NyQuil is one of the many over-the-counter medications available on the market that is used for the treatment of common cold, flu, cough and other breathing problems such as bronchitis, sinusitis, etc. NyQuil is available as a liquid capsule or in a liquid form. It contains acetaminophen, doxylamine, dextromethorphan, pseudoephedrine as active ingredients. Remember that NyQuil is not used for the treatment of chronic respiratory problems such as asthma, chronic cough, cough from cigarette smoking, emphysema, etc. 

How Much NyQuil Should I Take?

The NyQuil dosage will depend on your age, medical condition that is being treated, signs and symptoms that you are experiencing and response to the treatment so far. 

• NyQuil is not for children under the age of 12. However, children can use Children’s NyQuil starting from the age of 6 years old. Your child can take up to four doses of Children’s NyQuil within 24 hours, 15 ml every six hours. If the doctor prescribes it, children under the age of 6 can take Children’s NyQuil if needed; however, it should not be given to children under the age of 4 years old.
• For children over the age of 12 and for adults, there are two options available: NyQuil liquid caps or NyQuil liquid. If you decide to take NyQuil liquid caps, you can take two caps every six hours. However, if you decide to take NyQuil liquid, you can take 30 ml every six hours.

It is very important to use NyQuil just as prescribed. The dosage should not be increased, nor should the medication be used more frequently than recommended. If not used as recommended, serious side effects may occur, sometimes even life-threatening. How much NyQuil should I take? It has been answered. What if I miss a dose or what if I overdose?

What Happens If I Miss a Dose?

Sometimes, taking the medications just as prescribed and on time is impossible. However, when it comes to NyQuil, there is no schedule to stick to. As the medicine is taken when needed, if you miss a dose, take it as soon as you remember it, always if there is a need for NyQuil. Do not take an extra dose to make up for the missed dose in case you have forgotten to take it on time.

What Happens If I Overdose?

In cases of an overdose with NyQuil, seek immediate medical help. An overdose of acetaminophen can be fatal. The signs and symptoms of an overdose of acetaminophen include nausea, vomiting, stomach cramping, loss of appetite, sweating, weakness, confusion, etc. Later symptoms of intoxication with acetaminophen include dark urine, yellowing of the eye whites, yellowing of the skin, pain in the upper stomach, etc.

How to Take NyQuil

After the answer to "How much NyQuil should I take?" here are some tips to follow when taking NyQuil.

• Take NyQuil with or without food. Drink plenty of fluids when taking NyQuil.
• Measure the dosage carefully if you are taking NyQuil liquid. Don’t use household spoons as the dosage might be wrong.
• Shake the bottle well before using it if you are taking a suspension form.
• If you are taking extended-release capsules, swallow them whole; don’t crush or chew them as they will lose their effect.
• If you are taking chewable forms, make sure to chew them carefully before swallowing it.
• Drop the effervescent tablet into 4 ounces of water, stir it and drink it.
• Don’t take NyQuil longer than one week.
• Call your doctor if you have a high fever after 3 days of taking NyQuil, if you are in pain after 7 days of taking NyQuil, if the signs and symptoms tend to get worse, or if skin redness, rash, and headache appear.
• Look for side effects such as nausea, vomiting, stomach cramps, diarrhea, constipation, dry mouth, nose and throat, blurred vision, dizziness, nervousness, drowsiness, etc.
• Contact your doctor immediately in cases of a slow, fast or irregular heartbeat, seizures, trouble urinating, mood changes, shaking as these serious side effects can even be fatal.

Precautions for Taking NyQuil

How much NyQuil should I take? It has been answered. Keep the following precautions in mind for safe use of the medication.

• NyQuil should not be used in cases of an allergy to acetaminophen, doxylamine, pseudoephedrine or dextromethorphan.
• NyQuil should not be used in cases when you have taken a MAO inhibitor in the last 14 days.
• Ask your doctor if NyQuil should be used in cases when suffering from other medical conditions such as glaucoma, overactive thyroid, liver disease, cirrhosis, bladder obstruction, bowel obstruction, heart disease, coronary artery disease, pheochromocytoma, etc.
• There is not enough information when it comes to taking NyQuil while pregnant. It is better recommended not to take NyQuil while pregnant.
• Do not use NyQuil if breastfeeding as acetaminophen, pseudoephedrine, and other NyQuil ingredients may pass into breast milk, harming your newborn.
• Avoid drinking alcohol while taking NyQuil. Alcohol and NyQuil when taken together increase the risk for liver damage, leading to possible side effects.
• NyQuil might result in a blurred vision or impaired thinking. Be careful if you need to drive or if you have a job that requires you to be alert all the time.
• Ask your doctor before taking other medications as they can interfere with one another, leading to fatal overdose.
• Before undergoing a surgical procedure, make sure to let your doctor know that you are taking NyQuil.
• Older adults may be more sensitive to NyQuil. They should take the medication with caution.