DayQuil and ibuprofen are two commonly taken over-the-counter (OTC) drugs.
Ibuprofen is commonly known by its brand names Advil or Motrin.
DayQuil is a combination medication containing acetaminophen, dextromethorphan, and phenylephrine.
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Both drugs are effective and used to manage pain, fever, and common cold or flu symptoms.
However, they are U.S. Food and Drug Administration (FDA)-approved for different indications (uses).
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Should You Take DayQuil or Ibuprofen?
Ibuprofen and DayQuil are drugs in different classes with different mechanisms of action.
Ibuprofen is a non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drug (NSAID).
The main active ingredient in DayQuil is acetaminophen, an analgesic.
Like ibuprofen, acetaminophen in DayQuil can reduce pain and fever, but it will not decrease inflammation.
DayQuil also contains other drugs to relieve common cold symptoms.
Both drugs are over-the-counter and treat pain, fever, and the common cold.
However, they are FDA-approved for different indications.
For a common cold, DayQuil is likely a more effective option.
The combination of acetaminophen, dextromethorphan, and phenylephrine is better at alleviating cold symptoms.
It also reduces fever and pain and improves cough,bronchial irritation, and sore throat.
Ibuprofen can reduce pain and fever but is not helpful for congestion and runny nose.
What Is DayQuil?
DayQuil, a widely taken OTC brand, is highly effective in reducing the commoncold and flusymptoms.
It’s a combination medicine that contains active ingredients with different mechanisms of action to ease these symptoms.
DayQuil is available in various combinations and dosage formulations, such as capsules, solutions, and pills.
Drink a full glass of water when taking any formulation of medication that contains guaifenesin as an ingredient.
DayQuil is meant to be taken during the daytime.
It is nondrowsy and does not hinder daily activities.
In September 2023, the FDA deemed phenylephrine in its oral form ineffective at relieving congestion.
What Is Ibuprofen?
Ibuprofen is an NSAID taken as an analgesic andantipyretic(fever reducer) for adults and children.
It’s the most commonly taken and most frequently prescribed NSAID.
It stops the production ofprostaglandins, a chemical that causes pain, fever, and inflammation.
Can You Take Them Together?
In most cases, you’re able to take DayQuil and ibuprofen together.
There is no research data to conclude that these drugs are harmful together.
However, spreading out the doses to provide longer symptom relief is often better.
However, use caution when combining DayQuil with other cold and flu medications.
Many also contain acetaminophen, which could result in accidentally taking too much acetaminophen.
If you are unsure if two medications are safe to take together, contact your healthcare provider for advice.
Pharmacists at major retail chains can also help guide you on medication combinations.
Side Effects: Which Is More Tolerable?
Ibuprofen and DayQuil are usually effective and safe when taken according to the label specifications.
However, like all other drugs, there are certain limitations when talking about side effects.
Both these drugs have few side effects, which usually go away.
However, in rare cases, you may need medical attention.
For example, individuals with arthritis may use daily naproxen (Aleve) or a pain-relieving lotion containing diclofenac.
Both of these are other types of NSAIDs and may not be safe to use in combination with ibuprofen.
DayQuil is a combination medication, and not all of its medicines are safe for all people.
For example, phenylephrine, one of the ingredients, is contraindicated for use with some medications.
Stop taking the medicine and seek emergency medical help.
The symptoms include:
Acetaminophen in DayQuil can also cause liver damage.
Take caution when drinking alcohol while taking DayQuil.
Drug Interactions
Some drugs can interact with each other when taken together and may cause adverse effects.
Taking these drugs is not safe without asking a healthcare professional.
Below are details about drugs that may interact with ibuprofen and DayQuil.
Ask your healthcare provider if you are taking other OTC or prescription drugs.
On the other hand, ibuprofen is an NSAID taken to treat pain and inflammation.
These drugs are commonly taken for pain, fever, and flu management.
U.S. Food and Drug Administration.Acetaminophen.
U.S. Food and Drug Administration.FDA clarifies results of recent advisory committee meeting on oral phenylephrine.
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National Institutes of Health DailyMed.Label: ibuprofen tablet.
U.S. Food and Drug Administration.Ibuprofen drug facts label.
U.S Food and Drug Administration.Acetaminophen.
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DailyMed.Label: Vicks Dayquil high blood pressure cold and flu- acetaminophen, dextromethorphan liquid
