to take as often as every 4 hours to relieve symptoms More difficult to customize the dose since Dayquil Cold and Flu is a fixed combination of three medications Might not be the best choice for people who drink alcohol regularly Pharmacist tips for Dayquil Cold and Flu
Frequently asked questions about Dayquil Cold and FluAdults and children ages 12 years and older can take up to 2 pills (or up to 2 tablespoonfuls for the liquid) of Dayquil Cold and Flu every 4 hours. Make sure to follow the instructions on the label of the product you have because the maximum amount you can take in one day can be different for a specific manufacturer or brand name. For example, you can take up to 8 LiquiCaps of DayQuil Cold and Flu within a 24-hour period, but you can take 10 caplets of Tylenol Cold Max Day within a day. Follow your healthcare professional's (HCP's) directions if they specifically recommended you to take Dayquil Cold and Flu differently than what's written on the labeling. Ask your HCP or pharmacist if you're not sure how much of the medication you can take and how often you should take it. Dayquil Cold and Flu typically starts to work within 30 minutes. This is generally the time it takes for all the ingredients in Dayquil Cold and Flu (acetaminophen, dextromethorphan, and phenylephrine) to work. The effects of the medication typically last for about 4 hours. Yes, you can take Dayquil Cold and Flu at night if you need it. But keep in mind that it contains phenylephrine, which can potentially . To help prevent this from happening, it's best to take the medication at least 4 hours before going to bed. It can potentially do either. Dayquil Cold and Flu contains dextromethorphan, which can . Dayquil Cold and Flu also contains phenylephrine, which can . Pay attention to how this medication affects your sleep and adjust your doses accordingly. If the medication makes you sleepy, take the last dose of the day closer to bedtime. And if it's keeping you awake, take the medication at least 4 hours before bedtime. It's best to avoid drinking alcohol while you're taking Dayquil Cold and Flu. Dayquil Cold and Flu contains acetaminophen, dextromethorphan, and phenylephrine. Acetaminophen and alcohol can both affect your liver, and this combination can raise your risk for liver damage even further. In addition, drinking alcohol while taking medications containing dextromethorphan like Dayquil Cold and Flu can make any dizziness worse, affect your ability to think clearly or react, and raise your risk for other serious complications. Speak with a healthcare professional about your drinking habits and whether Dayquil Cold and Flu is appropriate for you. It's generally safe to take ibuprofen (Advil) with Dayquil Cold and Flu to help treat pain. Keep in mind that there are some risks to consider with ibuprofen (Advil) as well. Ibuprofen (Advil) can have risks like heart problems and kidney problems. Before you use ibuprofen (Advil) with Dayquil Cold and Flu, speak with a healthcare professional or pharmacist to make sure it's safe for you to take them together. Don't take Dayquil Cold and Flu until you've talked to your healthcare team first if you're pregnant. Dayquil Cold and Flu contains acetaminophen, dextromethorphan, and phenylephrine. While acetaminophen and dextromethorphan appear to be safe to use during pregnancy, the safety of phenylephrine isn't completely clear. Speak with a healthcare professional about the risks and benefits of taking Dayquil Cold and Flu. Yes, the medications in Dayquil Cold and Flu (acetaminophen, dextromethorphan, and phenylephrine) are generally considered safe while breastfeeding. Speak with a healthcare professional if you have concerns about whether it's okay to use this medication while you're breastfeeding. How to save using GoodRx1. Compare PricesSpecify your dosage and quantity to find out exactly how much you can save. 2. Select your free couponYou can use the displayed coupon, or compare prices at other pharmacies near you. 3. Show coupon to your pharmacistPresent your printed or electronic coupon when you pick up your prescription. Get free couponLearn more What are the risks and warnings for Dayquil Cold and Flu?Dayquil Cold and Flu can cause some serious health issues. This risk may be even higher for certain groups. If this worries you, talk to your doctor or pharmacist about other options. Liver damage
Taking too much acetaminophen (an ingredient in Dayquil Cold and Flu) can cause permanent and life-threatening liver damage. For adults, the maximum amount of acetaminophen is typically 4,000 mg in a 24-hour period. But it can be lower depending on your healthcare professional's (HCP's) instructions and your risk for liver damage. For children, ask your child's pediatrician. Speak to your HCP before you use Dayquil Cold and Flu if you have liver problems because this medication can cause further damage to your liver. Limit or avoid drinking alcohol while taking you're this medication. Call your HCP right away if you notice any symptoms of liver problems. These symptoms can include tiredness, dark urine, upset stomach, stomach pain, or yellowing of the skin or eyes. Allergic skin reactionsAlthough rare, Dayquil Cold and Flu can cause serious skin reactions, like rash, blisters, skin reddening, or skin peeling. Stop using this medication and get medical help right away if you notice these types of changes in your skin. Serotonin syndrome
Serotonin syndrome is a rare, but potentially life-threatening condition that happens when there's too much serotonin in the brain. Serotonin is one of the chemicals in your brain that's responsible for your mood. Your risk for this condition goes up if you use Dayquil Cold and Flu with other medications that affect serotonin levels, such as certain antidepressants, monoamine oxidase inhibitors (MAOIs), and migraine medications called triptans. Make sure your HCP and pharmacist know about all the medications (including over-the-counter medications and supplements) that you take or plan to take. They can check that Dayquil Cold and Flu is safe for you to take. Get medical care right away if you have any symptoms of serotonin syndrome while you're taking Dayquil Cold and Flu. These symptoms can include fast heart rate, sweating, muscle stiffness or spasms, high fever, and confusion. Accidentally taking too much medicationDayquil Cold and Flu contains an analgesic (acetaminophen), a cough suppressant (dextromethorphan), and a decongestant (phenylephrine). These ingredients can also be found in many other over-the-counter products or prescription medications. Using more than one medication containing acetaminophen, dextromethorphan, or a decongestant raises the risk that you might accidentally take too much of one of these ingredients. This can cause serious and sometimes life-threatening side effects, such as liver failure, seizures, high blood pressure, fast heart rate, hallucinations, or coma. To lessen the risk of accidentally taking too much medication, read package labels carefully. Ask your pharmacist if you're not sure whether a product has any similar ingredients. Get medical help as soon as possible or contact a Poison Control Center at 1-800-222-1222 if you think you or a loved one accidentally took too much medication. Worsening of certain medical conditions
Tell your HCP about all medical conditions you have or have had in the past before you start taking Dayquil Cold and Flu. It's possible that this medication can worsen your condition(s) and cause serious side effects. Your HCP can make sure that Dayquil Cold and Flu is appropriate for you and safe for you to take. Dayquil Cold and Flu dosage formsBottle of oral solution DosageAs low as237ml of 325mg/10mg/5mg/15ml$5.50 for 1 bottle355ml of 325mg/10mg/5mg/15ml$5.97 for 1 bottle Capsule DosageAs low as325mg/10mg/5mg$3.97 for 20 capsules Typical dosing for Dayquil Cold and FluThere are several manufacturers that make this medication and several brand names that are available. The dose might differ depending on which manufacturer, brand name, and formulation of the medication you're using. Be sure to check the medication label for specific instructions and for how much you can take in a 24-hour period (typically 4 to 5 doses). Below are examples of dosing instructions by product formulation and brand name.
More on Dayquil Cold and Flu dosage formsHow much does Dayquil Cold and Flu cost?To access savings, use a GoodRx coupon and pay just a fraction of the retail price. Dayquil Cold and Flu (generic) View prices & coupons Dayquil Cold and Flu contraindicationsContraindications are specific health conditions or situations in which a person should not take a medication due to safety concerns. If you have any of the following conditions or if any of the following apply to you, let your healthcare provider know because Dayquil Cold and Flu will not be safe for you to take.
What are alternatives to Dayquil Cold and Flu?There are a number of medications that your doctor can prescribe in place of Dayquil Cold and Flu. Compare a few possible alternatives below. Dayquil Cold and Flu Used for:
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Get savings updates for Dayquil Cold and FluReceive price alerts, news, and other messages from GoodRx about Dayquil Cold and Flu and other healthcare topics and relevant savings offers. By signing up, I agree to GoodRx's Terms and Privacy Policy, and to receive marketing messages from GoodRx. Does DayQuil severe cold and flu work?This product really helps you feel better while dealing with a cold, sinus or flu issues. I would highly recommend it. What are the side effects of DayQuil cold and flu?Common side effects of DayQuil Severe Cold and Flu 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).. Why is DayQuil so good?Acetaminophen is an analgesic. It blocks chemicals in your body to help relieve pain and lower fever. Dextromethorphan is a cough suppressant that works in the brain to lower your urge to cough. Phenylephrine is a decongestant that clears your sinuses to relieve stuffy nose and sinus pressure. Does DayQuil actually help when you're sick?Though some available cold medicines help relieve symptoms, others are ineffective. For example, earlier this year, the Food and Drug Administration (FDA) announced that phenylephrine , the active ingredient in certain decongestants—like Sudafed PE and DayQuil—doesn't work when taken orally. |