Best NyQuil Cold & Flu Alternative

ValuMeds Nighttime Cold & Flu is an effective non-drowsy multi-symptom OTC nasal decongestant and flu nighttime relief liquid available in the form of softgel liquicaps. An FDA-approved medication, Nighttime Cold & Flu works to soothe minor aches and pains, as well as clear away a stuffy nose and make it easier to breathe while sleeping.

Max strength Nighttime Cold & Flu is ideal for conditions such as common cold and influenza which can cause varying degrees of discomfort in terms of swollen nasal passages and mucus buildup. While the drug is best for treating the various cold symptoms, it can also be used to relieve minor pain in the chest and other areas that result from incessant coughing and rapid pressure buildup while breathing.

Since it’s an over-the-counter medication, similar to brand name drugs such as Tylenol and Vicks Nyquil Severe, Nighttime Cold & Flu can be purchased without a healthcare professional’s certificate or prescription. The best way to take the drug is two (2) softgel tablets with plain (room temperature) water, every six (6) hours until symptoms persist.

It’s better to consult with a doctor before giving this medication to children under 12 years of age.

How do the Active Ingredients in ValuMeds Nighttime Cold & Flu (Nyquil Cold and Flu Alternative) Work?

The Doxylamine Succinate in Nighttime Cold & Flu works by blocking the natural release of certain substances, including histamine and acetylcholine, during the onset of a mild or severe cold.

The Dextromethorphan in Nighttime Cold & Flu is a well-known cough suppressant which blocks the signals that go from the brain to the area of the bronchial tract that’s responsible for the cough reflex. It temporarily blocks those signals, which prevents incessant coughing and allows patients to sleep at night without interruption.

Lastly, the Acetaminophen in Nighttime Cold & Flu, which is a common pain-relieving ingredient, works by affecting the portion of the brain responsible for increasing body temperature during fevers, while also raising the natural pain endurance of the body. It’s a very common ingredient in cold and headache remedies.

Additionally, the drug contains a variety of inactive ingredients that all contribute to relief from colds and flu.

Typical Uses of Active Ingredients in ValuMeds Nighttime Cold & Flu (Nyquil Cold and Flu Alternative)

All the active ingredients in Nighttime Cold & Flu are best for treating symptoms related to the common cold, cough, and mild bronchitis. However, there are some diverse uses of all three ingredients, which is important for you to know before you start taking the medication.

These uses are:

Histamine Blocking: Histamines are the natural chemicals that the body releases as a response to contact with or consumption of things that the body is allergic to. The rashes and swelling that often occur as a result of allergies, or even during a cold, are due to histamines, which this medication blocks. Doxylamine Succinate is the active antihistamine within the medicine.  

Pain Relief: An important part of the cold and flu remedy is relief from the typical aches and pains that the body goes through during the two illnesses. The Acetaminophen in Nighttime Cold & Flu blocks the signals that convey painful sensations throughout the body, while also manipulating the part of the brain that regulates body temperature, thereby bringing it down.

Sinus Decongestion: Congestion in the nose and throat is a common symptom of the cold and this medication serves as one of the most common compounds used to treat nasal constriction. By preventing swelling in and around the nasal area, it opens up a stuffy nose and allows 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 as a cough-specific ingredient and is very effective at providing temporary relief from dry cough, while also reducing the abrasions and bronchial irritation that results from coughing.

Typical Side Effects of Active Ingredients in ValuMeds Nighttime Cold & Flu (Nyquil Cold and Flu Alternative)

Nighttime Cold & Flu is designed to alleviate multiple symptoms while avoiding any effects that may either enhance a symptom or generate a new one. However, since it has not one, but three main active ingredients, some patients may experience a variety of side effects from the drug, including:

• Slowed Breathing: Can occur as a side effect of cough suppression and bronchial signal prevention.
• Drowsiness: A counter-effect to the original intention with the drug, it can occur in patients susceptible to fever relief ingredients.
• Dizziness: Less common side effect, but can cause varying degrees of disorientation.
• Constipation: Can occur alongside a generally upset stomach and nausea.
• Blurred Vision: Somewhat more common side effect of antihistamines such as the Doxylamine Succinate in Nighttime Cold & Flu.
• Dry Mouth/Throat: Another common antihistamine side effect, usually happens right after you take the drug.
• Itching: A typical allergic reaction, it is common only in people with pre-existing allergies.
• Rashes: Another allergic reaction, it is commonly accompanied by itching and hives.

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.

Additional Side Effects

ValuMeds Nighttime Cold & Flu is designed to have minimal to no side effects in a vast spectrum of patients. This is fortified by the fact that the majority of more severe effects usually take place in people with pre-existing allergies, or those who overdose on the medication.

Some of the more severe side effects include:

• Loss of Appetite: Can occur with prolonged usage of the medication in some cases.
• Severe Confusion: Accompanied by dizziness and shakiness in the extremities such as hands and feet.
• Anxiety: Can occur as part of the suite of psychological effects, albeit harmless if rectified immediately.
• Liver Damage: A more severe side effect, it usually occurs in people with existing liver disease.

It’s important to note that the vast majority of the side effects listed here can happen due to allergies and/or pre-existing conditions that make a person more vulnerable to certain negative effects. If you are in doubt about how you will handle the drug, always consult a doctor and confirm whether it is safe for you to take the medication, before purchasing it.

Read Before Using ValuMeds Nighttime Cold & Flu (Nyquil Cold and Flu Alternative)

ValuMeds Nighttime 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:

• DO NOT exceed 4 doses of the drug within a 24 hour time period.
• Do not administer this drug alongside other drugs that contain Acetaminophen.
• In case a sore throat occurs upon immediate use of the drug, consult a doctor immediately.
• Do not take alongside non-selective Monoamine Oxidase Inhibitors (MAOIs), to avoid Serotonin Syndrome.
• DO not give to patients who are already under medication for depression, anxiety, and/or other psychological/neurological conditions
• This drug is not safe for children under 12 years of age.

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