What is NyQuil?
NyQuil is a brand name medication produced by Vicks, and it can be purchased over the counter to provide relief for many symptoms of the common cold or flu. This medication contains antihistamines to help to sedate the patient and allow them to rest better despite their cold.
Vicks also produces a daytime counterpart known as DayQuil, and this medication differs from NyQuil because it does not include the sedating antihistamines that are intended to induce drowsiness in NyQuil. NyQuil is formulated in either liquid gel capsules or liquid form.
NyQuil Uses
NyQuil contains four main ingredients: acetaminophen, pseudoephedrine, doxylamine, and dextromethorphan. Acetaminophen is used as a fever reducer and a pain reliever. Doxylamine is a sedating antihistamine that provides a short-term sedative for nighttime use. Dextromethorphan is used as a cough suppressant, as it reduces the activity and signals in the part of the brain that control coughing. The ingredient pseudoephedrine is a decongestant, and it works to shrink the blood vessels located within the nasal passages. This is because dilated blood vessels are often responsible for nasal decongestion, otherwise known as a stuffy nose.
The combination of these four main ingredients in Nyquil is used to treat the following:
- Headache
- Trouble sleeping
- Body aches
- Cough
- Sinus congestion
- Stuffy nose
- Fever
- Sore throat
