DayQuil is a product of Vicks. DayQuil is available in pharmacies or medical centers as an over-the-counter drug. This med offers temporary relief from common cold and flu symptoms. Some of the known symptoms of common cold include headache, mild or severe cough, nasal congestion leading to breathing discomfort, temporary fever, minor aches and pains all over your body, and possible sore throat. Can I take Dayquil on an empty stomach? It helps to have more insights into it.
DayQuil is available as many formulations. It contains a combination of dextromethorphan (a cough suppressant), acetaminophen (pain relieving substance), and phenylephrine (a decongestant). You can buy it either as capsules or a liquid-product. With Dayquil, you can manage the symptoms of cold and flu. It further helps in treating symptoms – especially milder to severe ones.
Can I take Dayquil on an empty stomach?
If there are no signs of stomach ache while you consume Dayquil without food. Also not everyone who takes Dayquil – on an empty stomach - is likely to experience stomach upset. Most people do take Dayquil on an empty stomach. There is no compulsion that you need to take this drug after a meal. Food intake - while consuming Dayquil – is a personal choice. Only in very rare cases, you might experience a stomach upset.
However, if you experience stomach upset, you can take this drug with milk or food. To avoid dehydration, you can drink plenty of water while taking Dayquil. Fluids help loosen mucus in your lungs. Moreover, some people may experience nausea or an upset stomach when taking Dayquil. This occurs usually when you consume additional doses of Dayquil, on an empty stomach.
In general, DayQuil is a safe and a well-tolerated drug, and is known for its short-term cure to flu and cold. You can take this drug as daytime relief. However, you can expect a few side effects, most of which are mild and go away on their own.
Factors to keep in mind when taking DayQuil
Like any other drug, DayQuil comes with its own risks. Understanding how to use it carefully and safely is key to ensure it works best for you.
You can consume DayQuil orally with food or without it. You can take a dose usually every 4 to 6 hours as directed by your physician. You should ensure proper care when taking DayQuil and know its active ingredients, especially when you are on other medications that serve a similar purpose.
In addition, follow all the directions mentioned on the drug’s packaging. You can talk to your healthcare professional if you have other concerns regarding use of this drug.
Does DayQuil disturb your night’s sleep?
Your caregiver may suggest you to take Dayquil every four (4) hours. In a day, you can consume 3 – 4 doses, at regular intervals. Caveat: ensure not to take more than the recommended dosage level.
DayQuil Cough syrup can be taken every 6 - 8 hours during the day. Upon consuming
DayQuil, you might feel a bit drowsy due to its medicinal effects when compared to other cold and flu medications.
If you are sensitive to phenylephrine, you can opt for an alternative daytime cough and cold drug as a safe bet; make sure the alternative does not contain phenylephrine in it! You can check how this medication influences your sleeping patterns, and request your caregiver to alter dosage levels accordingly.
Who should not take DayQuil?
DayQuil is available in many forms. You can buy tablets - in chewable form or you may also use Dayquil made as a liquid suspension. DayQuil mostly contains aspartame or sugar i.e., in whichever form it is sold. Hence, diabetic patients or patients with symptoms of mild diabetes should exercise needful caution when taking Dayquil.
Beware: This medication may also contain alcohol as one of its ingredients. So, people who are addicted to alcohol, those who are living with liver problems like cirrhosis, phenylketonuria (PKU), or any other medical conditions should restrict / limit their use of Dayquil.
Your treating physician may not encourage you to use Dayquil if your child – aged less than 6 years – is suffering from symptoms of common cold. If you wish to do so, you need to get your caregiver’s approval prior to administering Dayquil onto your children. Moreover, some products like capsules or long-acting tablets are not a topline recommendation to children who are aged less than 12 years.
In all such cases, it is a wise thing to consult with your treating doctor or a pharmacist about the safety and efficacy of this drug prior to start using it.
What are the common side effects of DayQuil?
DayQuil is generally a safe drug to take. Most people who use Dayquil experience a few or nil adverse effects. Some of the commonly encountered side effects triggered by the use of Dayquil include being nervous, turning lightheaded, feeling dizzy or nauseated, pain in your lower abdomen, vomiting and difficulties to fall asleep.
Does Dayquil keep you awake? DayQuil may keep you awake because it often contains ingredients like decongestants that can cause alertness or restlessness in some people. Unlike NyQuil, it doesn’t have ingredients that make you sleepy. While not designed to boost energy, it may still affect sleep if taken close to bedtime. Individual reactions vary, so monitor how your body responds.
If you are too sensitive to this drug, have other medical conditions or if you are on some other meds that DayQuil reacts with, you are more likely to encounter a few serious side effects. These include serotonin syndrome and liver damage; the good news is such symptoms are quite rare to show up.
When to seek medical assistance?
You must ensure if it is safe for you to take DayQuil (a combination of dextromethorphan, acetaminophen, and pseudoephedrine) along with the other medications you are using now. Before you plan to stop using Dayquil or alter the dosage strength, you need to consult with your healthcare provider.
If you feel unusually disoriented or drowsy, you can stop using DayQuil; contact a healthcare professional immediately. If you experience severe side effects like tremors or breathing problems, dial 911 for emergency or visit a nearest medical facility. Above all, you need to inform your caregiver or pharmacist about all the other drugs you consume like your prescription medications or over-the-counter drugs, organic / herbal meds, vitamins, etc., and inform the caregiver of your current health condition.
Disclaimer
Information provided here are only of supplementary nature. Information shared here does not substitute a qualified doctor’s advice. This website is not suggesting intake of this drug as safe or appropriate. Hence it is advised to talk to your doctor before consuming this med or any other drug.