NyQuil is an over-the-counter (OTC) medication from Vicks.

SomeOTC cold and cough medicinescontain alcohol, which requires extra precaution when taking them.

Many NyQuil products contain 10% alcohol as a solvent.

Dayquil Severe and Nyquil Severe cold and flu medicine combination pack on a shelf

Getty Images /Bloomberg/ Contributor

However, there are a few alcohol-free products.

Avoid consuming alcohol when taking NyQuil.

It can cause side effects like dizziness or drowsiness and even lead to liver damage.

Getty Images /Bloomberg/ Contributor

Which NyQuil Products Have Alcohol?

NyQuilis 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.

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.

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 Shouldnt Take Alcohol-Containing NyQuil?

NyQuil is not safe for people with liver problems.

Their active ingredients include:

Summary

NyQuil is an OTC medicinefor 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.

DailyMed.Label: Vicks NyQuil alcohol-free cold and flu nighttime relief acetaminophen, chlorpheniramine maleate, and dextromethorphan hydrobromide liquid.

DailyMed.Vicks Nyquil Children’s Cold and Cough- chlorpheniramine maleate, dextromethorphan hbr liquid.

National Institute on Alcohol Abuse and Alcoholism.Alcohol’s effects on health.