Best Dayquil Cold & Flu Alternative

Daytime Cold & Flu is a powerful multi-symptom cold and cough suppression medicine with a distinctive sinus decongestion ability that immediately clears away fluid and phlegm buildup in the nasal passageways. Available in the form of liquicaps (softgel capsules), it is the ideal over-the-counter alternate to Vicks DayQuil Cold and Flu.

Daytime Cold & Flu effectively treats all kinds of symptoms of the common cold, while its pain reliever/fever reducer properties help take away the physical discomfort that stems from colds and influenza. While the medication is best used as a cold and flu remedy, the multi-symptom relief liquicaps can also treat minor body aches and pain.

Since Daytime Cold & Flu is an OTC drug that’s available without a doctor’s prescription, correct dosing is easy and somewhat flexible. The best way to take the drug is two (2) softgels, with purified water (room temperature) every four (4) hours. If you’re not sure about the ideal dosage for you, consult with a healthcare professional before administering a dose to yourself or someone else.

It’s better to always see a doctor before giving this (or any other) medication to children, or taking any more than the recommended dosage.

How do the Active Ingredients in Daytime Cold & Flu (DayQuil Cold and Flu Alternative) Work?

The Dextromethorphan in Daytime Cold & Flu affects the nerve signals between the throat and the portion of the brain responsible for the cough reflex, thereby negating the feeling or urge to cough while the drug is active within the system.

Phenylephrine, which is a nasal decongestant that shrinks the blood vessels inside the nose and beginning of the nasal passageway. This releases the fluid buildup in the concerned area and allows for more rapid airflow

Lastly, Acetaminophen, which is also the active ingredient found in Tylenol, is a pain reliever and fever regulator that affects the portion of the brain responsible for increasing body temperature, while also raising the natural pain threshold of the body, as a pain-relief measure.

Other than these, the drug has several FDA-approved inactive ingredients including propylene glycol, polyethylene glycol, titanium dioxide, glycerin, and gelatin.

Typical Uses of Active Ingredients in Daytime Cold & Flu (DayQuil Cold and Flu Alternative)

All three active ingredients in Daytime Cold & Flu are used to treat the symptoms of and related to the common cold and influenza. However, it’s better to understand the primary uses of each ingredient, which include:

Sinus Decongestion: Congestion in the nose and throat is a common symptom of the cold and Phenylephrine serves as one of the most common compounds used to treat nasal constriction. Being a vasoconstrictor, it limits the blood flow around the nose, opening up a stuffy nose and allowing you to clear any built-up phlegm from the area.

Cough Suppression: Dextromethorphan is a common cough suppressant that calms the active nerves responsible for incessant coughing. It is typically used in cold and flu medication such as Mucinex as an additional ingredient and is very effective at providing temporary relief from dry cough.

Fever Relief: Acetaminophen is a very popular ingredient in most flu liquicaps due to its strong temperature-regulating properties. It causes the brain to regulate body heat to a stable level and is a mainstay in most pain-relieving drugs such as Tylenol and Percocet.

Typical Side Effects of Active Ingredients in Daytime Cold & Flu (DayQuil Cold and Flu Alternative)

Since Daytime Cold & Flu contains a combination of three active ingredients, there are some effects that may result from incorrect usage or natural aversion from the drug, in all users, irrespective of age groups.

Here are the most common side effects of Dextromethorphan, Acetaminophen, and Phenylephrine:

• Difficulty Breathing or Swallowing: A less common side effect of Acetaminophen (usually allergic reaction)
• Hypertension: Common side effect in drugs containing Phenylephrine
• Difficulty in Urinating: Common side effect of a Dextromethorphan overdose
• Headache: A byproduct of hypertension, less common but possible
• Slowed Breathing: Can occur alongside cold sweats and anxiety
• Facial or Throat Swelling: Usually an allergic reaction
• Shakiness or Unsteady Walk: Often accompanied by blurred vision and/or varying degrees of confusion
• Upset Stomach: Can happen for short periods after taking the drug

Most of the side-effects listed here usually occur as either an allergic reaction or immediately after you take the drug for the first time and your body adjusts to the chemical properties of the ingredients. These usually go away without medical assistance.

Additional Side Effects

The side effects mentioned above are the ones that have been found in most cases of negative reactions from the drug. However, there are some rare and more severe side effects that can occur in some instances. There are:

• Liver Damage: Resulting from an overdose of Acetaminophen, especially in case of existing liver disease
• Severely Itchy Skin or Blisters: Can occur either in spots or widespread across the body
• Anxiety: Can occur in varying degrees, especially if the condition already exists
• Constipation: Usually harmless but painful in some patients, depending on the specific dosage
• High Blood Pressure: Most patients experience a rise in blood pressure immediately after taking the medication.

It’s important to note that a lot of the side effects listed here can occur due to pre-existing conditions or allergies. If you are in doubt, always consult a doctor and confirm whether it is safe for you to take the medication, before purchasing it.

Read Before Using Daytime Cold & Flu (DayQuil Cold and Flu Alternative)

ValuMeds Daytime Cold & Flu is generally safe to use for most people (barring any allergies or pre-existing conditions). However, there are some general warnings and precautions that you should consider, before using the medication. These include:

• The drug is NOT SAFE for children under 4 years of age, and generally unsuitable for children under 6 years of age.
• DO NOT give to anyone with existing conditions related to the liver or an enlarged prostate gland or liver.
• Active ingredients may cause a variety of symptoms including anxiety, throat and facial swelling, painful stomach, and liver failure, sometimes simultaneously.
• Do not take alongside non-selective Monoamine Oxidase Inhibitors (MAOIs), to avoid Serotonin Syndrome.
• DO NOT give to patients with existing thyroid disease, emphysema, or chronic cough.
• Consult a medical professional before taking the drug alongside medication for depression, anxiety, and related conditions.

Always read the product information and disclaimer given at the back of the drug packaging before consuming the medicine.