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Can you take NyQuil and ibuprofen at the same time?

Yes, and it isn't harmful for most healthy adults. But there's often not much point: NyQuil already has a pain and fever reliever (acetaminophen). Only add ibuprofen if you still hurt or have a fever, and never add Tylenol.

Updated , byNaveen
Hand-drawn sketch of a person taking NyQuil and ibuprofen at the same time at night: a dose cup of green cold syrup, two ibuprofen tablets and a glass of water
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The quick answer

  • Yes, you can take NyQuil and ibuprofen together. It's fine.
  • No wait is needed between them. Just keep each one on its own label schedule.
  • Don't add Tylenol. NyQuil already has acetaminophen, which is the same thing as Tylenol.
  • Avoid alcohol and driving. NyQuil makes you drowsy.
  • Ask a pharmacist first if you take other medicines, have stomach, kidney, heart or liver problems, or are pregnant.

How to take NyQuil and ibuprofen together

1
Check which NyQuil you havePlain NyQuil Cold & Flu or NyQuil Cough. Not Advil PM or Motrin PM.
2
Take NyQuil as labeledOne dose every 6 hours, no more than 4 doses a day.
Liquid: 30 mLLiquiCaps: 2 capsulesEvery 6 hoursMax 4 doses a day
3
Take ibuprofen as labeledOne or two tablets every 4 to 6 hours, with food or milk.
1 to 2 tablets (200 to 400 mg)Every 4 to 6 hoursMax 6 tablets a day
4
Then restNo alcohol, no driving, and no extra Tylenol.

Standard adult label doses, ages 12 and up. Always follow the Drug Facts on your exact package.

I took Advil at 8. Can I take NyQuil at 11?
Usually, yes. Are you taking anything else?

Got questions?

Text Pymander before you mix NyQuil with ibuprofen or anything else. Free, any time.

Text Pymander

How long to wait between NyQuil and ibuprofen

You don't need to wait. You can take NyQuil and ibuprofen at the same time, or one after the other. Just keep each on its own clock: NyQuil every 6 hours, and ibuprofen every 4 to 6 hours. Already took ibuprofen this evening? You can still take NyQuil at bedtime. Just don't add Tylenol.

Which NyQuil products are fine to take with ibuprofen?

Plain ibuprofen means regular Advil or Motrin, not the PM versions.

Fine together
NyQuil Cold & Flu (liquid or LiquiCaps)Has acetaminophen (a pain and fever reliever, same as Tylenol), dextromethorphan (a cough suppressant) and doxylamine (an antihistamine that makes you sleepy). No ibuprofen.
NyQuil CoughOnly the cough suppressant and the sleepy antihistamine. No pain reliever at all.
Ask a pharmacist first
NyQuil SevereAdds phenylephrine, a decongestant that can raise blood pressure. Ask first if you have high blood pressure or heart disease.
Don't combine
Advil PM or Motrin PMThese add a second sleepy antihistamine on top of the one already in NyQuil.
AleveNaproxen is another NSAID (an anti-inflammatory pain reliever, the same family as ibuprofen). Don’t take two at once.
Tylenol, with NyQuilSame ingredient as NyQuil’s pain reliever. Doubling it can hurt your liver.

Not sure which one you have?

Text Pymander the name on the box. We'll tell you if it's OK with ibuprofen.

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When to see a doctor

Stop taking NyQuil and ibuprofen and ask a doctor if:
  • Pain or cough gets worse or lasts more than 7 days
  • Fever gets worse or lasts more than 3 days
  • New symptoms show up
  • Cough comes back, or comes with a rash or a headache that won't go away
Took too much? Call Poison Help: 1-800-222-1222Call right away, even without symptoms. Call 911 if someone collapses, has a seizure, has trouble breathing, or can't be woken up.

Common questions

Can you take NyQuil and ibuprofen at the same time?

Yes, for most healthy adults. NyQuil Cold & Flu has no ibuprofen, so the two don’t double up. Take each as labeled, don’t add Tylenol, and skip alcohol. Ask a pharmacist first if you take other medicines or have stomach, kidney, heart or liver problems.

How long should I wait to take NyQuil after ibuprofen?

You don’t need to wait. You can take them at the same time. Just keep each on its own schedule: NyQuil every 6 hours, ibuprofen every 4 to 6 hours.

Can I take NyQuil with Advil PM or Motrin PM?

No. Advil PM and Motrin PM contain a sleep-aid antihistamine, and NyQuil already has one. Use plain ibuprofen instead.

Can I take NyQuil with 800 mg ibuprofen?

800 mg ibuprofen is a prescription dose. Ask the doctor or pharmacist who prescribed it before adding NyQuil.

Can I take DayQuil with ibuprofen?

Usually yes, for the same reason: DayQuil’s pain reliever is acetaminophen, not ibuprofen. Don’t add Tylenol, and check the label on your exact DayQuil product.

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