How much Dayquil Cold and Flu can you take?

Adults and children ages 12 years and older can take up to 2 pills (or up to 2 tablespoonfuls for the liquid) of Dayquil Cold and Flu every 4 hours. Make sure to follow the instructions on the label of the product you have because the maximum amount you can take in one day can be different for a specific manufacturer or brand name. For example, you can take up to 8 LiquiCaps of [DayQuil Cold and Flu](https://dailymed.nlm.nih.gov/dailymed/drugInfo.cfm?setid=efb982d4-93d0-815f-e053-2995a90a82dd) within a 24-hour period, but you can take 10 caplets of [Tylenol Cold Max Day](https://dailymed.nlm.nih.gov/dailymed/drugInfo.cfm?setid=ac286993-0561-4a62-924c-d623d26ae1a4) within a day. Follow your healthcare professional's (HCP's) directions if they specifically recommended you to take Dayquil Cold and Flu differently than what's written on the labeling. Ask your HCP or pharmacist if you're not sure how much of the medication you can take and how often you should take it.

Can you take Dayquil Cold and Flu at night?

Yes, you can take Dayquil Cold and Flu at night if you need it. But keep in mind that it contains phenylephrine, which can potentially [keep you awake or disrupt your sleep at night](https://www.goodrx.com/phenylephrine-pe/sudafed-pe-side-effects#insomnia). To help prevent this from happening, it's best to take the medication at least 4 hours before going to bed.

Does Dayquil Cold and Flu make you sleepy or keep you awake?

It can potentially do either. Dayquil Cold and Flu contains dextromethorphan, which can [rarely cause drowsiness](https://www.goodrx.com/dextromethorphan/dextromethorphan-side-effects#drowsiness). Dayquil Cold and Flu also contains phenylephrine, which can [keep you awake at night](https://www.goodrx.com/phenylephrine-pe/sudafed-pe-side-effects#insomnia). Pay attention to how this medication affects your sleep and adjust your doses accordingly. If the medication makes you sleepy, take the last dose of the day closer to bedtime. And if it's keeping you awake, take the medication at least 4 hours before bedtime.

Can I take ibuprofen with Dayquil Cold and Flu?

It's generally safe to take [ibuprofen (Advil)](https://www.goodrx.com/ibuprofen/what-is) with Dayquil Cold and Flu to help treat pain. Keep in mind that there are some risks to consider with ibuprofen (Advil) as well. For example, ibuprofen (Advil) isn't appropriate for people with certain medical conditions, like [heart or kidney problems](https://www.goodrx.com/classes/nsaids/who-should-not-take). Also, don't take Dayquil Cold and Flu if you're currently taking or have taken a [monoamine oxidase inhibitor (MAOI)](https://www.goodrx.com/classes/maois), such as [selegiline](https://www.goodrx.com/selegiline/what-is) or [phenelzine (Nardil)](https://www.goodrx.com/phenelzine/what-is), in the last 2 weeks. This combination can raise your risk for severe side effects. Contact your HCP for other options to treat your cold or flu symptoms. Before you use ibuprofen (Advil) with Dayquil Cold and Flu, speak with a healthcare professional or pharmacist to make sure it's safe for you to take them together.

Can you take Dayquil Cold and Flu while pregnant?

Don't take Dayquil Cold and Flu until you've talked to your healthcare team first if you're pregnant. Dayquil Cold and Flu contains acetaminophen, dextromethorphan, and phenylephrine. While acetaminophen and dextromethorphan appear to be safe to use [during pregnancy](https://www.goodrx.com/conditions/pregnancy/cold-medicine-safe-for-pregnancy), the safety of phenylephrine isn't completely clear. Speak with a healthcare professional about the risks and benefits of taking Dayquil Cold and Flu.

Can I take Dayquil Cold and Flu while breastfeeding?

Yes, the medications in Dayquil Cold and Flu (acetaminophen, dextromethorphan, and phenylephrine) are generally [considered safe](https://www.goodrx.com/conditions/cold-symptoms/can-i-take-cold-medications-while-breastfeeding) while breastfeeding. Speak with a healthcare professional if you have concerns about whether it's okay to use this medication while you're breastfeeding.

acetaminophen / dextromethorphan / phenylephrine

Generic Dayquil

Used for Cold Symptoms, Cough, Fever, Pain

Dayquil Cold and Flu is a combination of three active ingredients: acetaminophen (an analgesic), dextromethorphan (a cough suppressant), and phenylephrine (a decongestant). Dayquil Cold and Flu helps treat symptoms from the common cold and flu in adults and children. It can relieve stuffy nose, cough, sore throat, headache, aches, and fever. Besides Dayquil Cold and Flu, this medication is available under many other brand names and as a generic. It's available as pills and a liquid that's typically taken every 4 hours. Side effects aren't common but can include stomach upset and nervousness.

Reviewed by:

Robert Chad Hakim, PharmD, BCCCP

Allison Gourley, PharmD

Last reviewed on March 18, 2024

What is Dayquil Cold and Flu?

What is Dayquil Cold and Flu used for?

Short-term relief of symptoms from the common cold and flu:
- Minor aches and pains
- Headache
- Stuffy nose (nasal congestion)
- Cough
- Sore throat
- Fever

How Dayquil Cold and Flu works

Dayquil Cold and Flu is a combination of three medications that work together to relieve symptoms caused by the common cold or flu.

Acetaminophen is an analgesic. It blocks inflammatory chemicals in your body to help relieve pain and lower fever.
Dextromethorphan is a cough suppressant that works in the brain to lower your urge to cough.
Phenylephrine is a decongestant that clears your sinuses to relieve stuffy nose and sinus pressure.

Are you looking for information on NyQuil Cold and Flu (acetaminophen / dextromethorphan / doxylamine) instead?

When does Dayquil Cold and Flu start working?Time passed since treatment started:

MINUTES

Initial effect

HOURS

Full effect

DAYS

WEEKS

MONTHS

Drug facts

Common BrandsVicks Dayquil Cold and Flu Multi-Symptom Relief, Theraflu Severe Cold and Cough, Tylenol Cold Max

Drug ClassAnalgesic / Cough suppressant / Decongestant

Controlled Substance ClassificationNot a controlled medication

Generic StatusLower-cost generic available

AvailabilityOver-the-counter

Side effects of Dayquil Cold and Flu

The following side effects may get better over time as your body gets used to the medication. Let your healthcare provider know immediately if you continue to experience these symptoms or if they worsen over time.

Common Side Effects

Dayquil Cold and Flu serious side effects

Contact your healthcare provider immediately if you experience any of the following.

Liver damage: severe stomach pain, yellowing of the skin or whites of the eyes, nausea, vomiting, loss of appetite
Serious skin reaction: skin reddening, blisters, rash
Serotonin syndrome: fast heart rate, sweating, muscle stiffness or spasms, high fever, confusion
Accidentally taking too much medication: seizures, high blood pressure, fast heart rate, hallucinations, confusion, yellowing of the skin or eyes, stomach pain

Source: DailyMed

More on Dayquil Cold and Flu side effects

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What Are the Side Effects of DayQuil?

Written by Alex Brewer, PharmD, MBA

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Pros and cons of Dayquil Cold and Flu

Pros

Can treat a wide variety of common cold or flu symptoms
More convenient to take three medications in a single dose
Available over the counter and as a lower-cost generic
Alcohol-free liquid forms of the medication are available

Cons

Might need to take as often as every 4 hours to relieve symptoms
More difficult to customize the dose since Dayquil Cold and Flu is a fixed combination of three medications
Might not be the best choice for people with certain medical conditions, such as high blood pressure
Might not be the best choice for people who drink alcohol regularly

Pharmacist tips for Dayquil Cold and Flu

You can take Dayquil Cold and Flu as needed for your cold and flu symptoms. But when you have symptoms that are currently bothering you, it's recommended that you take the medication on a scheduled basis by following the packaging directions or your healthcare professional's (HCP's) instructions. That way, you can get the most symptom relief from the medication.
For the liquid forms of Dayquil Cold and Flu: Use a medication dosing cup or an oral syringe to measure your dose. Ask your pharmacy if you need any extras. Don't use household spoons because they aren't accurate and might cause you to take the wrong dose.
You can take Dayquil Cold and Flu with or without food. If it upsets your stomach, try taking the medication with food.
Stop using Dayquil Cold and Flu and contact your HCP if any pain, cough, or nasal congestion gets worse or lasts more than a week; if your fever gets worse or lasts more than 3 days; or if your cough comes back or occurs with a rash or headache. Your HCP can check to see whether you need other treatment.
Stop taking Dayquil Cold and Flu and speak with your HCP if you have trouble sleeping; feel nervous or dizzy; or notice any redness, swelling, or any other new symptoms that appear while you're taking the medication. Your HCP can check to see whether Dayquil Cold and Flu is still appropriate and safe for you.
Speak to your primary care provider if you have severe sore throat pain; if your sore throat lasts for more than 2 days; or if you have a fever, headache, rash, nausea, or vomiting with or after your sore throat.
Tell your HCP and pharmacist about all the medications you're taking. Dayquil Cold and Flu can sometimes interact with other medications, such as warfarin (Coumadin), and raise your risk for side effects. Your HCP and pharmacist can make sure Dayquil Cold and Flu is safe for you to take with your other medications.
Talk with your HCP or pharmacist first before you start any new medications while you're taking Dayquil Cold and Flu. Avoid products that contain acetaminophen, other cough suppressants, or other decongestants while you're using Dayquil Cold and Flu. Since these medications have similar ingredients, taking them at the same time can raise your risk for serious side effects from accidentally taking too much medication.
Don't use Dayquil Cold and Flu if you're currently taking or have taken a monoamine oxidase inhibitor (MAOI), such as selegiline or phenelzine (Nardil), in the last 2 weeks. This combination can raise your risk for severe side effects. Contact your HCP for other options to treat your cold or flu symptoms.

Common questions about Acetaminophen/Dextromethorphan/Phenylephrine

Adults and children ages 12 years and older can take up to 2 pills (or up to 2 tablespoonfuls for the liquid) of Dayquil every 4 hours. Make sure to follow the instructions on the label of the product you have because the maximum amount you can take in one day can be different for a specific manufacturer or brand name. For example, you can take up to 8 LiquiCaps of DayQuil Cold and Flu within a 24-hour period, but you can take 10 caplets of Tylenol Cold Max Day within a day. Follow your healthcare professional's (HCP's) directions if they specifically recommended you to take Dayquil differently than what's written on the labeling. Ask your HCP or pharmacist if you're not sure how much of the medication you can take and how often you should take it.

Dayquil typically starts to work within 30 minutes. This is generally the time it takes for all the ingredients in Dayquil (acetaminophen, dextromethorphan, and phenylephrine) to work. The effects of the medication typically last for about 4 hours.

Yes, you can take Dayquil at night if you need it. But keep in mind that it contains phenylephrine, which can potentially keep you awake or disrupt your sleep at night. To help prevent this from happening, it's best to take the medication at least 4 hours before going to bed.

It can potentially do either. Dayquil contains dextromethorphan, which can rarely cause drowsiness. Dayquil also contains phenylephrine, which can keep you awake at night. Pay attention to how this medication affects your sleep and adjust your doses accordingly. If the medication makes you sleepy, take the last dose of the day closer to bedtime. And if it's keeping you awake, take the medication at least 4 hours before bedtime.

It's best to avoid drinking alcohol while you're taking Dayquil. Dayquil contains acetaminophen, dextromethorphan, and phenylephrine. Acetaminophen and alcohol can both affect your liver, and this combination can raise your risk for liver damage even further. In addition, drinking alcohol while taking medications containing dextromethorphan like Dayquil can make any dizziness worse, affect your ability to think clearly or react, and raise your risk for other serious complications. Speak with a healthcare professional about your drinking habits and whether Dayquil is appropriate for you.

It's generally safe to take ibuprofen (Advil) with Dayquil to help treat pain. Keep in mind that there are some risks to consider with ibuprofen (Advil) as well. For example, ibuprofen (Advil) isn't appropriate for people with certain medical conditions, like heart or kidney problems. Also, don't take Dayquil if you're currently taking or have taken a monoamine oxidase inhibitor (MAOI), such as selegiline or phenelzine (Nardil), in the last 2 weeks. This combination can raise your risk for severe side effects. Contact your HCP for other options to treat your cold or flu symptoms. Before you use ibuprofen (Advil) with Dayquil, speak with a healthcare professional or pharmacist to make sure it's safe for you to take them together.

Don't take Dayquil until you've talked to your healthcare team first if you're pregnant. Dayquil contains acetaminophen, dextromethorphan, and phenylephrine. While acetaminophen and dextromethorphan appear to be safe to use during pregnancy, the safety of phenylephrine isn't completely clear. Speak with a healthcare professional about the risks and benefits of taking Dayquil.

Yes, the medications in Dayquil (acetaminophen, dextromethorphan, and phenylephrine) are generally considered safe while breastfeeding. Speak with a healthcare professional if you have concerns about whether it's okay to use this medication while you're breastfeeding.

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Risks and warnings for Dayquil Cold and Flu

Dayquil Cold and Flu can cause some serious health issues. This risk may be even higher for certain groups. If this worries you, talk to your doctor or pharmacist about other options.

Liver damage

Risk factors: Drinking three or more alcoholic beverages a day | Taking other medications containing acetaminophen | Taking too much Dayquil Cold and Flu | History of liver problems

Warning Icon Taking too much acetaminophen (an ingredient in Dayquil Cold and Flu) can cause permanent and life-threatening liver damage. For adults, the maximum amount of acetaminophen is typically 4,000 mg in a 24-hour period. But it can be lower depending on your healthcare professional's (HCP's) instructions and your risk for liver damage. For children, ask your child's pediatrician.

blank warning icon Speak to your HCP before you use Dayquil Cold and Flu if you have liver problems because this medication can cause further damage to your liver. Limit or avoid drinking alcohol while taking you're this medication.

blank warning icon Call your HCP right away if you notice any symptoms of liver problems. These symptoms can include tiredness, dark urine, upset stomach, stomach pain, or yellowing of the skin or eyes.

Allergic skin reactions

Although rare, Dayquil Cold and Flu can cause serious skin reactions, like rash, blisters, skin reddening, or skin peeling. Stop using this medication and get medical help right away if you notice these types of changes in your skin.

Serotonin syndrome

Risk factors: Taking monoamine oxidase inhibitors (MAOIs) 14 days before starting Dayquil Cold and Flu | Taking other medications that raise serotonin levels in your brain

Serotonin syndrome is a rare, but potentially life-threatening condition that happens when there's too much serotonin in the brain. Serotonin is one of the chemicals in your brain that's responsible for your mood.

Your risk for this condition goes up if you use Dayquil Cold and Flu with other medications that affect serotonin levels, such as certain antidepressants, monoamine oxidase inhibitors (MAOIs), and migraine medications called triptans. Make sure your HCP and pharmacist know about all the medications (including over-the-counter medications and supplements) that you take or plan to take. They can check that Dayquil Cold and Flu is safe for you to take.

Get medical care right away if you have any symptoms of serotonin syndrome while you're taking Dayquil Cold and Flu. These symptoms can include fast heart rate, sweating, muscle stiffness or spasms, high fever, and confusion.

Accidentally taking too much medication

Dayquil Cold and Flu contains an analgesic (acetaminophen), a cough suppressant (dextromethorphan), and a decongestant (phenylephrine). These ingredients can also be found in many other over-the-counter products or prescription medications.

Using more than one medication containing acetaminophen, dextromethorphan, or a decongestant raises the risk that you might accidentally take too much of one of these ingredients. This can cause serious and sometimes life-threatening side effects, such as liver failure, seizures, high blood pressure, fast heart rate, hallucinations, or coma.

To lessen the risk of accidentally taking too much medication, read package labels carefully. Ask your pharmacist if you're not sure whether a product has any similar ingredients. Get medical help as soon as possible or contact a Poison Control Center at 1-800-222-1222 if you think you or a loved one accidentally took too much medication.

Worsening of certain medical conditions

Risk factors: Liver problems | Heart problems or high blood pressure | Thyroid problems | High blood sugar (diabetes) | Cough from smoking, asthma, or emphysema | Mucus-producing cough | Urinary conditions

Tell your HCP about all medical conditions you have or have had in the past before you start taking Dayquil Cold and Flu. It's possible that this medication can worsen your condition(s) and cause serious side effects. Your HCP can make sure that Dayquil Cold and Flu is appropriate for you and safe for you to take.

Dayquil Cold and Flu dosage

The average cost for 1 bottle of 237ml of 325mg/10mg/5mg/15ml of Dayquil Cold and Flu is $10.40 with a free GoodRx coupon.

Bottle of oral solution

Dosage	Quantity	Price as low as	Price per unit
237ml of 325mg/10mg/5mg/15ml	1 bottle	$10.40	$10.40
355ml of 325mg/10mg/5mg/15ml	1 bottle	$10.54	$10.54

Capsule

Dosage	Quantity	Price as low as	Price per unit
325mg/10mg/5mg	30 capsules	$10.16	$0.34

Typical dosage for Dayquil Cold and Flu

Note: This medication is made by several manufacturers. Some products might differ in dosage and directions. Check the product label or ask your pharmacist for directions specific to your medication and for how much you can take in a 24-hour period (typically 4 to 5 doses).

Below are examples of dosing instructions by product formulation and brand name.

Oral pills (e.g., DayQuil Cold and Flu, Tylenol Cold Max Day, generic formulations)
- Each pill contains 325 mg of acetaminophen, 10 mg of dextromethorphan, and 5 mg of phenylephrine.
- Adults and children 12 years and older: The typical dose is 2 pills by mouth every 4 hours while you're having symptoms.
- Children under 12 years old: Ask your child's pediatrician.
Oral liquids (e.g., DayQuil Cold and Flu, Theraflu Severe Cold and Cough Daytime)
- Each 15 mL (1 tablespoonful) contains 325 mg of acetaminophen, 10 mg of dextromethorphan, and 5 mg of phenylephrine.
- Adults and children 12 years and older: The typical dose is 30 mL (2 tablespoonfuls) by mouth every 4 hours while you're having symptoms.
- Children under 12 years old: Follow the directions on the product label or ask your child's pediatrician.

More on Dayquil Cold and Flu dosage

A liquid medicine cup and cough drop package sit before a yellow background.
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DayQuil Dosages: Your GoodRx Guide

Written by Tegan Smedley, PharmD, BCPS, APh

How much does Dayquil Cold and Flu cost?

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Dayquil Cold and Flu (generic)

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$10.16

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Dayquil Cold and Flu contraindications

Contraindications are specific health conditions or situations in which a person should not take a medication due to safety concerns. If you have any of the following conditions or if any of the following apply to you, let your healthcare provider know because Dayquil Cold and Flu will not be safe for you to take.

Take with any other medication containing acetaminophen
Currently take or have taken an MAOI in the last 2 weeks
Severe allergy to acetaminophen, dextromethorphan, or phenylephrine (or another decongestant)

What are alternatives to Dayquil Cold and Flu?

There are a number of medications that your doctor can prescribe in place of Dayquil Cold and Flu. Compare a few possible alternatives below.

Dayquil Cold and Flu

Used for:

Short-term relief of symptoms from the common cold and flu:
- Minor aches and pains
- Headache
- Stuffy nose (nasal congestion)
- Cough
- Sore throat
- Fever

$10.16Lowest GoodRx priceView prices

Mucinex Sinus Max

Used for:

Short-term relief of symptoms from allergies and the common cold:

Sinus congestion and pressure
Stuffy nose
Headache
Minor aches and pains
Phlegm (mucus) in the lungs
Fever

$10.35Lowest GoodRx priceView prices

Tylenol Cold and Flu Severe

Used for:

Short-term relief of common cold and flu symptoms, including:

Stuffy nose
Sinus congestion and pressure
Chest congestion
Cough
Sore throat
Minor aches and pains
Headache
Fever

$9.37Lowest GoodRx priceView prices

Dayquil Cold and Flu images

This medicine is Orange Bottle Of Oral Solution.orange - Foster & Thrive Daytime Cold & Flu Relief 325mg-10mg-5mg/15mL Solution

References

Best studies we found

Gelotte, C. K., et al. (2015). Pharmacokinetics, safety, and cardiovascular tolerability of phenylephrine HCl 10, 20, and 30 mg after a single oral administration in healthy volunteers. Clinical Drug Investigation.

Haleon US Holdings LLC. (2024). Theraflu Expressmax Daytime Nighttime Value Pack- acetaminophen, dextromethorphan hbr, phenylephrine hcl and acetaminophen, diphenhydramine hcl, phenylephrine hcl kit [package insert]. DailyMed.

Johnson & Johnson Consumer Inc. (2024). Tylenol Cold Max Day- acetaminophen, dextromethorphan hydrobromide, and phenylephrine hydrochloride tablet, film coated [package insert]. DailyMed.

GoodRx Health has strict sourcing policies and relies on primary sources such as medical organizations, governmental agencies, academic institutions, and peer-reviewed scientific journals. Learn more about how we ensure our content is accurate, thorough, and unbiased by reading our editorial guidelines.

acetaminophen / dextromethorphan / phenylephrine