How Long Does DayQuil Last? [Answered]
DayQuil is a non-prescription medication produced by Procter & Gamble, designed to combat symptoms of colds and the flu. It contains several active ingredients, such as acetaminophen, dextromethorphan, and phenylephrine, which reduce inflammation and alleviate common cold symptoms, such as headaches, fever, body aches, and congestion. DayQuil is available in both liquid and capsule forms, and it is important to note that it is not interchangeable with NyQuil. Depending on the method of use, the duration for which DayQuil remains in your system may vary.
How Long Does DayQuil Last?
DayQuil is a medication that can provide relief from cold and flu symptoms for a duration of up to 4 hours after a 30 ml or 2 tablespoon dosage. The medication’s cough-relieving effects can last for up to 8 hours. DayQuil’s recommended dose can stay in your bloodstream for approximately 24 to 36 hours. The absorption rate of DayQuil is around 30 minutes, and its effects can be noticeable within half an hour of ingestion. One can take a dose of DayQuil every 4-8 hours throughout the day.
The gel capsules of DayQuil are designed to release the active ingredients, including dextromethorphan hydrobromide, in the intestines rather than in the stomach. Dextromethorphan hydrobromide (DXM) acts as an expectorant and a cough suppressant, helping to relieve congestion and coughing due to mucus. However, it is important to note that DXM is also a commonly abused recreational drug. Therefore, individuals may be interested in knowing how long DayQuil’s effects, particularly those of DXM, last in their system.
Ingredients of DayQuil
- DayQuil Cough: It contains 10 mg of dextromethorphan and 60 mg of guaifenesin.
- DayQuil Flu: It contains 4 mg dextromethorphan, 10mg diphenhydramine citrate, and 650mg acetaminophen in every 30 ml dosage.
- DayQuil Severe: Contains 5 mg dextromethorphan and 25 mg of chlorpheniramine maleate in every 30 ml dosage.
- DayQuil Cold & Flu: Contains 480mg acetaminophen, 10mg dextromethorphan, 60 mg guaifenesin, as well as 30 mg diphenhydramine citrate per 2 TBSP dosages.
Each taken from the 4-8 hour dosage schedule can last up to 2 days in your system. It is a slow-release formula so it will stay longer in your system.
So now you understand what is the formulation ingredient in DayQuil and now we will dive further in deep and get to know how long all of the above-mentioned drugs stay in your system.
- Dextromethorphan: The elimination period of dextromethorphan from your system is 33 hours. So it can stay longer in your body.
- Guaifenesin: It stays in your system for 4-5 hours.
- Diphenhydramine Citrate: It is a long-acting sedating antihistamine that can stay up to 5-7 days in your body system, but it depends on how much you take and the kind of kidney function you have. Diphenhydramine citrate is also used as an anti-nausea drug.
- Acetaminophen: It stays in your system for 24-36 hours after the single dosage of DayQuil. Prolonged use will accumulate acetaminophen in your body which can cause liver damage and even death if taken too much.
- Chlorpheniramine Maleate: The range in which it stays in your system is 2-5 days, but if you take a higher dosage than needed, then you can feel the side effects for a longer time.
So now that we know about all the ingredients of DayQuil and how long they stay in our body system. People usually ask when they can take another dose of DayQuil again, so I will answer this question here. You can take DayQuil after every 4-8 hours if needed.
It is advised not to overdose on DayQuil or any other drug used in the formulation of Dayquil because it can harm your body system. All drugs stay in your system depending on the amount you take and your body type. So never take more than the recommended dosage to avoid addiction and overdose.
For instance, if you are using DayQuil cold & flu for two days it can cause side effects like headache, drowsiness (similar experience to taking Xanax), anxiety, stomach problems, vomiting, or sweating too much. Below we will discuss the possible side effects of DayQuil.
How Does DayQuil Work?
DayQuil is an over-the-counter medication that is commonly used to treat symptoms of the flu and cold. Its formulation may vary depending on the brand, but it usually contains dextromethorphan hydrobromide, an active ingredient that helps to reduce coughing and relieve congestion caused by mucus. Dextromethorphan hydrobromide also acts as an expectorant, which is beneficial when dealing with colds.
It is crucial to follow the recommended dosage of DayQuil and avoid taking more than 4-8 doses per day. Overuse can lead to addiction and overdose, which can be dangerous to one’s health.
When a dose of DayQuil is ingested, it first goes into the stomach and then releases the active ingredients slowly as it passes through the liver. The liver breaks down these components into a safe form, which is then filtered by the kidneys and excreted as waste in the urine. The duration for which DayQuil stays in the body varies depending on kidney function, dosage, and age. Children under the age of 16 may use DayQuil because it doesn’t cause drowsiness, allowing them to attend school.
In cases of an overdose, the breakdown period of DayQuil in the body may be prolonged, resulting in an extended duration of the drug’s effects. This is particularly concerning and necessitates immediate medical attention. Therefore, it is essential to adhere to the recommended dosage guidelines to avoid any adverse effects.
What is NyQuil?
NyQuil is an over-the-counter medication used as a sleep aid and for relieving cold and flu symptoms. Like DayQuil, it contains dextromethorphan which acts as a cough suppressant and helps reduce the mental activity of the brain that causes movement, promoting sleepiness. Additionally, NyQuil also contains acetaminophen which can be effective in alleviating headaches and body pains.
NyQuil is available in liquid form and must be shaken well before consumption. As with any medication, it is important to adhere to the recommended dosage and not exceed the maximum amount. It is generally recommended to take one or two doses of NyQuil at night only and wait 4-8 hours before taking another dose. Excessive use of NyQuil can lead to harmful effects on the liver, so it is advised to consult a doctor before taking it, especially if you have any liver problems.
How much DayQuil should take?
Below is the table of recommended doses of DayQuil.
| DayQuil Type | Age | Recommended Dosage |
| Oral capsules | Adults and children 12 years and older | 2 capsules by mouth every 4 hours. Don’t take more than 8 capsules in a 24-hour period |
| / | Children 4 to 11 years old | Ask your child’s provider |
| / | Children 3 years and younger | Don’t use |
| Oral tablets | Adults and children 12 years and older | 2 tablets by mouth every 4 hours. Don’t take more than 10 tablets in a 24-hour period |
| / | Children under 12 years old | Ask your child’s provider |
| Oral liquid | Adults and children 12 years and older | 30 mL (2 tablespoons) by mouth every 4 hours. Don’t take more than 120 mL (8 tablespoons) in a 24-hour period |
| / | Children 6 to 11 years old | 15 mL (1 tablespoon) by mouth every 4 hours. Don’t take more than 60 mL (4 tablespoons) in a 24-hour period. |
| / | Children 4 to 5 years old | Ask your child’s provider |
| / | Children 3 years and younger | Don’t use |
How long do DayQuil side effects last?
First, we will see what are the common side effects of DayQuil, and then we’ll discuss how long the side effects last in your system.
Common Side Effects:
- Dizziness
- Headache and drowsiness
- Nausea and vomiting
- Fatigue and irritability
- Allergic reactions like sneezing, watery eyes, stuffy nose
- Stomach pain
- Difficulty sleeping
You can avoid most of these side effects by using DayQuil as per the recommended dosage.
Severe Side Effects:
- Hives
- Difficulty in swallowing and breathing
- Ringing in the ears and skin rashes
- High fever
- Rashes
- Red skin
- Excessive sleepiness
So if you ever encounter any of these side effects then immediately ask for help by calling 911 or contacting the poison control center. Note: It is studied that if you take grapefruit with dextromethorphan, it can boost the level of dextromethorphan in your body by 10 times. So be careful if you are taking DayQuil while drinking grapefruit juice.
Can I skip the dose?
It is important to adhere to the recommended dosage of medication as prescribed by your doctor. Skipping doses may affect the effectiveness of the treatment. However, if you have been taking medication as directed and you feel better, it is safe to discontinue its use.
In case you are taking other medications or have any underlying medical conditions, it is crucial to seek your doctor’s advice before discontinuing or altering the dosage of your medication. This is because certain medications may interact with each other, leading to adverse effects.
Can I Mix DayQuil With Alcohol?
Combining DayQuil with alcohol can lead to adverse effects such as nausea, vomiting, abdominal discomfort, and excessive drowsiness. The reason for this is that both DayQuil and alcohol depress the central nervous system, leading to an increased sedative effect when consumed together. It is recommended to avoid mixing these two substances as it can hinder the effectiveness of DayQuil and exacerbate its side effects.
Can I Mix DayQuil With Other Drugs?
Mixing DayQuil with other drugs can result in slower liver and kidney function, leading to a longer duration of the drug staying in your bloodstream. This can potentially cause adverse effects and slow down your body’s normal functioning. It may take several days or even weeks for your body to recover fully. Therefore, it is advisable to avoid mixing any drugs with DayQuil to ensure the quick and efficient working of the medication, as well as the timely recovery of your body.
How to Take DayQuil the Proper Way?
Ensuring proper medication administration is crucial for your well-being. Although it’s essential to follow your doctor’s instructions when taking medications, here are some tips to follow for safe medication consumption:
- Always read the label of the medication before consuming it.
- Measure the medication dosage precisely and take it as directed.
- Be aware of the medication’s side effects and report any unusual symptoms to your doctor.
- Avoid crushing, breaking, or chewing the medication unless your doctor allows it.
- Don’t share your medication with anyone else even if they have similar symptoms.
- Store your medications in a cool, dry place, away from children and pets.
- Dispose of expired or unused medication appropriately.
- If you have any questions about your medication or its administration, consult your doctor or pharmacist.
Follow the Prescription of your Doctor or Read the Label
It is crucial to always adhere to the prescription of your doctor when taking medication. The doctor has prescribed DayQuil for a specific reason and it’s important to follow their instructions. However, if you want to obtain additional information on how long DayQuil remains in your system, there are several things you can do to obtain this information. One such method is to examine the label on the DayQuil package to see what it states.
Medications can be categorized into three different groups: Drugs, Biologics, and Vaccines. These categories help in managing your symptoms during the day or preventing them altogether. Each of these categories contains different ingredients which can affect how long they remain active in your body. By understanding the medication you are taking, you can have an idea of how long DayQuil will stay in your system.
Use a Measuring Lid of a Bottle
It is essential to take your medication in the recommended doses. DayQuil often comes with measuring lids, but if it doesn’t, you can purchase them separately. Measuring lids come with dosage lines that help ensure you are using the correct amount of medication. This is important because taking too much DayQuil can lead to an overdose or other serious health problems.
Take an Antiemetic to Prevent Nausea and Vomiting
It is essential to follow your doctor’s recommendation and take the prescribed medication to prevent nausea and vomiting. If an antiemetic has been prescribed, it should be taken before any other medication. However, if you have any doubts about taking an antiemetic, it is always advisable to consult your doctor again for further guidance before taking any medication.
Tell your Medical History your Doctor
Disclosing your medical history, allergies, and current medications to your doctor is crucial to ensure the best treatment plan. These details aid your doctor in assessing how DayQuil can interact with your body and provide personalized recommendations accordingly. Therefore, it is essential to communicate any relevant information to your doctor for safe and effective medication use.
Factors that Can Affect the Long Lasting of DayQuil in Your System
When you consume medication, there are several factors that can impact how long the medication will stay in your body. These factors can influence the half-life and the overall duration of the medication’s effectiveness. It is important to be aware of these factors so that you can understand how the medication may affect you.
Age
Age is a crucial factor that can influence how long DayQuil remains in your system. Typically, older individuals will require a longer duration to eliminate the medication from their bodies in comparison to younger adults or children. If you are taking any other medications with DayQuil, you should also consider this factor as it may become more challenging for your liver and kidneys to metabolize the medication. This can lead to a longer duration of time for the medication to clear your body.
Your Sex
It is generally observed that women have a longer lifespan than men due to slower metabolism. However, women may require more time to recover from an injury or accident. In such cases, it is advisable to consult a doctor to determine the appropriate dosage of medication. This is because medication dosage may need to be adjusted based on gender, body weight, medical history, and other factors that may impact drug metabolism and elimination. By consulting a doctor, women can ensure that they are taking the right amount of medication to effectively treat their condition and minimize any potential side effects.
Weight or Body Mass
Your body weight is a crucial factor that affects how long a medication will last in your system. Generally, people with a higher body mass may need more time for the medication to travel through their bodies, whereas those who are lean may absorb the medication more quickly. It is important to take this into consideration when taking any medication, including DayQuil, to ensure you are taking the appropriate dosage for your body weight. Consulting with your doctor or pharmacist can help determine the correct dosage.
Your Metabolism Rate
The rate of metabolism is another crucial factor that can influence the duration of DayQuil in your system. If your metabolism rate is high, then the process of breaking down the medicine by your liver and kidneys will be faster, leading to a shorter lifespan of the medicine in your body. On the other hand, if your metabolism rate is low, then it will take a longer time for your body to eliminate the medicine. Knowing your metabolism rate can help you determine how long DayQuil will last in your system and adjust your dosage accordingly.
Alcohol Consumption
Alcohol consumption can impact the duration of DayQuil in your body. Regular or occasional alcohol drinkers may experience a shorter duration of DayQuil in their system as compared to non-drinkers due to the accelerated metabolism rate caused by alcohol. However, it is important to consult with your doctor to determine the appropriate dosage of medication, considering your alcohol consumption and its potential impact on your body’s ability to process the medication.
Your Eating Habits
Food intake is one of the factors that can influence how long a medication stays in your system. If you eat regularly, it can slow down the breakdown of the medicine, prolonging its lifespan in your body. On the other hand, if you take medication on an empty stomach, it can be absorbed more quickly, leading to a shorter lifespan. For example, if you consume DayQuil with a light snack or without eating, it may break down faster than if you take it with a full meal.
Body Fat Percentage
The amount of body fat a person has can impact the duration of DayQuil in their system. If someone has a higher percentage of body fat, it can take longer for the medication to break down due to the presence of enzymes in fatty tissues that contribute to the breakdown process. Conversely, if someone has a low body fat percentage, it may not significantly impact the duration of the medication in their system.
Food Consumption Before and After Taking Medicine
If you are someone who tends to eat frequently throughout the day, it is recommended to take your medicine after a full meal. You can consult with your doctor to determine which types of foods are preferable when taking the medication. This can help slow down the absorption of the medicine into your bloodstream and potentially increase its effectiveness.
Basal metabolic rate (BMR)
Basal metabolic rate (BMR) is a factor that influences how long DayQuil remains in your system. A higher BMR indicates that the medicine will be broken down and processed by your liver and kidneys more quickly. Conversely, individuals with a lower BMR may require more time to eliminate the medicine from their system compared to those with a higher BMR.
Kidney Health
The health of your kidneys plays a crucial role in the elimination of DayQuil from your body. A healthy kidney will process and remove the medicine more efficiently, resulting in a shorter half-life. On the other hand, if your kidneys are compromised due to any underlying disease or condition, it may take a longer time for DayQuil to be cleared from your system. This is because the toxins and waste products accumulate in your bloodstream, which affects the functioning of other organs as well. Therefore, if you have any kidney-related issues, it is important to consult with your doctor before taking any medication.
Liver Health
The health of your liver plays a significant role in how long DayQuil will last in your system. If your liver is healthy and functioning properly, it will efficiently break down the medicine, and it will be eliminated from your body in less time. However, if your liver is not functioning properly due to liver disease, excessive alcohol consumption, or other factors, it will take longer for the medicine to break down and be eliminated from your body. In such cases, the toxic substances may accumulate in your bloodstream, leading to adverse effects on other organs as well. It is always recommended to consult a doctor if you have any concerns regarding your liver health or any other medical condition that can impact how long the medicine stays in your system.
Body Mass Index
The amount of body fat a person has is an important factor in determining the length of time DayQuil stays in their system. Generally, people with higher levels of body fat will have a longer elimination half-life of the medicine compared to those who have less body fat. This is because fat tissues can absorb and store the medicine, which slows down its metabolism and excretion. Conversely, individuals with lower body fat will typically eliminate the medicine from their system more quickly.
Dosage
Proper dosage is crucial in determining how long DayQuil stays in your system, and it’s important to consult with your doctor to determine the appropriate dose for you. Taking too much or too little of the medication can have a significant impact on its duration in your body.
F.A.Q
How long does DayQuil last in your system?
DayQuil will last in your system for around four hours. It is important to note that everyone’s body is different and will metabolize the medication differently, so it is always best to ask a doctor if you are unsure.
When will DayQuill expire?
The DayQuil expiration date will be printed on the bottle. It is typically good for around four years past the manufacture date.
What are the active ingredients of DayQuil?
DayQuil’s active ingredients include acetaminophen, dextromethorphan HBr (cough suppressant), phenylephrine HCl (nasal decongestant), and doxylamine succinate (nighttime cold/allergy symptom reliever).
What is DayQuil’s dosage?
The typical dosages for adults and children over age 12 are one tablet every four to six hours as needed for fever or pain, or two tablets every eight hours. Children 6-12 years old should take half the adult dose. Two teaspoons of syrup can be taken every four to six hours as needed for coughs. Do not give more than eight doses in 24 hours.
Which medications can potentially interact with DayQuil?
DayQuil is a combination of four different medications, so it is important to be wary of interactions between these components and any other medication being taken. Acetaminophen can potentially interfere with certain blood thinners, diuretics, and cholesterol-lowering drugs. Dextromethorphan should not be consumed alongside monoamine oxidase inhibitors (MAOI), opioids, or risperidone. Phenylephrine increases the risk for high blood pressure while phenytoin may increase phenylephrine levels in the body. Finally, doxylamine can cause drowsiness when used together with other sedating drugs like antihistamines, tranquilizers, antidepressants, opioids, and alcohol.
What are the side effects of DayQuil?
Some potential side effects include increased or uneven heart rate; anxiety; confusion; excitability; fast heartbeat; loss of appetite; nausea and vomiting; nervousness; restlessness; trouble sleeping (insomnia); unusual tiredness or weakness (fatigue); and cold symptoms such as stuffy nose (stuffy nose), sneezing, cough (mild cough), or sore throat (sore throat).
Why is it important to be mindful of interactions when taking DayQuil?
It is important to be mindful of drug interactions when taking DayQuil for two reasons: it can potentially lead to an overdose taken with other medicines that also interferes with breathing, and it can enhance the effects of another drug when taken together.
What are some warnings for people who should avoid taking DayQuil?
People who have an ulcer or other stomach problems; high blood pressure; thyroid disease; glaucoma; prostate problems; heart problems; diabetes; trouble urinating due to an enlarged prostate gland (prostate hypertrophy); and asthma should not take DayQuil. People who are pregnant or breastfeeding should also avoid using DayQuil unless specifically instructed by a doctor.
Can children consume DayQuill?
Yes, but dosage instructions depend on age and weight. It is important to always check dosage instructions before administering medicine to small children.
Conclusion
In Conclusion, it is crucial to take caution when using DayQuil to avoid potential interactions with other medications and any adverse effects. It is also essential to strictly adhere to the dosage instructions for children and if pregnant or breastfeeding. Furthermore, closely following the expiration dates on medication packaging can reduce the risk of overdose.
Please note that this article is for informational purposes only and should not be substituted for professional medical advice. Before starting a new medication regimen, please consult with your doctor or pharmacist.