Nyquil is an over-the-counter cold and cough product. It treats cold and flu symptoms such as nasal congestion, headache, fever, cough, sore throat, sneezing and body ache without curing the cold or flu. It may facilitate rest due to its alcohol component. It contains several active and many inactive ingredients. Like all medications, it has a number of contraindications.
Young Children
According to the product manufacturer Procter & Gamble, Nyquil should not be given to children under 4 years of age. It should not be given to children 4 to 12 without physician guidance. This is due to the alcohol content and the adult dosages of the active ingredients.
Allergy to Any Ingredient
Individuals with an allergy or hypersensitivity to alcohol, doxylamine succinate, dextromethorphan, acesulfame potassium, saccharin or the other ingredients in the product should not take it. This is to avoid a harmful or fatal reaction.
Liver Disease
People with liver disease or any significant liver compromise should not take Nyquil, due to its acetaminophen content. Those who take acetaminophen in other products should not take this medication. Those who take other drugs that are hard on the liver, such as many medications for HIV, should take this product only with physician consent. This is to avoid liver damage, liver failure or death.
Alcoholism
Nyquil should not be taken by people who consume a large amount of alcohol due to its acetaminophen content. Permanent liver damage could ensue. It should also be avoided by alcoholics who no longer drink, as its alcohol content can lead to relapse.
Pregnancy and Breastfeeding
Nyquil is contraindicated for pregnant and breastfeeding women. This is due to potential harm to the fetus or infant from doxylamine, alcohol and other ingredients.
Concurrent or Recent MAO Inhibitor Use
Those taking monoamine oxidase, or MAO, inhibitor drugs should not take Nyquil. It must be avoided for at least two weeks after the last dose of these drugs. This is due to the possibility of a high blood pressure crisis.
Certain Medical Disorders
Monthly Prescribing Reference indicates that people with lung disorders, asthma, gastrointestinal obstruction, glaucoma or urinary obstruction should take precautions, only using Nyquil under the advice of the physician treating them for the disorder. Other groups who should not take this product without medical guidance include the elderly and those with prostate problems, heart disease, hypertension (high blood pressure), thyroid disorder, gastrointestinal ulcer and diabetes. This is due to potentially serious adverse effects in these individuals.
References
- Haymarket Media: Monthly Prescribing Reference: Nyquil Cold & Flu
- Procter & Gamble: Vicks: Nyquil
- "Medical-Surgical Nursing;" Donna Ignatavicius, M.S., R.N. and Linda Workman, Ph.D., R.N.; 2002
