Dayquil and Alcohol

by on May 1, 2012

The consumption of alcohol should be avoided when taking Dayquil. This is due to the presence of acetaminophen within the drug. Alcohol can increase the risk of liver damage in patients that take this drug.

Chronic consumption of alcohol can also increase the risk of acetaminophen-induced hepatotoxicity, and this has included rarer cases of frank hepatic failure and fatal hepatitis that has required a liver transplant. Medical treatment should be sought if any of the following symptoms are noticed:

  • Jaundice
  • Dark urine
  • Right upper quadrant pain
  • Fatigue
  • Anorexia
  • Nausea
  • Fever
  • Rash

If a patient drinks more than three alcoholic drinks per day, Dayquil should not be consumed without the approval of a doctor. Additionally, patients that also drink alcohol should never take more than 2000 mg, or 2 grams, of acetaminophen in the same day.