Does NyQuil Have Alcohol in It? Here’s Which Products Do
Medically reviewed by Lindsay Cook, PharmDMedically reviewed by Lindsay Cook, PharmDNyQuil is an over-the-counter (OTC) medication from Vicks. It can treat symptoms such as coughing, a runny nose, and aches and pains associated with colds and the flu.Some OTC cold and cough medicines contain alcohol, which requires extra precaution when taking them. So, you may be wondering: Is there alcohol in NyQuil?Many NyQuil products contain 10% alcohol as a solvent. However, there are a few alcohol-free products. Still, even alcohol-free products may contain active ingredients, such as dextromethorphan, doxylamine succinate, and phenylephrine, that can also cause drowsiness.Avoid consuming alcohol when taking NyQuil. It can cause side effects like dizziness or drowsiness and even lead to liver damage.This article will review which NyQuil formulations contain alcohol, the risks of alcohol-containing medications, and who should avoid these products.
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Which NyQuil Products Have Alcohol?NyQuil is an OTC brand for managing colds and flu. It is available in different formulations and combinations of different active ingredients.A majority of NyQuil products contain alcohol in their formulations. Some common brands include:NyQuil VapoCool Severe Cold & Flu Liquid + CongestionNyQuil Cold & Flu Nighttime Relief LiquidNyQuil HBP Cold and Flu MedicineAlcohol-Free NyQuil ProductsAlong with alcohol-containing NyQuil products on the market, there are a few exemptions. Some NyQuil products do not contain alcohol, and these include:Vicks NyQuil Alcohol-Free Cold and Flu Nighttime reliefNyQuil Cold and Flu liquidVicks NyQuil liquid capsulesVicks NyQuil alcohol-free cold and flu nighttime reliefChildren’s NyQuilHowever, many alcohol-free NyQuil products may contain ingredients that still cause drowsiness. Be aware that drinking alcohol with products that contain doxylamine succinate or dextromethorphan can be dangerous.What Does Alcohol Do in NyQuil?NyQuil products usually contain 10% alcohol. However, alcohol does not have any therapeutic effect for cold or flu symptoms. It is a solvent that dissolves other ingredients in a product's formulation. Do Other Medications Contain Alcohol?Certain liquid-based medicines may contain up to 10% alcohol in their ingredients. Alcohol often functions as a solvent. Cough syrups and laxatives are considered to have some of the highest alcohol concentrations.
Can You Drink Alcohol While Taking Alcohol-Containing NyQuil?NyQuil products containing 10% alcohol as a solvent can cause drowsiness or sedation. Therefore, you should avoid consuming alcohol with NyQuil products. It can cause unpleasant side effects, including temporary and more serious long-term effects. Alcohol consumption can exacerbate drowsiness and impaired attention. To prevent accidents, do not drive a vehicle or operate machinery when using NyQuil products.How Long Does Alcohol from NyQuil Take to Leave Your System?Different ingredients have different durations of action and time to leave the body. For example, doxylamine takes the maximum time (over two days) to leave the system. Similarly, diphenhydramine also takes one to four days to wear off completely from the body.Alcohol can also take up to 24 hours to clear out from the body. Therefore, it is better to avoid taking alcohol with medications that already have alcohol in them.Who Shouldn’t Take Alcohol-Containing NyQuil?NyQuil is not safe for people with liver problems. This product contains alcohol and acetaminophen, which can affect the liver if you take:More than four doses in 24 hoursWith other drugs containing acetaminophenThree or more alcoholic drinks daily while using this productTaking or having taken a monoamine oxidase inhibitor (MAOI) in the previous two weeksTell your healthcare provider before taking NyQuil if you have the following conditions:GlaucomaCough with too much phlegm (mucus)Breathing problems or chronic cough with smoking, asthma, chronic bronchitis, or emphysemaTrouble urinating due to an enlarged prostate glandPregnancy or breastfeedingOther NyQuil IngredientsNyQuil medications contain several different ingredients. Their active ingredients include:Acetaminophen: reduces fever and alleviates minor painDextromethorphan: suppresses coughingDoxylamine: relieves congestion, sneezing, and sore throatSummaryNyQuil is an OTC medicine for the common cold and flu. Along with different active ingredients, NyQuil does have alcohol as a solvent in various products. But it also has some alcohol-free formulations.NyQuil can cause you to feel very sleepy or drowsy. Moreover, drinking alcohol with NyQuil can even lead to liver damage. Alcohol-free NyQuil products can also cause sedative effects, though, so it's important to read the medication label for a list of ingredients. Read the original article on Verywell Health.
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