Acetaminophen is very well known to be toxic to the liver at highdoses, and 650mg is contained in NyQuil per dose. This is well within the recommended amount of acetaminophen for a single dose though. Of course, alcohol has a concern with liver toxicity as well with long-term consumption. NyQuil contains 10% alcohol by volume, about the amount in wine.

We have strict sourcing guidelines and only link to reputable media sites, academic research institutions and, whenever possible, medically peer reviewed studies. If you consumed a high dose of an alcohol-containing NyQuil product, a positive breathalyzer result may occur because of the ingestion of alcohol contained in the NyQuil. Estimated number of prescriptions for dextromethorphan in the United States.

In the U.S., individuals refer to it using the brand name Tylenol. Ark Behavioral Health offers 100% confidential substance abuse assessment and treatment placement tailored to your individual needs. When it’s metabolized, it’s broken down into byproducts, best sober house living in boston, massachusetts one of which is a toxin substance called NAPQI which can be very toxic to the liver in large enough amounts. Parainfluenza is a group of viruses that causes infection in the respiratory system. Often, symptoms closely resemble those of the common cold.

Combining the two substances can cause these side effects to be more substantial. All content created by Alcohol Rehab Help is sourced from current scientific research and fact-checked by an addiction counseling expert. However, the information provided by Alcohol Rehab Help is not a substitute for professional treatment advice. NyQuil Liquid contains 10 percent alcohol, which helps dissolve the other ingredients in the medication.

Similar Medications to Avoid Mixing with Alcohol

Additionally, Vicks produces alcohol-free NyQuil medications in both liquid and capsule forms. There is also an increased risk of an overdose when mixing alcohol and this cough medicine together. This is especially the case if you’re abusing either of them and/or taking more than prescribed. Since both alcohol and NyQuil are metabolized in the liver, the liver must work overtime to process them when they’re consumed together or in high doses.

This is about the amount of alcohol contained, on average, in wine. Some craft beers also have an alcohol percentage this high, but it’s not overly common. Since your goal here is likely to sleep better, I want to spend just one moment further discussing how alcohol can negatively affect sleep. Doxylamine, the sedating ingredient in Nyquil, is classified as a first-generation antihistamine and is very similar to Benadryl . First-generation antihistamines are mild central nervous system depressants, one of the characteristics that makes them beneficial for sleep.

You do not need to worry as much if you’ve only had one or two beers. This article lists 17 evidence-based tips to sleep better at night.

How long does NyQuil stay in your system compared with alcohol?

Interestingly, the liquid version of NyQuil contains 10 percent alcohol; NyQuil LiquiCaps do not. An alcohol-free version of liquid NyQuil Cold & Flu Nighttime Relief Liquid is available, according to the manufacturer. Normally, the liver produces a powerful antioxidant called glutathione that neutralizes NAPQI and prevents it from hurting liver cells. But heavy drinking causes a drop in glutathione, allowing NAPQI to wreak havoc on the liver. Doxylamine succinate to help with watery eyes, runny noses, and sneezing.

Since alcohol has sedating and CNS depressant effects, combining it with a sedating antihistamine like doxylamine will make these effects more pronounced. NyQuil contains acetaminophen, which, like alcohol, is linked to liver injury when both are used in excess. Since one dose of NyQuil is only 30 mL , you aren’t going to be consuming much alcohol…probably the amount you’d get by taking a sip of wine. We are more concerned with the interaction alcohol has with the drugs in NyQuil.

Other Nyquil Interactions: Medications That Contain Acetaminophen

It comes in a variety of forms, including caplets and liquids. The National Institute of Alcohol Abuse and Alcoholism offers a thorough list of different prescription and OTC medications that may interact with alcohol. However, it may not include every medication, so you should ask your doctor if it’s safe to drink alcohol with any medication you’re taking. In most cases, people do not experience any serious health complications when they accidentally mix acetaminophen and alcoholic beverages. However, taking acetaminophen regularly with heavy alcohol use may cause severe liver damage.

It is also important to note that some versions of Nyquil contain alcohol. Particularly Nyquil cold and flu nighttime relief , which contains around 10% alcohol by volume. Nyquil is an over-the-counter medication that’s used to treat cough and cold symptoms. The ingredients in Nyquil are made to remedy sleep issues a person may be having as well.

Rather, Vicks uses the substance as a solution to dissolve the active ingredients. The company Vicks produces NyQuil products as OTC medications, which help people relieve certain cold and flu symptoms. NyQuil products are available as drinkable medications or as liquid capsules.

The cough suppressant dextromethorphan OTC is common in brands like Delsym and Robitussin 12-Hour Cough Relief. Dextromethorphan can also be found in some combination prescription cough medications, such as promethazine/dextromethorphan binge drinking alcohol, black tar colored stools, blank stare and bleeding cough syrup. You shouldn’t make it a habit to mix alcohol and acetaminophen. So, it really isn’t the alcohol in NyQuil that is a concern in regard to drinking alcoholic beverages, but more so, the drugs contained in it.

• It’s the same active ingredient found in more than 120 other over-the-counter cold medications, including the cough suppressants Robitussin and Coricidin.
• When it comes to binge drinking and drinking habits, a person can end up using OTC medication like NyQuil or other drugs without even realizing it.
• Learn more about your options.Addiction Resources If you have more questions about addiction, we’ve gathered resources to help you and your loved ones.
• These include NyQuil LiquiCaps and Alcohol-Free NyQuil Cold & Flu Nighttime Relief Liquid.

One of NyQuil’s main ingredients is dextromethorphan or DXM.DXM is an addictive drug and is often abused for the euphoric effects it produces. Be sure to read the labels carefully before taking any medication in addition alcohol addiction and abuse to NyQuil. If you have any questions or concerns contact your local pharmacy or healthcare provider. Alcohol is also toxic to the liver, and combining the two can cause severe damage or lead to overdose.

Some people who take high doses of DXM experience hallucinations. Mixing alcohol and DXM significantly increases the drug’s side effects. Amy is an advocate for patient- and family-centered care. Dextromethorphan works by suppressing the cough reflex in the brain. It’s the same active ingredient found in more than 120 other over-the-counter cold medications, including the cough suppressants Robitussin and Coricidin.

What is Nyquil?

Long-term consequences of mixing NyQuil and alcohol include liver damage and addiction. So, if you are taking NyQuil, it’s essential to carefully read the ingredient list of any other drug you are taking at the same time. Mixing doxylamine succinate with alcohol may trigger dangerous levels of sedation. This is because both substances act as depressants and produce sedative effects. While Procter & Gamble suggests not exceeding three alcohol drinks per day while taking NyQuil, a better bet is to avoid alcohol altogether. This will help keep your immune system in tip-top form and avoid any harmful interactions with NyQuil’s key ingredients.

Users describe effects ranging from mild stimulation to alcohol or marijuana-like intoxication. At high doses, users report feeling sensations of physical distortion and hallucinations. An addiction specialist can answer your questions and guide you through your options. Due to the many short-term and long-term effects, consuming any amount of alcohol with NyQuil is not recommended.

It should not be used in place of the advice of your physician or other qualified healthcare provider. Alcohol Alcohol use disorder affects millions of people in the United States. Learn more about the risks and how to get help.Drugs If you or a loved one is struggling with drug abuse, you’re not alone. Learn more about the most commonly misused drugs.Addiction Treatment Going to a rehabilitation program greatly increases your chance of long-term recovery. Learn more about your options.Addiction Resources If you have more questions about addiction, we’ve gathered resources to help you and your loved ones. An estimated 150 people die annually from accidental acetaminophen overdoses, and combining alcohol with acetaminophen increases the risk of problems to the digestive system.

You will also find information on spotting the signs and symptoms of substance use and hotlines for immediate assistance. Although Vicks does not specify the NyQuil ingredients that cause drowsiness, scientists know that doxylamine succinate can have this effect. It can also cause impaired vigilance, which an individual could worsen by consuming alcohol. Many NyQuil products contain alcohol, although not all of them.

Is an antihistamine that can relieve some of the upper respiratory symptoms that sometimes come with colds and flu. Take the two together, and you could wind up experiencing serious side effects —extreme drowsiness and impairment, slowed breathing, and possibly even unconsciousness. Dr. Brian has been practicing pharmacy for over 13 years and has wide-ranging experiences in many different areas of the profession. Dr. Brian Staiger also has herbalist training and educational certificates in the field of medical ethnobotany. Moving on to another ingredient in NyQuil products, dextromethorphan, combining that with alcohol can cause additive (i.e. amplified) sedation and drowsiness. In general, alcohol should not be combined with NyQuil as the risk of side effects increases and alcohol can worsen sleep quality.