DayQuil Side Effects
Summary
Dayquil is an over the counter medication that is relatively safe for all patients, but some side effects may be experienced. These can include common side effects like drowsiness and dizziness or serious side effects like usual bleeding or fainting. These side effects are also more common if the patient is taking another medication or has an underlying medical condition and information about these and other Dayquil side effects are discussed below.
Common DayQuil Side Effects
Dayquil is an over the counter medication, so it is relatively safe for all people to use, as long as it is taken correctly and directions are followed. However, some patients do experience side effects when taking this medication. Some of the common side effects include:
- Drowsiness
- Dizziness
- Loss of appetite
- Nausea
- Stomach pain
- Vomiting
Although these symptoms are not considered to be serious, patients should consult with their physician if they worsen or do not go away.
Serious DayQuil Side Effects
Some of the most frequently experienced serious side effects of DayQuil are due to an allergic reaction. If this occurs, it is important to seek medical attention immediately. Some of the most common serious side effects include:
- Rash
- Swelling of the skin
- Hives
- Swelling of the tongue, lips, face, and mouth
- Tightness in the chest
- Difficulty breathing
- Trouble Sleeping or Insomnia
Other less common but serious side effects have also been reported with use of DayQuil. Severe liver damage can occur if too much acetaminophen is ingested in a patient, so it is important to read instructions carefully to ensure that the accurate dosage is being ingested. Other serious side effects may include:
- Unusual bleeding
- Unusual bruising
- Fainting
- Dark-colored urine
- Yellowing of the skin or whites of eyes
If any of these side effects are experienced, patients taking Dayquil should consult with their primary care physician.
DayQuil and Treatment of Other Diseases
There are nine identified disease interactions that can occur with Vicks Dayquil Daytime Cold/Flu. Some of the effected diseases include:
- Alcoholism
- Liver Disease
- Heart Disease
- Pku
- Gi Narrowing
- Diabetes
- Glaucoma
With cardiovascular disease, there is high plausibility for severe potential hazard. This is because the components of Dayquil can cause adverse cardiovascular side effects in particular when it is taken in high doses. This can result in hypertension, palpitations, coronary occlusion, myocardial infarction, cardiac arrest, or death in some patients.
Dayquil is a relatively safe over the counter medication that provides relief from symptoms of the common cold or flu. Although this medication cannot cure these conditions or speed up the recovery process, it can help to make them more livable. Despite its over the counter status, some side effects, both common and serious, may be experienced. It is especially important for patients to consult their doctor if they are taking another medication or have a pre-existing medical condition.