What's the difference between DayQuil & NyQuil?

The main difference is that DayQuil is a non-drowsy formula with the decongestant phenylephrine to help treat your cold or flu symptoms during the day, while many NyQuil products contain a sedating antihistamine and can help you sleep at night. In addition, some NyQuil products also contain 10% alcohol, but alcohol is not found in DayQuil.

Both DayQuil and NyQuil Cold and Flu Relief Liquid contain acetaminophen (a pain reliever) and dextromethorphan (a cough suppressant) so do not take them at the same time. Take them at least 4 to 6 hours apart, as recommended in the directions. Do not exceed 4 doses total of NyQuil and DayQuil in a 24-hour period if you are combining their use in the same day.

Check with your pharmacist if you need help selecting a DayQuil or NyQuil product. There are many different versions on the shelves and they can contain different ingredients. Plus, you may not need these multi-ingredient products if you only have a one symptom like a cough or stuffy nose.

The active ingredients in Dayquil Cold and Flu Relief Liquid per 30 mL are:

• 650 mg of acetaminophen (a pain and fever reducer)
• 20 mg of dextromethorphan (a cough suppressant)
• 10 mg of phenylephrine (a nasal decongestant)

The active ingredients in NyQuil Cold and Flu Nighttime Relief Liquid per 30 mL are:

• 650 mg of acetaminophen (a pain and fever reducer)
• 20 mg of dextromethorphan (a cough suppressant)
• 12.5 mg of doxylamine (a sedating antihistamine)

Some Dayquil and NyQuil products are sold in combination packs for convenience. The non-drowsy DayQuil product can be used for daytime symptom relief, and the NyQuil products, which cause drowsiness, can provide symptom relief at night and help you rest. DayQuil and NyQuil are also available in a liquicap form. An alcohol-free version of NyQuil is also available.

NyQuil can cause marked drowsiness. Avoid drinking alcoholic beverages with NyQuil. Alcohol, sedatives and tranquilizers can further increase drowsiness when used with NyQuil. In some people, the cough suppressant dextromethorphan can also cause drowsiness. Avoid driving, operating machinery, or other dangerous activities until you know how these medicines affect you.

If you have tested positive for COVID-19, have high blood pressure, or are pregnant or breastfeeding, ask your doctor or pharmacist if it is safe for you to use these products. If you have COVID-19 you may need COVID-specific medicines, so check with your doctor right away.

Can you take Dayquil and Nyquil on the same day?

You can use both Dayquil Cold and Flu Relief Liquid and NyQuil Cold and Flu Nighttime Relief Liquid on the same day but DO NOT take them at the same time.

• Taking both products at the same time can lead to liver damage due to an excessive dose of acetaminophen (also known as Tylenol), which is found in both products.
• Severe liver damage may also occur if you take DayQuil or NyQuil with other prescription or over-the-counter medicines that contain acetaminophen.
• Do not exceed 3,000 to 4,000 mg per day of acetaminophen. If you have liver disease, ask your doctor if you can safely use acetaminophen.

Dextromethorphan, doxylamine or phenylephrine are also found in these products. Excessive doses could cause serious side effects if taken in higher amounts than recommended. This might include increased drowsiness, dizziness, excitability or confusion.

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.

DayQuil

If you are only using DayQuil Cold and Flu Relief Liquid, it can be taken every 4 hours, but do not exceed four doses within 24 hours. If you have taken 4 doses of DayQuil in one day, do not take NyQuil the same day unless recommended by your healthcare provider.

The dose for DayQuil Cold and Flu Nighttime Relief is:

• 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.

How long after taking DayQuil can I take Nyquil? How long should you wait?

• Take the DayQuil doses 4 hours apart during the day. If you are using one dose of NyQuil at night do not use more than 3 doses of DayQuil during the day, and use less if possible to treat your symptoms.
• Take the NyQuil dose at night at least 4 to 6 hours after your last DayQuil dose. NyQuil will cause drowsiness usually within 30 minutes of taking your dose. Do not take another NyQuil dose for at least 6 hours.
• Do not take more than a total of 4 doses per 24 hours when combining these products.

Can you overdose on DayQuil and NyQuil?

Yes, if you take too much DayQuil or NyQuil serious side effects, including liver toxicity or death is possible. In case of overdose, get medical help right away: in the US call 911 or contact the Poison Control Center at 1-800 222-1222.

Acetaminophen Warning: Both Dayquil Cold and Flu Relief Liquid and NyQuil Cold and Flu Nighttime Relief Liquid contain the pain and fever reducer acetaminophen.

Severe liver damage may occur if:

• you take more than 4 doses within 24 hours
• take with other drugs (prescription or over-the-counter) that contain acetaminophen
• consume three or more alcoholic drinks every day while taking DayQuil or NyQuil.

Dextromethorphan, doxylamine or phenylephrine are also found in these products and could cause serious side effects if taken in higher amounts than recommended.

This is not all the information you need to know about Vicks NyQuil or DayQuil products for safe and effective use and does not take the place of your doctor’s directions or the package directions. Review the full NyQuil and DayQuil Drug Facts label and discuss the use of any over-the-counter or prescription product with your doctor or other health care provider.