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Can you take DayQuil and Tylenol at the same time?

No, don't take them together. DayQuil already has 650 mg of acetaminophen per dose, the same drug that's in Tylenol. If you need more relief, ibuprofen is the safe add-on.

Updated , byNaveen
Hand-drawn clock with DayQuil capsules and a Tylenol tablet marking dose times, showing why you shouldn’t take DayQuil and Tylenol at the same time
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DayQuil and Tylenol: the quick answer

  • Don’t take them together. Both contain acetaminophen.
  • An hour apart doesn’t help. It’s still two doses stacking up.
  • Ibuprofen is the safe add-on. Advil or Motrin doesn’t double anything.
  • Switching later is fine. Stop DayQuil, then make Tylenol your next dose.
  • Too much acetaminophen hurts your liver, sometimes before you feel anything.

How to switch from DayQuil to Tylenol

1
8 a.m.: DayQuilFor congestion, cough and aches.
650 mg acetaminophen
2
Noon: DayQuil againAdd ibuprofen here if you need more pain relief.
Running total: 1,300 mg
3
6 p.m.: Tylenol insteadYou stopped DayQuil, so Tylenol is your next dose, not an extra one.
Extra Strength: 1,000 mgRunning total: 2,300 mg
4
Write each dose downTime, product and milligrams. It’s the easiest way to stay under the limit.

An example for healthy adults using label doses. Your labels and your pharmacist have the final say.

I took DayQuil at 9. Can I take Tylenol for my headache now?
Not yet. Try ibuprofen, or wait until DayQuil’s 4 hours are up and skip the next DayQuil.

Doing the dose math?

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How long after DayQuil can you take Tylenol?

Only once you've stopped DayQuil, and no sooner than your next dose is due. DayQuil is every 4 hours, so wait at least 4 hours after your last dose, and count both toward one daily total. Going the other way, wait until your next Tylenol dose is due (6 hours after Extra Strength) before switching to DayQuil.

What you can take with DayQuil instead of Tylenol

Safe to add
Ibuprofen (Advil, Motrin)Eases aches and swelling without doubling acetaminophen.
Naproxen (Aleve)Another NSAID. Use it or ibuprofen, not both.
Check first
High blood pressureDayQuil’s decongestant and NSAIDs can both raise it.
Liver disease, or 3+ drinks a dayYour safe acetaminophen limit may be lower.
Don’t mix with DayQuil
Tylenol, any strengthSame drug as DayQuil’s pain reliever.
NyQuil at the same timeIt has acetaminophen too. Switch at night instead.
Excedrin, Theraflu, Mucinex Fast-MaxMany also contain acetaminophen.

How much acetaminophen is in DayQuil and Tylenol?

ProductAcetaminophen
DayQuil Cold & Flu650 mg per dose (30 mL or 2 LiquiCaps)
DayQuil daily maximum2,600 mg 4 doses in 24 hours
Tylenol Regular Strength325 mg per tablet
Tylenol Extra Strength500 mg per caplet, max 3,000 mg a day
All sources combined4,000 mg FDA ceiling for adults

Four DayQuil doses plus two Extra Strength Tylenol is 3,600 mg, past Tylenol’s own daily limit.

Not sure what’s in your cabinet?

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Already took DayQuil and Tylenol together?

Stop taking acetaminophen and call Poison HelpAdd up what you took and when, then call 1-800-222-1222. It's free, and they'll tell you if you need care. Call even if you feel fine.

When to get help

See a doctor if:
  • A fever lasts more than 3 days, or symptoms last more than 7
  • Nausea, vomiting or stomach pain after taking acetaminophen
  • You get better and then worse again
Call 911 for severe trouble breathing, chest pain, confusion, or yellow skin or eyesAlso call if someone is very sleepy or hard to wake.

Common questions

Can you take DayQuil and Tylenol at the same time?

No. DayQuil already contains 650 mg of acetaminophen per dose. Add ibuprofen instead if you need more relief.

How long after taking Tylenol can I take DayQuil?

Wait until your next Tylenol dose would be due (6 hours after Extra Strength), and switch to DayQuil instead of taking both.

Can I take Tylenol 4 hours after DayQuil?

Only if you’re stopping DayQuil and the Tylenol replaces your next DayQuil dose.

Can you take DayQuil and Tylenol an hour apart?

No. That’s basically at the same time.

I took DayQuil and Tylenol together. What should I do?

Don’t take more acetaminophen. Call Poison Help at 1-800-222-1222.

What pain relievers can be taken with DayQuil?

Ibuprofen or naproxen, not both. Not Tylenol.

Can you take cold medicine and Tylenol together?

Only if the cold medicine has no acetaminophen. Check the box.

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Pymander is not a replacement for a physician and does not provide medical advice, diagnosis, or treatment. Always seek the advice of a qualified health provider with questions about a medical condition. If you think you may have a medical emergency, call 911.

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