DayQuil is a popular over-the-counter cold medicine that combines the benefits of a couple different medicines in one convenient package. While you might think it’s safe to take it anytime you have a stuffy nose and sore throat, it’s not quite that simple. If you take DayQuil too often, or at the same time every day, your body may develop a resistance to its effects.
In other words, if you take it every day to help you get through flu season, your body won’t respond as well when you try to take it again later on. You should only take DayQuil when necessary. This article will teach you how often you can take DayQuil safely and how long you should wait before taking it again for optimum effectiveness.
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How often can you take DayQuil
Like any other medication, it depends on what you’re treating and how serious the symptoms are. For example, if you have a stuffy nose, mild cough, and low-grade fever, you can take DayQuil as often as every four hours.
However, if you have a high fever, excessive coughing, and a runny nose, you can only take it every six hours. If you have severe symptoms, you should avoid taking DayQuil altogether because it may make your symptoms worse. If you’re unsure whether or not you should take DayQuil, consult your doctor. He or she can let you know what dosage is appropriate for your specific symptoms.
As a general rule of thumb, you should avoid taking DayQuil if you have signs of a bacterial infection, such as a high fever, extreme body aches, or if you’re vomiting.
When should you not take DayQuil?
As we’ve already discussed, you should avoid taking DayQuil if you have a bacterial infection. If your symptoms are caused by bacteria, the antibiotic in DayQuil won’t help. However, if you have a viral infection, such as a cold or flu, you can safely take DayQuil. Keep in mind that it won’t cure your condition, but it will help make you feel better.
Furthermore, if you have certain health conditions, you should talk to your doctor before taking DayQuil.
These conditions include:
- Being pregnant or breastfeeding
- DayQuil can be passed to your baby once it’s born. If you’re breastfeeding, it can also pass to your baby. If you have a choice, you might want to avoid taking DayQuil during pregnancy and breastfeeding.
- Having certain allergies
- If you have allergies to aspirin or any of the other ingredients in DayQuil, it’s best to skip this medication.
- Having certain autoimmune disorders
- People with lupus, rheumatoid arthritis, or other autoimmune disorders should consult their doctors before taking DayQuil.
- Taking certain other medications
- Before taking DayQuil, make sure it doesn’t interact with any other medications you’re taking.
- Having a history of problems with the central nervous system
- If you have a history of seizures, you should avoid taking DayQuil.
How long until DayQuil starts working?
Once you take your first dose, you should notice some immediate effects. Most people start feeling better within four hours of taking it. In some cases, you might not notice any effects until the next day. This is especially true if you’re treating a bacterial infection, although you should still start feeling better within a few hours.
Keep in mind that DayQuil only treats the symptoms of a cold or flu. It doesn’t actually treat the underlying cause of your illness. This means that you should take it for the few days that you have symptoms. Don’t take it for longer than that because it won’t help.
When you can take DayQuil again
You should wait 24 hours after your last dose to take DayQuil again. This gives your body enough time to process the effects of the medication and become resistant to it if you’re taking it too often. If you only have mild cold or flu symptoms, you can wait a day and take DayQuil again.
However, you should take it as soon as your symptoms become severe or if they last longer than five days. If you’re taking DayQuil every four hours, you can take another dose as soon as your symptoms return. If you’re taking it every six hours, wait until the next scheduled dose before taking another one.
Once you’re done with your cold or flu, it’s best to take DayQuil for a couple days straight to clear out your system. This will help prevent any reoccurrences.
Conclusion
This article has discussed when you should and shouldn’t take DayQuil, as well as how often you can take it and when you can take it again after taking a dose. If you’re sick and you have access to some DayQuil, you should take it.
Even if you have a bacterial infection, it won’t hurt you to take it. It will just do less to help. If you have a mild cold or flu, you can take DayQuil as often as every four hours. If you have a severe infection, you should only take it every six hours.
Once you’re done with your infection, it’s best to take DayQuil for a couple days straight to prevent any reoccurrences.
