Cold & Flu Treatment Over the Counter What You Need to Know About DayQuil Effectiveness and Considerations By Kristina Duda, RN Kristina Duda, RN Facebook LinkedIn Twitter Kristina Duda, BSN, RN, CPN, has been working in healthcare since 2002. She specializes in pediatrics and disease and infection prevention. Learn about our editorial process Updated on February 05, 2022 Medically reviewed Verywell Health articles are reviewed by board-certified physicians and healthcare professionals. These medical reviewers confirm the content is thorough and accurate, reflecting the latest evidence-based research. Content is reviewed before publication and upon substantial updates. Learn more. by Michael Menna, DO Medically reviewed by Michael Menna, DO Michael Menna, DO, is board-certified in emergency medicine. He is an attending emergency medicine physician at White Plains Hospital in White Plains, New York and also works at an urgent care center and a telemedicine company that provides care to patients across the country. Learn about our Medical Expert Board Print DayQuil Cold & Flu is a multi-purpose medication used to treat the common symptoms of a cold or flu. It is available in different formulations and designed to provide temporary relief of nasal congestion, cough, headache, sore throat, fever, and minor aches and pains. BSIP/UIG/Getty Images Formulation DayQuil is available in either a gel cap or syrup formulation. Both are orange-colored (in contrast to their nighttime counterpart, NyQuil, which is green). The syrup has a sweetened orange flavor with an antiseptic aftertaste. DayQuil contains the following active ingredients per 15-milliliter (ml) dose: Acetaminophen: 325 milligrams for pain and fever relief Dextromethorphan: 10 milligrams for cough suppression Phenylephrine: 5 milligrams for nasal decongestion Recommended Dosage of DayQuil The dosage of DayQuil varies by the formulation. For the standard syrup formulation, the recommended dosage is as follows: Adults and children over 12: two tablespoons (30 ml) every four hours with no more than six doses per 24 hoursChildren ages six to 12: one tablespoon (15 ml) every four hours with no more than five doses per 24 hours DayQuil should not be used in children under six unless under the direction of a pediatrician. Side Effects and Considerations While DayQuil is considered safe if used as directed, it can cause nervousness, dizziness, or sleepiness in some and should be avoided in the following circumstances: DayQuil can cause liver damage in people who drink more than three alcoholic beverages per day. Do not take DayQuil with other medications containing acetaminophen. Taking excessive acetaminophen may cause liver damage even in non-drinkers.Do not take DayQuil if you are taking a monoamine oxidase inhibitors (MAOIs) or have taken one in the past two weeks. MAOIs are a class of drug used to treat depression, anxiety, and other mood disorders.You should stop taking DayQuil and call your healthcare provider if your cold or flu symptoms worsen, last for more than seven days, or are accompanied by a fever lasting for more than three days. For children, the same rules apply if the cold or flu symptoms last for more than five days. Drug Effectiveness of DayQuil While the acetaminophen component of DayQuil is effective in treating cold symptoms such as a headache and fever, a 2010 study from Wake Forest University Baptist Medical Center suggested that ibuprofen is a far superior option for both adults and children. Acetaminophen is better known by the brand name Tylenol. Ibuprofen, meanwhile, is marketed under the brand names Advil and Motrin, among others. In terms of cough relief, the jury remains largely split. A study conducted in 2012 reviewed data from 26 randomized controlled trials and found that OTC cough formulations, including DayQuil, provided no better or worse relief over receiving no treatment at all. Frequently Asked Questions What are the ingredients in DayQuil? The active ingredients in DayQuil include Acetaminophen, dextromethorphan, and phenylephrine. Inactive ingredients include FD&C Red No. 40, FD&C Yellow No. 6, gelatin, glycerin, polyethylene glycol, povidone, propylene glycol, purified water, sorbitol special, and titanium dioxide. How often can you take DayQuil? You can take DayQuil every four hours, with no more than six doses in 24 hours. Will DayQuil make you tired? Even though it is marketed for daytime use, some people who take DayQuil report it makes them tired. Common side effects of DayQuil include nervousness, dizziness, or sleepiness. Was this page helpful? Thanks for your feedback! Looking to avoid getting the flu? Our free guide has everything you need to stay healthy this season. Sign up and get yours today. Sign Up You're in! Thank you, {{form.email}}, for signing up. There was an error. Please try again. What are your concerns? Other Inaccurate Hard to Understand Submit 0 Sources Verywell Health uses only high-quality sources, including peer-reviewed studies, to support the facts within our articles. Read our editorial process to learn more about how we fact-check and keep our content accurate, reliable, and trustworthy. Pierce, C. and Voss, B. "Efficacy and Safety of Ibuprofen and Acetaminophen in Children and Adults: A Meta-Analysis and Qualitative Review." Ann Pharmacother. 2010;44(3): 489-506. DOI: 10.1345/aph.1M332. Smith, S.; Schroeder, K.; and Fahey, T. "Over-the-Counter (OTC) Medications for Acute Cough in Children and Adults in A mbulatory Setting." Cochrane Database of Systematic Reviews. 2012; 8: CD001831. DOI: 10.1002/14651858.CD001831.pub4.