DayQuil is a widely known cold & flu solution which is often found in our home medicine package. One common question every time comes to our mind whenever we find any old or expired DayQuil medication is that Is Expired DayQuil Safe? and Does Expired DayQuil Work?
But before we understand expired DayQuil’s efficacy we must understand what is DayQuil and its ingredients.
What is DayQuil?
DayQuil is an over-the-counter brand for cold and flu from VICKS. It comes in various formulations such as Liquicaps & Syrup. Most commonly used ingredients in this formulation are Acetaminophen, Phenylephrine, and Dextromethorphan.
Like any other drugs these ingredients do come with expiry date which needed to be followed as manufacturer only guarantees the effectiveness only till this expiry date.
Is Expired DayQuil Safe?
No, taking expired DayQuil is not considered safe as it can produce unpredictable effects which can be highly dangerous to the health.
Since the medication is expired it is important to note that it does not provide maximum effects which are claimed by the manufacturer.
We do not recommend you take expired DayQuil due to the simple fact that it will cause moderate to severe side effects such as tightness in the chest, difficulty in breathing, allergic reactions and vomiting.
What if you take expired DayQuil mistakenly?
If you take expired DayQuil then you should immediately contact nearby doctor or poison control center. if possible, visit nearby healthcare center immediately before you get any side effects.
They will ask you about your current situation and what symptoms are you getting, depending on it they will be able to tell you treatment plan.
Drink lots of water and try to vomit any unabsorbed drug from your gut.
How long is DayQuil good for after opening?
DayQuil’s expiry depend on the date of manufacturing which is usually vary according to the batches but most commonly it is 18 months.
So, it does not matter when you open it. what really matters is date of manufacturing and date of expiry from it.
Final Words from our expert pharmacists
It is not recommended to take expired DayQuil or any other expired medication as it makes you more susceptible for unwanted side effects.
Instead go to local pharmacy and buy brand new DayQuil product or order this online from genuine sellers.