DayQuil and Ibuprofen
DayQuil
DayQuil is an OTC drug that can be used to treat headaches, sore throats, fever, cough, and other symptoms caused by the common cold, flu, or respiratory tract infections such as sinusitis and bronchitis.
Dayquil is one of the quil medications under the Vicks brand and is available in various formulations.
Dayquil contains Acetaminophen to relieve pain and reduce fever, Dextromethorphan to suppress cough, Phenylephrine to decongest the nose, and Guaifenesin, an expectorant that thins and loosens mucus, making it easier to cough up.
Ibuprofen
Ibuprofen on the other hand is a nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drug (NSAID) commonly used to relieve pain, reduce inflammation, and lower fever.
It works by inhibiting certain enzymes in the body that are responsible for producing chemicals that cause pain and inflammation.
Ibuprofen can be used to reduce headaches, muscle aches, menstrual cramps, dental pain, and minor injuries.
It is available in various forms, including tablets, capsules, liquid suspensions, and topical creams or gels.
How Long after DayQuil can you Take Ibuprofen?
Taking Dayquil and ibuprofen together may not be necessary in most cases.
While ibuprofen does not contain acetaminophen like Dayquil or Tylenol, which can increase the concentration and pose a threat to your liver, it’s advisable to take ibuprofen 4 to 6 hours after taking Dayquil.
Dayquil typically lasts for 5 hours in your body system, so the 2 drugs can work effectively without interactions.
For clarity’s sake, dayquil contains acetaminophen and not ibuprofen, however, dayquil does not have Advil in it.
Advil is a product that contains ibuprofen, and it’s often taken as a pain reliever with Dayquil to alleviate the symptoms of cold and sinus, and other related problems.
You can take any of Dayquil and ibuprofen first, and the other after some hours. This can help to provide better and longer relief when you spread the usage.
Do not mix Dayquil and Advil or ibuprofen unless it is directed by your physician.
How Long after taking DayQuil can you also Take Alcohol?
DayQuil is a combination medication like Nyquil as discussed above. Both Dayquil and Nyquil and other cough medications should not be taken with alcohol.
Alcohol can have effects on your CNS, and organ functions, therefore, interactions with Dayquil can lead to overdose, nausea and dizziness, an increase in sedative effects, and seizures.
Also, Phenylephrine in dayquil can interact with alcohol to cause gut issues.
Generally, mixing multiple medications can increase the risk of side effects or interactions. If you have to take alcohol, you should take it 5 hours after taking Dayquil or 4 hours before taking Dayquil.
Dayquil or Nyquil effects elapse after about 5 hours while alcohol can be ejected from your system in 3 to 4 hours.
Conclusion
It’s important to use both ibuprofen and Dayquil as directed by your physician and not exceed the recommended dosage.
Also, prolonged or excessive use or using with alcoholic drinks can lead to gastrointestinal irritation and other short or long-term negative effects.