Ibuprofen (known by its brand names Advil or Motrin) and DayQuil (acetaminophen, dextromethorphan, and phenylephrine) are two commonly taken over-the-counter (OTC) drugs. Their purpose is to manage pain, fever, and symptoms of the common cold or flu.
Both these drugs are effective. However, they are U.S. Food and Drug Administration (FDA)-approved for different indications (uses).
DayQuil is a combination drug with different active ingredients. It contains acetaminophen, dextromethorphan, and phenylephrine, which are indicated for managing pain and cold symptoms. Ibuprofen brands are for managing pain and inflammation specifically.
This article will discuss when you should take ibuprofen and DayQuil and whether you can take both of these drugs together.
Getty Images / Florian Gaertner / Contributor
Should You Take DayQuil or Ibuprofen?
Ibuprofen and DayQuil are drugs in different classes with different mechanisms of action. Ibuprofen is an NSAID. The main active ingredient in DayQuil is acetaminophen, an analgesic. DayQuil also contains other drugs to reduce common cold symptoms.
Both drugs are commonly taken OTC for pain, fever, and the common cold. However, they are FDA-approved for different indications.
For a common cold, DayQuil can be a more effective option. The combination of acetaminophen, dextromethorphan, and phenylephrine is better at alleviating the common cold symptoms. Along with reducing fever and pain, it also improves cough, bronchial irritation, and sore throat.
Ibuprofen can reduce pain and fever but is not helpful for congestion and runny nose.
On the contrary, when treating fever or pain due to other conditions such as arthritis, muscle pain, or menstrual pain, ibuprofen should be the drug of choice. It is more potent at treating inflammation, swelling, and pain.
What Is DayQuil?
DayQuil, a widely taken OTC brand, is highly effective in reducing the common cold and flu symptoms. It’s a combination medicine that contains active ingredients with different mechanisms of action to ease these symptoms.
DayQuil is available in various combinations and dosage formulations, such as capsules, solutions, and pills. There are different formulations of DayQuil that include a combination of active drugs:
- Acetaminophen: an antipyretic (fever reducer) and analgesic (pain reliever)
- Dextromethorphan: a cough suppressant
- Phenylephrine: a nasal decongestant
- Guaifenesin: a cough expectorant that reduces mucus thickness and makes it easy to cough out
Guaifenesin needs to be taken with a sufficient amount of water for it to be effective at thinning mucus. Drink a full glass of water when taking any formulation of medication that contains guaifenesin as an ingredient.
DayQuil is meant to be taken during the daytime. It is nondrowsy and does not hinder daily activities. However, it is best to wait until you know how the drug affects you before carrying out activities that require extra focus or attention.
In September 2023, the FDA deemed phenylephrine in its oral form ineffective at relieving congestion. This does not mean that you can’t use current products on the market containing phenylephrine, but the ingredient will not affect a stuffy nose.
If you are looking for ways to relieve your congestion, consider other options, such as pseudoephedrine or nasal sprays containing phenylephrine.
What Is Ibuprofen?
Ibuprofen is a nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drug (NSAID) taken as an analgesic and antipyretic for adults and children. It’s the most commonly taken and most frequently prescribed NSAID. It stops the production of prostaglandins, a chemical that causes pain, fever, and inflammation.
Ibuprofen is often taken to temporarily relieve:
- Headaches
- Toothaches
- Backaches
- Menstrual cramps
- The common cold
- Muscular
- Arthritis aches
Ibuprofen is available under various brand names, including Advil, Motrin, Motrin IB, and Midol. It is also available as a combination of active products, such as Advil PM (diphenhydramine and ibuprofen) and Duexis (famotidine and ibuprofen).
Can You Take Them Together?
Yes, you can take DayQuil and ibuprofen together. There is no research data to conclude that these drugs are harmful together. However, spreading out the doses to provide longer symptom relief is better.
Side Effects: Which Is More Tolerable?
Ibuprofen and DayQuil are effective and safe when taken according to the label specifications. However, like all other drugs, there are certain limitations when talking about side effects.
Long-term use of Ibuprofen may cause heart problems (heart attack) or stroke in some people. Acetaminophen in Dayquil may cause liver problems when taken more than advised.
Both these drugs have few side effects, which usually go away. However, in rare cases, you may need medical attention.
Side Effects of Ibuprofen
Some common side effects include:
However, there are some severe side effects that may need immediate medical attention. Call your healthcare provider if you have:
- Allergic reactions
- Acute liver and kidney disease
- Blurred vision
- Bronchospasm (narrowing of the airways)
- Black-colored stool
- Blood or a black, tarry substance in vomit
- Confusion
- Heart failure
- Hyperkalemia (high potassium levels)
- Fluid retention or swelling in the ankles
- Severe headache and neck stiffness
- Tightness in the chest
Do not use ibuprofen after 20 weeks of pregnancy, which can harm the fetus.
Side Effects of DayQuil
Common side effects include:
DayQuil may also cause some more severe side effects, such as allergic reactions. Stop taking the medicine and seek emergency medical help. The symptoms include:
- Skin reddening
- Blisters
- Rash
Acetaminophen in DayQuil can also cause liver damage. Take caution when drinking alcohol while taking DayQuil.
Drug Interactions
Some drugs can interact with each other when taken together and may cause adverse effects. Taking these drugs is not safe without asking a healthcare professional.
Below are details about drugs that may interact with ibuprofen and DayQuil. Ask your healthcare provider if you are taking other OTC or prescription drugs.
Ibuprofen Interactions
Consult your healthcare provider before taking ibuprofen if you are taking any of these drugs:
DayQuil Interactions
- Avoid drinking alcohol or be watchful when having a few drinks. Drinking alcohol while taking DayQuil may increase the chances of liver damage.
- Ask a healthcare professional if you are using warfarin or other blood-thinning drugs before taking DayQuil.
- Avoid taking other prescription or OTC painkillers containing acetaminophen.
- Do not take DayQuil if you have been taking or stopped taking a monoamine oxidase inhibitor (MAOI) during the past 14 days. Examples of MAOIs include Marplan (isocarboxazid) and Emsam (selegiline).
Summary
DayQuil is a combination of different active ingredients taken to treat common cold and flu symptoms. It includes acetaminophen (a fever and pain reducer), dextromethorphan, (a cough suppressant), and phenylephrine (a decongestant).
On the other hand, ibuprofen is an NSAID taken to treat pain and inflammation.
These drugs are commonly taken for pain, fever, and flu management. However, DayQuil has more active drugs that are FDA-approved to treat flu symptoms such as sore throat, cough, and bronchial irritation.
Compared to ibuprofen and DayQuil, DayQuil seems to be the drug of choice for the common cold and flu.
