Can You Take DayQuil and Ibuprofen Together?
When you have a cold or the flu and want to feel better, it is generally safe to take DayQuil and ibuprofen together. However, there are a few important points to consider. Experts have provided information on combining these over-the-counter medications.
Therefore, in this article we will answer the question “can you take Dayquil and Ibuprofen together?” by looking at the purposes, adverse effects, and how each medicine works on its own.
Table Of Content
What is DayQuil?

DayQuil is a medication intended for use during the day to relieve cold and flu symptoms without causing drowsiness. Unlike NyQuil, which is intended for use at night, DayQuil does not contain a sleep-inducing ingredient. DayQuil contains the following active ingredients:
- Acetaminophen, the same painkiller that’s found in Tylenol
- Phenylephrine, a decongestant that can relieve a stuffy nose caused by allergies, the common cold, and the flu.
- Dextromethorphan, a cough suppressant
Common side effects of DayQuil
Common side effects of taking DayQuil may include:
Serious side effects are rare, although they may occur. The following are examples of such effects.
- Confusion, hallucinations, mood changes
- Tremors or shaking
- Weakness
- Difficulty urinating
- Rash
- Itching or swelling, particularly on your face, throat, or tongue
- Breathing problems
- Severe dizziness
What is Ibuprofen?
Ibuprofen is a nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drug (NSAID) that is used to relieve pain, reduce fever, and decrease inflammation in the body. It works by blocking the production of substances called cyclooxygenases (COX-1 and COX-2) that are released during injury or illness.
Ibuprofen is available in syrup and tablet forms and can be used to treat various conditions such as fever, inflammation, menstrual pain, headaches, the common cold, toothaches, arthritis, sprains, and back pain.
When taken, you should be able to feel the effect of Ibuprofen 20-30 minutes after.
Precaution to Take while Using Ibuprofen
Ibuprofen is not recommended for certain groups of people due to potential adverse effects. The following individuals should avoid taking Ibuprofen.
- People with liver or kidney problems
- pregnant women
- individuals who experience frequent stomach issues like heartburn or abdominal pain
- people with any heart disease
- individuals with high blood pressure
Common side effects of Ibuprofen
- Nausea
- Nervousness
- Hives
- Dyspepsia
- Skin rash
- Pain
- Diarrhea
- Bloating
- Dizziness
- Edema
- Tinnitus
- Facial swelling
- Difficulty in breathing- Shock
If you encounter these symptoms while taking Ibuprofen, consult your doctor to determine whether you should discontinue use.
Drugs You Should Never Take With Ibuprofen
There are certain drugs that should not be taken with Ibuprofen as they can affect its effectiveness.
- Warfarin
- oral hypoglycemic
- beta blockers
- diuretics
- lithium
There are numerous drugs that can potentially interact with Ibuprofen. It is advisable to consult your doctor or pharmacist to ensure the safety of combining Ibuprofen with any of your current medications.
Can I Take DayQuil and Ibuprofen at the Same Time?
Taking both acetaminophen and ibuprofen together is safe and can help alleviate cold or flu symptoms. Since these two medications work differently to relieve pain, you can take them simultaneously. However, it is recommended to space out your doses for better effectiveness.
It doesn’t matter whether you take DayQuil or ibuprofen first, but wait until the middle of the four-hour dosing interval before taking the other medication. If you prefer to take only one of them, DayQuil is a good choice. DayQuil is a combination product that targets multiple symptoms of the common cold, making it more effective in providing relief compared to ibuprofen alone.
Can you take ibuprofen with night cold and flu?
Ibuprofen is safe to take along with nighttime cold and flu medications. Ibuprofen, a popular over-the-counter painkiller and fever reducer, and nighttime cold and flu medications are both intended to treat symptoms like coughing, congestion, and sore throat while you are sleeping.
Conclusion
We have covered the subject of “Can you take Ibuprofen with Dayquil” in brief. We came to understand that the two drugs could be administered simultaneously with a doctor’s prescription.
Dayquil and ibuprofen are both prescribed to treat symptoms that are similar to each other, and some pharmacists advise combining the two medications because it may hasten recovery and there is no drug interaction. But before taking any medication, make sure to consult your doctor.