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NyQuil
NyQuil
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NyQuil
TypeMedication
Inception1966
ManufacturerVicks
Websitevicks.com/en-us/shop-products/nyquil

Vicks NyQuil is a brand of over-the-counter medication manufactured by Procter & Gamble intended for the relief of various symptoms of the common cold. All medications within the NyQuil imprint contain sedating antihistamines; they are intended to be taken before sleep. Its daytime counterpart is antihistamine-free DayQuil, formulated to avoid drowsiness. NyQuil is also used as a sleep aid.[1] NyQuil was first marketed in the United States in 1966.[2][3]

Products

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NyQuil Cold/Flu Multisymptom Relief

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The liquid version of NyQuil Cold/Flu Multi-symptom Relief, available in syrup and LiquidCap form. The recommended adult dose contains:

The LiquiCap capsule version has the following active ingredients per pill, half the recommended adult dose:

  • Acetaminophen (325 mg/pill) (pain reliever/fever reducer)
  • Dextromethorphan (15 mg/pill) (cough suppressant)
  • Doxylamine succinate (6.25 mg/pill) (antihistamine/hypnotic)

The liquid version of NyQuil SEVERE Cold/Flu Multi-symptom Relief,[4] available in syrup and LiquidCap form. The recommended adult dose contains:

  • Acetaminophen (650 mg/30 mL) (pain reliever/fever reducer)
  • Dextromethorphan (20 mg/30 mL) (cough suppressant)
  • Doxylamine succinate (12.5 mg/30 mL) (antihistamine/hypnotic)
  • Phenylephrine (10 mg/30 mL) (nasal decongestant)

The LiquiCap capsule version has the following active ingredients per pill, half the recommended adult dose:

  • Acetaminophen (325 mg/pill) (pain reliever/fever reducer)
  • Dextromethorphan (15 mg/pill) (cough suppressant)
  • Doxylamine succinate (6.25 mg/pill) (antihistamine/hypnotic)
  • Phenylephrine (5 mg/pill) (nasal decongestant)

NyQuil D

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NyQuil D contains pseudoephedrine, a decongestant that in some regions (such as the United States) is now placed behind the counters at pharmacy and other retail stores and must be requested by the customer. It contains the following active ingredients (15 mL is one tablespoon, half the recommended adult dose):

NyQuil Cough

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Nyquil Cough contains a cough suppressant and antihistamine but no painkiller. Its active ingredients are:

NyQuil Sinus

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Nyquil Sinus's active ingredients are:

Nyquil Sinus is available as LiquiCaps only.

ZzzQuil

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ZzzQuil is a sleep aid, and is not a treatment for pain or cold/flu symptoms. Its active ingredient is:

Children's NyQuil

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Children's NyQuil is artificially flavored for easier consumption by children and contains no alcohol.[5] It is available in the syrup form only. Its active ingredients are:

Reformulation

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Until 2006, NyQuil Cold/Flu Multisymptom Relief and NyQuil Sinus contained pseudoephedrine (30 mg/15 mL), a nasal decongestant that also formed the active ingredient in Sudafed. Following the passage of the Combat Methamphetamine Epidemic Act in 2006, in the United States all pseudoephedrine-containing medications must be kept behind a pharmacy counter and all purchases must be logged.[citation needed]

Vicks chose to reformulate NyQuil Sinus in 2006, replacing pseudoephedrine with phenylephrine. However, studies have shown that phenylephrine is no more effective than a placebo.[6] As of 2012, the only NyQuil variety which contains pseudoephedrine is Nyquil D.[7]

References

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[edit]
Revisions and contributorsEdit on WikipediaRead on Wikipedia

NyQuil

View on Grokipedia
from Grokipedia
NyQuil is a of over-the-counter liquid or capsule medication manufactured by , a of , designed for nighttime relief of multiple and flu symptoms such as due to minor throat and bronchial irritation, , , minor aches and pains, fever, runny nose, and sneezing. Introduced in , it pioneered the multi-symptom nighttime cold and flu formula by combining symptom-relieving agents with a sedating to facilitate sleep without narcotic ingredients, building on ' earlier innovations in non-opioid syrups from the . The standard formulation contains acetaminophen (325 mg per dose) as a pain reliever and fever reducer, hydrobromide (15 mg) as a suppressant, and succinate (6.25 mg) as an that induces drowsiness. While effective for short-term use as directed, NyQuil's acetaminophen component poses a risk of severe liver damage if exceeded or combined with alcohol, and its can cause , dry mouth, or , with misuse for recreational effects or chronic sleep aid leading to dependency concerns.

History

Development and Early Formulation

NyQuil was developed by the Chemical Company in the mid-1960s as the first over-the-counter liquid medication targeting multiple and flu symptoms simultaneously during nighttime use. Building on ' earlier innovations, including the 1958 launch of Formula 44—a non-narcotic syrup—and broader efforts in the 1950s to create syrups free of ingredients like , NyQuil consolidated relief for , congestion, sneezing, aches, fever, and into one product to simplify treatment and leverage sleep's restorative effects. The name derived from "nighttime quility," emphasizing tranquility and rest. The original formulation, test-marketed and launched in fall , featured a brown liquid syrup with 25% alcohol content to aid solubility and provide a warming sensation. Active ingredients included for nasal decongestion, succinate as an for sneezing and , acetaminophen for and fever reduction, and hydrobromide as a cough suppressant. This combination marked a shift toward multi-symptom efficacy without relying on narcotics, reflecting ' research-driven approach to consumer needs for convenient, comprehensive relief amid growing regulatory scrutiny of opioid-based remedies. No single individual is credited with its invention; it emerged from ' team efforts. Early iterations prioritized a coated-throat feel and vapor-like soothing, aligning with ' legacy from products like VapoRub, though subsequent reformulations adjusted ingredients—for instance, reducing alcohol to 10% and later replacing with alternatives due to regulatory changes on decongestants. The development underscored a focus on empirical symptom targeting over single-ingredient remedies prevalent at the time.

Launch and Initial Market Reception

NyQuil was launched in the fall of by the Chemical Company as the first multi-symptom nighttime , , and flu relief medication available in a single liquid formulation. The product's name derived from "nighttime tranquility," emphasizing its role in promoting sleep alongside symptom relief for issues such as , sneezing, , , minor pain, and fever. It included a dosing cup for precise administration, addressing prior inconveniences of combining multiple separate remedies, which had been the standard approach for symptom management. Initial market reception was strongly positive, with NyQuil achieving rapid popularity as an innovative convenience product building on ' established reputation in over-the-counter remedies. By early 1969, local pharmacists, such as Patrick Alkire in , reported its widespread adoption among s, attributing success to ' aggressive marketing tactics including direct home sampling and that highlighted comprehensive relief and the therapeutic value of . substantiated early efficacy claims with internal testing data showing 87% of users experiencing positive results from its combination of active ingredients, a figure later scrutinized by the in reviews of remedy advertising. This quick uptake positioned NyQuil as a market leader in nighttime relief shortly after debut, reflecting for simplified, all-in-one treatments amid the era's growing pharmaceutical accessibility.

Ownership Transitions and Corporate Evolution

NyQuil was developed and first marketed in 1966 by Vicks Chemical Company, a subsidiary of Richardson-Vicks Inc., which had evolved from the original Vicks Family Remedies founded by pharmacist Lunsford Richardson in Greensboro, North Carolina, in 1894 to produce proprietary remedies including the iconic Vicks VapoRub. Richardson-Vicks grew into a diversified consumer goods firm, incorporating brands like Vicks cold remedies, NyQuil, and Oil of Olay, and by the early 1980s operated as a Fortune 250 company with significant international presence in over-the-counter medications. In , Richardson-Vicks faced an unsolicited takeover attempt by , prompting the company to accept a friendly acquisition offer from (P&G) for approximately $1.2 billion, or $69 per share, marking P&G's largest acquisition to date and securing the portfolio, including NyQuil, within its division. The deal, finalized in late , integrated NyQuil into P&G's broader strategy of expanding in personal through innovation and global distribution, while allowing Richardson-Vicks' management to retain influence over the brands initially. Since the acquisition, P&G has maintained ownership of the NyQuil brand under its line, with no subsequent divestitures affecting the core product; the company has instead focused on formulation updates, such as introducing alcohol-free variants and extended-relief options, to adapt to regulatory changes and consumer preferences while leveraging P&G's and resources for sustained market leadership in nighttime cold relief. This evolution has positioned NyQuil as a within P&G's over-the-counter portfolio, contributing to annual sales exceeding $1 billion through brand extensions like NyQuil Severe and combination packs with .

Composition

Active Pharmaceutical Ingredients

The standard formulation of NyQuil Cold & Flu contains three active pharmaceutical ingredients: acetaminophen, , and . These components target , fever, , and sleep disruption associated with and flu symptoms, with dosages calibrated for nighttime relief in adults. Per 30 mL dose (or equivalent in LiquiCaps), the ingredients are acetaminophen 650 mg ( reliever and fever reducer), HBr 30 mg ( suppressant), and doxylamine succinate 12.5 mg (). Acetaminophen, also known as , acts centrally to inhibit synthesis in the , reducing perception and fever by affecting the hypothalamic heat-regulating center. hydrobromide functions as a non-opioid antitussive by suppressing the in the , providing relief from dry, non-productive coughs without narcotic effects. succinate, a first-generation , blocks H1 receptors to alleviate runny nose and sneezing while inducing drowsiness via central and properties, aiding sleep during illness. Variant formulations, such as NyQuil Severe, incorporate an additional , phenylephrine hydrochloride 10 mg per 30 mL dose, a that stimulates alpha-adrenergic receptors to constrict nasal blood vessels and reduce congestion. Dosages remain consistent across liquid and capsule forms, with LiquiCaps providing half the per-unit amount (e.g., acetaminophen 325 mg per capsule) to match the liquid equivalent when two are taken. All s are over-the-counter pharmaceuticals approved by the FDA for symptomatic relief, with no prescription required.

Inactive Components and Delivery Forms

NyQuil formulations incorporate various inactive ingredients functioning as , preservatives, flavorings, colorants, sweeteners, and stabilizers to enhance stability, , and of the active pharmaceutical ingredients. These components differ across product variants and delivery forms, with alcohol often serving as a in versions at approximately 10% concentration by to aid dissolution and contribute to the overall formulation's and profile. In the liquid form, typical inactive ingredients include anhydrous for pH adjustment, FD&C Blue No. 1 and FD&C Red No. 40 for coloring, artificial flavors, glycerin as a , propylene glycol as a co-solvent, as the primary vehicle, saccharin sodium as a non-nutritive , as a , and sorbitol solution for additional sweetness and texture. Variants such as NyQuil Severe Cold & Flu Original Liquid may also contain D&C Yellow No. 10 and FD&C Yellow No. 6, reflecting flavor-specific adjustments like berry or alcohol-free options in certain markets. For LiquiCaps, which are soft gelatin capsules enclosing a liquid fill, inactive ingredients commonly consist of FD&C No. 1 for tinting, for the capsule shell, glycerin as a , and as solubilizers in the fill, povidone as a binder, , and solution; D&C Yellow No. 10 may appear in some for opacity or . These excipients ensure capsule integrity and prevent leakage while facilitating rapid disintegration upon ingestion. NyQuil is primarily available in two delivery forms: oral liquid, administered via a dosing cup, and LiquiCaps (soft gelatin capsules). Standard NyQuil formulations (e.g., Cold & Flu) are dosed at 30 mL liquid or 2 LiquiCaps every 6 hours for adults, not exceeding 4 doses per 24 hours (maximum 120 mL or 8 LiquiCaps). NyQuil Severe (with added decongestant phenylephrine) is dosed at 30 mL liquid or 2 LiquiCaps every 4 hours, not exceeding 4 doses per 24 hours. The liquid form supports measured dosing and is suitable for those preferring flavored suspensions, while LiquiCaps offer portability and ease for on-the-go use without measuring. Certain variants, such as NyQuil Severe, extend to caplets or tablets for users seeking solid oral dosage without liquid components, though these are less prevalent in core NyQuil offerings.

Therapeutic Applications

Indicated Symptoms and Mechanisms of Action

NyQuil Cold & Flu, the core formulation, is indicated for the temporary relief of common cold and flu symptoms, specifically cough due to minor throat and bronchial irritation, sneezing, runny nose, minor aches and pains, and fever. These indications are based on the symptomatic management rather than treating the underlying viral infection, as no over-the-counter medication cures the common cold or influenza. The product's therapeutic effects arise from its three active ingredients per 30 mL dose: acetaminophen 650 mg (pain reliever and fever reducer), hydrobromide 30 mg (cough suppressant), and succinate 12.5 mg (). Acetaminophen exerts its action primarily through direct effects on the hypothalamic heat-regulating centers, promoting peripheral , sweating, and heat loss to lower fever; its analgesic effects involve central inhibition of synthesis, though the precise mechanism remains incompletely elucidated and may include activation of descending serotonergic pathways. suppresses cough by acting centrally on the medullary cough center, modulating sigma-1 receptors and reducing the without significant activity at therapeutic doses. functions as an H1-receptor antagonist, competitively blocking to alleviate sneezing and runny nose by reducing and secretion; its prominent properties stem from effects and CNS depression, aiding nighttime relief. In variants like NyQuil Severe, additional ingredients such as (a acting via alpha-adrenergic stimulation to constrict nasal blood vessels) or guaifenesin (an expectorant that increases fluid to loosen ) may address symptoms like or productive , but these are not present in the standard formula. The combined formulation targets multiple symptoms synergistically, with doxylamine's sedation promoting , which can support natural recovery processes during illness.

Empirical Evidence on Efficacy

NyQuil's efficacy for relieving and flu symptoms, such as , , runny nose, sneezing, , , and fever, is primarily attributable to its active ingredients rather than synergistic effects demonstrated in whole-product trials, as direct randomized controlled trials (RCTs) on the complete formulation are scarce. Acetaminophen provides analgesia and antipyresis, reducing fever and associated discomfort in adults with upper respiratory infections, with systematic reviews confirming its effectiveness in symptom relief without prolonging illness duration. , the cough suppressant, demonstrates modest antitussive activity in acute associated with upper respiratory tract infections, as evidenced by meta-analyses of placebo-controlled studies showing significant reductions in objective cough frequency and subjective severity, though clinical relevance is debated due to small effect sizes. Doxylamine succinate, an , contributes to alleviating and sneezing, with one RCT indicating significant reductions in these symptoms compared to in volunteers with induced upper respiratory symptoms. However, broader Cochrane reviews of for the find limited standalone efficacy, though combinations with analgesics and may offer general symptom improvement in adults. Oral , included in some NyQuil variants as a , lacks demonstrable efficacy for , with FDA reviews and systematic analyses concluding it performs no better than due to poor and failure in modern RCTs. Overarching Cochrane assessments of over-the-counter and medications, including antitussives and combinations, reveal no robust supporting or refuting their use for acute in community settings for adults or children, highlighting methodological challenges like subjective endpoints and the self-limiting nature of viral infections. One comparative study found /NyQuil equivalent to other symptomatic treatments like DM plus in controlling signs and symptoms, with fewer adverse effects, but such direct remains limited. Overall, while individual components provide targeted relief for specific symptoms, NyQuil does not alter disease course and offers primarily palliative benefits, with efficacy tempered by responses and variability in patient response.

Safety Profile

Common Side Effects and Precautions

The most frequently reported side effects of NyQuil, particularly in its standard cold and flu formulations, are attributable to doxylamine succinate, an that induces sedation, and include drowsiness, , dry mouth, , and . Additional gastrointestinal effects such as , upset stomach, or may occur, often linked to or overall formulation components. Less commonly, users experience or mild nervousness, though these are typically transient at recommended doses. Precautions emphasize avoiding activities requiring mental alertness, such as or operating machinery, due to doxylamine's potent effects, which can persist into the following day and are heightened in older adults or those with conditions like or enlargement. Alcohol consumption must be strictly avoided, as it amplifies and elevates risks of respiratory impairment. The acetaminophen component necessitates limiting intake to no more than four doses in 24 hours to prevent , particularly when combined with other acetaminophen-containing products; many Children's NyQuil formulations contain acetaminophen, and combining them with other acetaminophen products such as Children's Tylenol can lead to overdose and severe liver damage. Users should always check product labels for ingredients and consult a healthcare professional before combining medications, especially for children. Some Children's NyQuil variants do not contain acetaminophen (e.g., Cold & Cough + Congestion Relief). Individuals with , chronic alcohol use, or require medical consultation prior to use. NyQuil products, including Children's NyQuil (or NyQuil Kids), are not recommended for children under 6 years old unless directed by a doctor; there is no standard dosage provided for children under 6. For children 6 to under 12 years, the dosage is 15 mL every 4 hours as needed, not exceeding 4 doses in 24 hours. Always consult a doctor for young children due to potential risks with cough and cold medicines. Adult NyQuil formulations are not recommended for children under 12 without physician approval, and are absolutely contraindicated for children under 2 years old, such as 1.5-year-old toddlers, as they are intended solely for individuals aged 12 and older; administration to toddlers can result in serious harm, including overdose, severe sedation, slowed or stopped breathing, and other life-threatening side effects due to their small body size and developing physiology, exacerbated by ingredients like acetaminophen, dextromethorphan, doxylamine, phenylephrine, or alcohol. Persistent symptoms beyond seven days for or three days for fever warrant discontinuation and professional evaluation.

Overdose Risks and Drug Interactions

Overdose of NyQuil, which primarily contains acetaminophen, , and , poses significant risks due to the hepatotoxic potential of acetaminophen and the (CNS) depressant effects of its components. Acetaminophen overdose, even at doses exceeding 4 grams per day in adults, can lead to , with initial symptoms including , , , and sweating, progressing to , , and death if untreated; the FDA reports that severe liver damage occurs from excessive intake, often compounded by alcohol consumption present in some formulations. overdose may cause dissociation, hallucinations, seizures, , respiratory depression, and , particularly at doses above 1.5-2 grams, as documented in clinical toxicology reviews. overdose contributes to profound sedation, confusion, , agitation, , and seizures, with severe cases involving >1 gram ingestion leading to or , akin to other first-generation antihistamines. Combined ingestion amplifies these effects, with case reports linking NyQuil misuse to unintentional from acetaminophen and synergy. Management of NyQuil overdose requires immediate medical intervention, including activated charcoal if within 1-2 hours, N-acetylcysteine for acetaminophen toxicity (effective up to 24 hours post-ingestion), supportive care for CNS symptoms, and monitoring for multi-organ failure; poison control centers emphasize that symptoms may be delayed, underscoring the need for serum acetaminophen levels to guide . Risk factors include chronic alcohol use, , or concurrent medications that impair liver , with pediatric overdoses particularly dangerous due to lower therapeutic thresholds. NyQuil exhibits extensive drug interactions, primarily through additive CNS depression and metabolic pathways. Doxylamine and potentiate , dizziness, and respiratory depression when combined with other antihistamines, benzodiazepines, opioids, or alcohol, affecting over 500 medications including , , and sertraline; databases highlight moderate to major interactions leading to impaired psychomotor function. interacts severely with monoamine oxidase inhibitors (MAOIs), risking characterized by , rigidity, and autonomic instability. Acetaminophen may enhance anticoagulant effects of or increase with other analgesics, while phenylephrine-containing variants (in some severe formulas) contraindicate use with beta-blockers or antidepressants due to hypertensive crises. Alcohol exacerbates all risks, including and profound , with guidelines recommending avoidance of entirely during use. Patients on CYP2D6 inhibitors (e.g., ) face prolonged effects due to reduced metabolism.

Misuse and Public Health Concerns

Dextromethorphan Abuse Patterns

(DXM) abuse patterns center on the intentional ingestion of high doses—typically 200-1500 mg or more, equating to 5-15 times the standard therapeutic amount—to induce , euphoric, and hallucinogenic effects categorized into "plateaus" based on dosage levels, with lower plateaus mimicking mild intoxication and higher ones resembling or experiences. This recreational use, slang-termed "robotripping" or "robo-dosing," primarily involves adolescents and young adults consuming DXM-laden over-the-counter syrups, gels, or tablets orally, often in sessions to achieve rapid onset effects within 30-60 minutes. Products like NyQuil, which contain approximately 30 mg DXM hydrobromide per 30 mL dose alongside sedating antihistamines such as , are occasionally abused for amplified sedative- synergy, though pure DXM formulations or those combined with guaifenesin (e.g., Robitussin) predominate due to easier extraction and fewer emetic side effects from expectorants. Epidemiological data indicate peak among teens, with the 2021 Monitoring the Future survey reporting 2.7% of 10th graders and 1.7% of 12th graders admitting past-year recreational use of over-the-counter or cold medications, predominantly for DXM's psychoactive properties. control records show approximately 6,000 annual U.S. visits linked to DXM , half involving individuals aged 12-25, reflecting patterns of polysubstance experimentation where DXM serves as an accessible, low-cost . National Data System analyses reveal a mean annual of 13.4 DXM cases per million across all ages, rising to 113 per million for ages 15-24, with intentional exposures often clustered in urban areas and tied to online forums promoting dose escalation. Temporal trends demonstrate escalation followed by stabilization: single-substance DXM intentional calls to poison centers tripled from 2000 to 2006, peaking at 17.6 calls per million population, before plateauing through 2015 amid growing awareness and age restrictions. Reported among U.S. 8th, 10th, and 12th graders declined 35% from 2010 to 2015, correlating with state-level sales limits on DXM products to minors, though sporadic surges persist, as evidenced by a 10-fold rise in adolescent cases from 1999 to 2004 per Canadian Control Surveillance System data. Demographic patterns skew male (roughly 60-70% of cases) and toward those with prior substance use histories, with often initiated via peer influence or internet-sourced dosing guides rather than therapeutic misuse. NyQuil-specific cases, while less documented than syrup-heavy products, align with these patterns, frequently involving repeated high-volume consumption for tolerance-building and withdrawal avoidance, underscoring DXM's role as a gateway to dependence in multi-ingredient formulations.

Regulatory Interventions and Reformulations

In response to rising concerns over (DXM) abuse in over-the-counter cough medicines like NyQuil during the mid-2000s, the U.S. (FDA) convened an advisory committee in September 2010 to evaluate the need for stricter controls, including potential rescheduling or prescription requirements. The panel voted against such measures, citing DXM's established safety profile for legitimate use since its 1958 OTC approval and the disproportionate risks of overregulation relative to abuse prevalence, which affected about 4-5% of high school students at peak. DXM has remained federally unregulated as a Schedule I or , with the FDA emphasizing and access limits over reformulation mandates. State-level interventions emerged as the primary regulatory response, beginning with ’s 2010 law—the first in the nation—prohibiting OTC sales of DXM-containing products to individuals under 18 without a prescription, aimed at curbing "robotripping" among teens. By 2019, at least 18 states, including New York, , , and , had enacted similar age-18 restrictions, often requiring ID verification and limiting quantities to deter bulk purchases for abuse. These laws targeted products like NyQuil, which contains 15-30 mg DXM per dose, by treating them as age-restricted alongside in some jurisdictions, though enforcement varies and exemptions apply for minors with prescriptions. Federal legislative efforts, such as the DXM Abuse Prevention Act introduced in and reintroduced in 2019, sought to standardize age restrictions, ban bulk DXM distribution to minors, and require retailer verification but failed to pass, reflecting debates over balancing access for therapeutic use against abuse risks. In parallel, the Healthcare Products Association (CHPA), representing manufacturers including (NyQuil's producer), implemented voluntary measures starting in , including retailer commitments to enforce age-18 sales policies covering 88-90% of the market, package icons linking to abuse prevention resources since , and public awareness campaigns that correlated with a 35% drop in teen DXM misuse from to per Monitoring the Future surveys. NyQuil itself has not undergone DXM-specific reformulations to deter abuse, retaining its standard 15 mg DXM hydrobromide per 15 mL dose in liquid forms alongside acetaminophen and , which inherently limit high-dose ingestion due to liver toxicity risks from the . Historical changes to NyQuil, such as removing in the 2000s for methamphetamine precursor concerns, addressed unrelated misuse, while recent scrutiny of phenylephrine's (not DXM-related) prompted FDA proposals in to delist it from OTC monographs without altering NyQuil's core antitussive component. Industry-wide, some single-ingredient DXM products shifted to gel capsules or added guaifenesin to induce at recreational doses, but multi-symptom formulas like NyQuil prioritized intact for cold relief over abuse-deterrent additives, relying instead on access controls to mitigate risks. These combined interventions reduced reported DXM abuse exposures without necessitating federal overhauls or product redesigns.

Product Variants

Core Multisymptom Formulas

NyQuil's core multisymptom formulas, NyQuil Cold & Flu and NyQuil Severe Cold & Flu, target nighttime relief from and flu symptoms including , , , minor aches, fever, sneezing, runny nose, and, in the Severe variant, nasal and sinus congestion. These over-the-counter products combine , antitussive, and agents, with the Severe version incorporating a nasal . Both are available in liquid and LiquiCap forms. The adult dosage for NyQuil Cold & Flu is typically 30 mL liquid or 2 LiquiCaps every 6 hours, not exceeding 4 doses in 24 hours. The adult dosage for NyQuil Severe is 30 mL liquid or 2 LiquiCaps every 4 hours, not exceeding 4 doses in 24 hours. The NyQuil Cold & Flu formula relies on three active ingredients per 30 mL liquid dose:
IngredientAmount per 30 mLPurpose
Acetaminophen650 mgPain reliever/fever reducer
30 mgCough suppressant
Doxylamine succinate12.5 mg
NyQuil Severe extends this profile with for congestion relief. In LiquiCap form, two capsules (standard dose) deliver:
IngredientAmount per 2 LiquiCapsPurpose
Acetaminophen650 mgPain reliever/fever reducer
Dextromethorphan HBr20 mgCough suppressant
Doxylamine succinate12.5 mgAntihistamine
10 mgNasal decongestant
Liquid formulations of NyQuil Severe maintain comparable per-dose equivalents, often with at 20-30 mg adjusted for volume and viscosity. These formulas, introduced as evolutions of NyQuil's original multisymptom syrup, exclude daytime stimulants to promote sleep via the sedating component.

Targeted and Specialized Products

NyQuil High Blood Pressure Cold and Flu Relief Liquid Medicine is formulated specifically for individuals with , omitting decongestants such as or that can elevate . This alcohol-free and sugar-free variant targets and flu symptoms including , , and fever while prioritizing cardiovascular safety. The NyQuil High Blood Pressure formula has no specific shelf life or expiration period after opening listed in official product labeling. The manufacturer advises to use the product by the expiration date printed on the package, with no distinction made for opened bottles. Storage instructions are to keep at 25°C (77°F), with excursions permitted between 15°-30°C (59°-86°F). NyQuil VapoCOOL Severe Nighttime Cough, Cold & Flu Relief Caplets provide maximum-strength multisymptom relief with an added component for a cooling sensation in the mouth and throat, aimed at alleviating coughing, sneezing, stuffy nose, minor aches, sinus congestion, pressure, , , and fever. The caplet form offers convenience over liquids, with the VapoCOOL technology intended to enhance perceived soothing effects beyond standard ingredients like , succinate, and acetaminophen. NyQuil Cough targets persistent nighttime coughing without pain relievers, containing HBr as a suppressant and doxylamine succinate as an to promote rest, but excluding acetaminophen to reduce risks for users not needing fever or pain reduction. This specialized liquid is positioned for cough-dominant symptoms from colds or flu, with a typical dosage of 30 mL every six hours for adults. Children's NyQuil (also known as NyQuil Kids) is formulated specifically for children aged 6 years and older, providing nighttime relief from symptoms such as cough, runny nose, sneezing, congestion, and sore throat. It is typically alcohol-free, aspirin-free, and acetaminophen-free in many variants, containing active ingredients like dextromethorphan HBr (cough suppressant), doxylamine succinate (antihistamine), and in some formulations phenylephrine HCl (nasal decongestant). Specific variants include NyQuil Kids Cold and Cough + Congestion Relief, containing doxylamine succinate (antihistamine), dextromethorphan HBr (cough suppressant), and phenylephrine HCl (nasal decongestant), free of alcohol, aspirin, acetaminophen, and high fructose corn syrup, flavored with real honey; and NyQuil Kids Cold, Cough & Fever Multi-Symptom Relief Liquid, which per 15 mL contains acetaminophen 325 mg (pain reliever/fever reducer), dextromethorphan HBr 10 mg (cough suppressant), and doxylamine succinate 6.25 mg (antihistamine), free of aspirin and high fructose corn syrup, with grape flavor. Because some formulations contain acetaminophen while others do not, combining Children's NyQuil with other acetaminophen-containing products such as Children's Tylenol can lead to excessive acetaminophen intake, risking severe liver damage; always verify the specific product ingredients and consult a healthcare professional before combining medications. Other variants exist, and consumers should consult specific product labels for full details, including inactive ingredients. This specialized product is not recommended for children under 6 years old unless specifically directed by a healthcare professional, with no standard dosage provided for children under 6. For children 6 to under 12 years, the dosage is 15 mL every 4 hours as needed, not exceeding 4 doses in 24 hours. Parents should always consult a healthcare professional for young children due to potential risks associated with cough and cold medicines in pediatric populations.

Discontinued or Modified Offerings

In response to the Combat Methamphetamine Epidemic Act of 2005, which restricted over-the-counter sales of pseudoephedrine-containing products by requiring identification and record-keeping to curb methamphetamine production, Vicks reformulated several NyQuil offerings in 2006. The standard NyQuil Cold/Flu Multisymptom Relief Liquid, previously containing 30 mg of pseudoephedrine hydrochloride per 15 mL dose as a nasal decongestant, replaced it with 10 mg of phenylephrine hydrochloride per 15 mL to maintain unrestricted shelf availability. Similarly, NyQuil Sinus, which also featured pseudoephedrine, underwent the same substitution. These pseudoephedrine variants were discontinued from open retail sales, though a restricted-access version, NyQuil D, retained the original pseudoephedrine formula and remained available behind pharmacy counters. The shift to phenylephrine, while preserving multisymptom relief claims, drew consumer complaints about reduced efficacy compared to the prior formulation, as evidenced by anecdotal reports and internal testing disclosures from the manufacturer. maintained that consumer trials showed no significant perceived difference, but the change aligned with industry-wide adaptations to regulatory pressures rather than new efficacy data favoring . 's oral has since been scrutinized, with pharmacokinetic studies indicating poor absorption and negligible effects at standard doses. On November 7, 2024, the U.S. proposed amending OTC monograph M012 to remove oral as an approved nasal , citing decades of demonstrating its ineffectiveness equivalent to in relieving congestion. This development directly impacts NyQuil variants like NyQuil Severe Cold & Flu, which incorporate 10 mg per dose alongside acetaminophen, , and ; if finalized, manufacturers would need to reformulate or discontinue these products within a specified phase-out period, potentially reverting to (under restricted access) or alternative ingredients. As of October 2025, the proposal remains under , with no immediate market withdrawals mandated, but it underscores ongoing modifications driven by evidence-based regulatory reevaluation rather than concerns.

References

  1. https://vicks.com/en-us/shop-products/nyquil
  2. https://vicks.com/en-us/vicks-history/power-you-trust-nyquil-creation-story
  3. https://dailymed.nlm.nih.gov/dailymed/lookup.cfm?setid=620bc3dc-099b-40bd-be22-e4c3f9c8e09d
  4. https://www.goodrx.com/nyquil/common-side-effects
  5. https://www.goodrx.com/nyquil/what-is
  6. https://tedium.co/2021/11/03/nyquil-cold-medicine-history/
  7. https://s414282581.onlinehome.us/ks/public/kristenamswanson.com/Campaign_Nyquil.pdf
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