Understanding NyQuil and Its Strong Medicinal Taste
NyQuil is one of the most popular over-the-counter cold and flu medications. But many complain about its strong and bitter medicinal taste.
What is NyQuil?
NyQuil is a combination drug intended to relieve multiple common cold and flu symptoms like:
- Aches and pains
- Fever
- Sore throat
- Nasal congestion
- Runny nose
- Coughing
It contains the active ingredients acetaminophen for pain and fever reduction plus dextromethorphan as a cough suppressant.
Alcohol Content
Most NyQuil formulations contain 10% alcohol. Alcohol may intensify drowsiness from antihistamine ingredients.
Strong Medicinal Flavor
The potent combination of active pharmaceutical ingredients gives NyQuil a distinctively strong, bitter and chemical-like flavor many find quite unpleasant.
Does All NyQuil Taste Bad?
The classic original green-label NyQuil liquid definitely tastes bad thanks to its high alcohol concentration and strong active ingredients.
But Vicks now offers several alternate NyQuil products with improved taste:
1. NyQuil Severe
Formulated without alcohol, NyQuil Severe liquid still has a strong medicine flavor.
2. NyQuil Cough Liquid
Focused on cough suppression, NyQuil Cough has a lighter cherry flavor.
3. NyQuil/DayQuil Liquicaps
The gel capsules contain the same medications without the syrupy liquid.
4. NyQuil Cherry Flavor
With 20% less alcohol plus added cherry flavoring it tastes slightly better than classic green NyQuil.
Tips to Improve NyQuil Taste
To help make taking NyQuil more palatable, try these simple tips:
Chase with Juice or Soda
Drink a strongly flavored juice like orange or grapefruit immediately after swallowing NyQuil to mask the taste.
Dilute with Water
Mixing NyQuil liquid with an equal portion of water weakens potency slightly but reduces the harsh flavor.
Try Zinc Lozenges
Sucking on a zinc lozenge briefly before and after taking NyQuil can overpower the medicine taste.
Use a Straw
A straw placed far back on your tongue allows the NyQuil to bypass taste receptors. Plug your nose too.
Rinse After with Listerine
The powerful minty tingle of mouthwash removes NyQuil flavor residue.
Eat First
Taking NyQuil immediately after eating something sweet or savory prevents direct contact with taste buds.
Opt for Capsules
The NyQuil gel caps bypass your mouth and taste buds entirely so you wont notice any unpleasant flavors.
Trying Natural Cold & Flu Remedies
Concerns over side effects or bad flavor has some avoiding drugstore offerings like NyQuil in favor of natural home remedies to find relief.
Soothing Honey
Honey coats sore throats, eases coughs, and provides antioxidants. Add to tea or take by the spoonful as needed.
Bacteria Busting Garlic
Containing antiseptic and anti-inflammatory compounds, garlic can help fight infections behind cold and flu illness.
Peppermint Steam
Inhaling the menthol vapors from hot peppermint tea can help clear congestion for easier breathing.
Zinc Lozenge Defense
Sucking on zinc lozenges daily boosts your immune system to help knock out cold and flu viruses naturally.
Probiotic Power
Taking a probiotic supplement when you have a cold or flu can help shorten duration by improving gut health and immunity.
Considering DayQuil Instead of NyQuil
As an alternative to NyQuil, Vicks also offers DayQuil. Whats the difference?
DayQuil Ingredients
DayQuil contains similar medications as NyQuil, including:
- Acetaminophen (325 mg)
- Dextromethorphan HBr (10 mg)
- Phenylephrine HCI (5 mg)
No Alcohol in DayQuil
A key distinction from NyQuil is DayQuil liquid products contain no alcohol, preventing daytime drowsiness.
Flavor Improved Slightly
Thanks to less bitter medicinal ingredients and added sweeteners, DayQuil may taste slightly better than NyQuil.
Daytime Use Recommended
As the names imply, NyQuil is formulated for nighttime relief while DayQuil offers relief you can take during daytime hours.
Combining NyQuil with Other Medications
Talk to your pharmacist or doctor before taking NyQuil alongside other drugs since negative interactions can occur.
Avoid Alcohol
Combining alcohol with NyQuil increases drowsiness and CNS depression. This slows heart rate and breathing to dangerous levels.
Don't Double Up with Acetaminophen
To prevent exceeding safe acetaminophen limits, check your other meds since its commonly added to prescription pain relievers.
May Intensify Other Drug Effects
The antihistamines, decongestants, cough medicine, and alcohol within NyQuil can heighten sedation and other effects of some antianxiety medications, sleeping pills and antidepressants.
Safely Giving NyQuil to Children
NyQuil contains multiple drugs with addiction potential and should never be given to children under 12 years without medical oversight.
Kids Under 6 Years
Children under 6 should not take NyQuil or any cough and cold medication without consulting their pediatrician first due to serious health risks.
Children's NyQuil Ages 6-12
A childrens version of NyQuil is available for ages 6-12. Measure doses carefully based on your childs age and weight as directed.
Avoid Alcohol-Based NyQuil
To prevent accidental alcohol poisoning, children should only use alcohol-free formulations under medical supervision.
Call Poison Control if your child takes too much NyQuil.FAQs
Does NyQuil make you drowsy?
Yes, NyQuil causes drowsiness due to ingredients like alcohol, antihistamines and dextromethorphan. It is meant to promote sleep, so avoid driving or operating machinery after taking it.
Is NyQuil or DayQuil better?
NyQuil works well for nighttime cold/flu relief as it causes sleepiness. DayQuil contains similar medications without drowsiness-inducing ingredients, making it the better choice during daytime hours when you can't sleep.
Can I take NyQuil every night?
No. NyQuil should only be taken occasionally as needed for colds and flu. Using it regularly long-term could lead to liver damage, addiction or complications from the alcohol and other drugs.
Can kids under 12 take NyQuil?
Children under 12 should not take the standard NyQuil. An alcohol-free children’s version is available for ages 6-12. But double check dosing with your pediatrician first for safety.
Disclaimer: This article is for informational purposes only and does not constitute medical advice. Always consult with a healthcare professional before starting any new treatment regimen.
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