If you’re wondering if you can drink alcohol and take Dayquil, the answer is no. Medical professionals agree the co-consumption of these two substances is not recommended and may lead to significant health complications.

Combining alcohol and DayQuil heightens the risk of experiencing drowsiness, dizziness, nausea, and vomiting. Chronic drinking while taking DayQuil can also lead to severe liver damage [1]. Consuming high doses of both substances can cause hallucinations, high blood pressure, and other dangerous side effects.

For those wondering, “Can you drink after taking DayQuil”, this guide outlines why this is inadvisable and potentially dangerous.

Can You Drink With Dayquil?

Can you drink with DayQuil, then?

In short, no. Dayquil and alcohol both have sedative properties, which are magnified when the substances are combined. Mixing DayQuil and alcohol can trigger long-term liver damage. Beyond these risks, alcohol dehydrates the body and suppresses the immune system, prolonging the symptoms of colds and other illnesses.

What is DayQuil?

DayQuil is one of the most common over the counter medications used for the following applications:

• Cough suppressant
• Cold and flu symptom relief
• Decongestant
• Fever reducer

DayQuil has a variety of formulas but typically contains the following ingredients:

1. DXM: DXM (dextromethorphan) is primarily used as a cough suppressant belonging to the same chemical family as morphine [2]. In low doses, DXM numbs the throat and the senses. In large doses, DXM can induce powerful dissociative and hallucinogenic effects. This may explain why some individuals experience vivid dreams while on NyQuil (DayQuil’s nighttime equivalent).
2. Acetaminophen: Acetaminophen is used to treat mild and moderate pain in combination with opioids. The medication may also reduce fevers. High doses of acetaminophen can be toxic to the liver.
3. Phenylephrine: Phenylephrine is a decongestant that works best as a nasal spray. However, it retains some decongestant effects when taken orally, as found in the formulation of DayQuil.

Alcohol is a CNS depressant and is the most abused addictive substance in the United States [4]. Combining alcohol with a medication like DayQuil introduces additional risks and may be a sign of alcohol misuse or alcohol dependence. Mixing DayQuil and alcohol is potentially dangerous for many reasons, including:

• Alcohol adversely interacts with DXM and acetaminophen.
• Large quantities of alcohol and acetaminophen can directly damage the liver.
• Combining alcohol and DayQuil heightens the risk of overdose due to their effects on respiratory depression.

Now that we’ve answered can you drink alcohol on Dayquil, let’s look at what happens when you mix cold medicine and alcohol.

What Happens When Mixing Dayquil and Alcohol?

When you mix alcohol and DayQuil, you risk triggering adverse effects even if you are not taking more than the recommended dose.

NIAAA (National Institute on Alcohol Abuse and Alcoholism) advises against mixing alcohol with medications [5]. Alcohol can amplify the sedative effects of allergy, cold, and flu medications, making activities like driving unsafe. It may also increase the risk of overdose.

The most reported physical reactions provoked by mixing alcohol and cold medicines like DayQuil include:

• Extreme Drowsiness: Combining these substances can cause severe drowsiness or the inability to stay awake.
• Dizziness: This interaction may lead to pronounced dizziness, increasing the risk of accidents.
• Gastrointestinal Upsets: The combination can result in nausea, abdominal pain, or other GI discomforts.
• Increased Risk of GI Ulcers and Bleeding: It heightens the likelihood of developing ulcers or gastrointestinal bleeding.
• Rapid Heartbeat: This interaction can cause a significantly elevated heart rate, potentially leading to cardiovascular complications.

Seniors and women are more likely to experience complications when mixing alcohol with prescription medications primarily due to lower metabolism speeds [6]. Additionally, women typically have less water in their bodies than men. Since alcohol mixes with water throughout the body, women will have relatively higher BAC (blood alcohol content) levels than men drinking the same amount of alcohol. A higher concentration of alcohol in the body is associated with an increased risk of adverse interactions with medications like DayQuil.

Similarly, older individuals usually take longer to metabolize and process alcohol, meaning that it remains in the system for longer and raises the risk of adverse alcohol and medication interactions. Beyond this, seniors are also more likely to be taking a variety of medications than younger adults, exposing them to greater risks of adverse interactions.

Physical Health Effects

Mixing alcohol and DayQuil can bring about a range of physical health complications. These include:

• Liver damage: Both alcohol and DayQuil can be hard on the liver as your liver metabolizes alcohol. Combining them can trigger irreversible and potentially life-threatening liver damage. According to the FDA, the maximum daily dose of acetaminophen is 3,000mg, although the maximum recommended dose is lower in those who consume alcohol regularly. DayQuil LiquiCaps contain 325mg of acetaminophen, while DayQuil syrup contains 650mg per dose. The manufacturer reports the risk of severe liver damage if you take more than four Dayquil doses in 24 hours, combine Dayquil with other acetaminophen products, or drink more than three alcoholic beverages daily while using Dayquil. Those with chronic alcohol use disorder are at increased risk of acetaminophen overdose. This can result in severe liver damage and liver failure.
• Gastrointestinal problems: Mixing alcohol and Dayquil can cause gastrointestinal problems like nausea, vomiting, and diarrhea.
• Heightened risk of overdose: Both alcohol and Dayquil can trigger respiratory depression and increase the risk of fatal overdose.
• Alcohol overdose: DayQuil has dissociative effects that may prompt greater alcohol consumption. Mixing DayQuil and alcohol impairs liver function, so the body is unable to break down alcohol at the normal rate.
• Drowsiness and impaired coordination: Alcohol and DayQuil both induce drowsiness and impair coordination. Combining the substances can intensify these effects, making it challenging to perform tasks that require focus or coordination, like driving.
• Increased blood pressure: Alcohol can raise blood pressure, while Dayquil can increase heart rate. Combining these substances may lead to an increased risk of heart attack, stroke, and other cardiovascular complications.

Psychological Health Effects

Mixing alcohol and DayQuil or even just acetaminophen and alcohol can bring about a variety of adverse effects on psychological health. These include:

• Impaired judgment and decision-making: Alcohol and DayQuil impact the brain’s decision-making ability and sound judgment. Combining the substances may amplify these effects, impairing decision-making and increasing risk-taking behavior.
• Increased anxiety and depression: Both DayQuil and alcohol can worsen the symptoms of anxiety and depression. Mixing the substances can intensify the effects, provoking feelings of sadness, hopelessness, and anxiety.
• Memory problems: Alcohol and DayQuil can both impair memory and cognitive function. Combining them can trigger significant memory problems, making it difficult for you to remember recent conversations or events.
• Sleep disturbances: DayQuil can cause sleep disturbances, and alcohol can disrupt the sleep cycle. Combining these substances can lead to difficulty falling asleep, staying asleep, and not feeling rested upon waking.
• Agitation and irritability: Both alcohol and Dayquil can cause agitation and irritability. Combining them can lead to heightened agitation and irritability, making it difficult to manage your emotions and interact with others effectively.

Combining alcohol and DayQuil can also heighten the risk of developing alcohol use disorder (AUD), the clinical term for alcoholism. According to the National Institute on Drug Abuse (NIDA), AUD is a chronic and progressive brain condition marked by compulsive alcohol consumption despite its harmful consequences. Over time, a person with AUD can develop both physical and psychological dependence on alcohol, meaning the individual feels they need alcohol to function normally.

If you have a cough or cold and flu symptoms, you may require over the counter medications like DayQuil. However, recovering from illnesses will require healthy habits, rest and time. Avoiding alcohol during this time will minimize the chance of severe complications and shorten the duration of your sickness.

Withdrawal Symptoms from Dayquil and Alcohol Abuse

Combining alcohol and DayQuil can lead to withdrawal symptoms, particularly if the combination has been used frequently or over a prolonged period. The misuse of this combination can strain the liver, amplify sedative effects, and lead to dependency, making withdrawal challenging.

Common withdrawal symptoms include:

• Extreme fatigue
• anxiety
• Irritability
• Headaches

These symptoms may occur as the body attempts to stabilize after the sedating effects of alcohol and DayQuil wear off. Dextromethorphan, a cough suppressant in DayQuil, can cause neurological symptoms like dizziness, confusion, or even hallucinations during withdrawal, especially when paired with alcohol. Additionally, gastrointestinal issues such as nausea, vomiting, and abdominal cramps are common as the digestive system struggles to recover.

The risk of withdrawal symptoms can increase with chronic use due to the combined strain on the liver from alcohol and acetaminophen. Liver damage may exacerbate symptoms like nausea, fatigue, and a general feeling of being unwell.

Medically supervised detox is advised for individuals experiencing withdrawal from alcohol and DayQuil, especially if symptoms are severe. A healthcare professional can provide support to mitigate symptoms and address potential complications such as liver damage or dehydration.

If you or a loved one are struggling with substance abuse issues (including DayQuil), alcohol withdrawal symptoms, or suspect an alcohol addiction may have developed, reaching out for help is a critical first step. Compassionate care and evidence-based treatment can provide the tools needed to address substance use and begin a path toward healing.

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Get Addiction Help at Gratitude Lodge

If you have developed an addiction to alcohol or prescription medications or are struggling with substance abuse, recovery is possible at Gratitude Lodge in Southern California. Our pet-friendly rehab centers are located in Newport Beach, San Diego, and Long Beach, CA.

Kickstart your recovery with our supervised medical detox program. Our compassionate medical staff will monitor and treat for any complications that occur during the withdrawal period, aiming to make this process as comfortable as they can. You will also receive continuous emotional care to help you tackle underlying causes of substance misuse and alcohol use disorders.

For those fighting addictions with co-occurring mental health conditions, we specialize in coordinated dual diagnosis treatment, ensuring a holistic approach to your treatment. At Gratitude Lodge, we know that all addictions are unique, and the best treatment plan is personalized to you. Our science-backed and holistic interventions include:

• Psychotherapy
• Medication-assisted treatment
• Individual counseling
• Group therapy
• Family therapy
• Holistic therapy

At Gratitude Lodge, you’ll complete treatment with a tailored aftercare plan to support a lasting recovery.

Ready to move beyond addiction? Call 800-692-9850 for immediate assistance.

Sources

[1] https://www.gratitudelodge.com/signs-your-liver-is-healing/

[2] https://medlineplus.gov/druginfo/meds/a682492.html

[3] https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/17264159/

[4]https://www.samhsa.gov/data/sites/default/files/reports/rpt39441/NSDUHDetailedTabs2021/NSDUHDetailedTabs2021/NSDUHDetTabsSect5pe2021.htm

[5] https://www.niaaa.nih.gov/publications/brochures-and-fact-sheets/harmful-interactions-mixing-alcohol-with-medicines

[6]https://caregiver.com/articles/alcohol-and-medicines/