Nyquil For Kids: Safety, Dosage, Side Effects & Precautions

Image: Vicks

Nyquil for kids younger than 12 years is not recommended unless prescribed by a medical practitioner. Nyquil provides temporary relief from cold and cough since it constricts the blood vessels and blocks the histamine action, reducing throat and bronchial irritation, runny nose, and sneezing. It contains medications such as doxylamine succinate (antihistamine), acetaminophen (pain reliever), and dextromethorphan (cough suppressant). Other drugs control the cough, fever, and pain (1).

Many parents and caregivers tend to use this medication for kids due to symptomatic relief. However, is it safe to use Nyquil without a prescription? Does it cause any health risks in kids? Read on to understand the safety and effects of Nyquil for children and the recommended precautions.

Is Nyquil Safe For Children?

The US Food and Drug Administration (FDA) recommends that OTC cold and cough medications should not be given to infants under the age of two, because these products contain decongestant and antihistamine drugs, which can cause convulsions, rapid heartbeat, diminishing consciousness, and possible death (2).

So, at what age can you give Nyquil to children?

According to the manufacturer’s (Vicks) website, Nyquil should not be given to children under the age of 12 years. However, they suggest giving Children’s Nyquil to children aged between six and 11, and to children aged four to six only if prescribed by the doctor (3).

Dr. Kelly Johnson-Arbor, MD, FACEP, FUHM, FACMT, a Virginia-based physician triple board-certified in emergency medicine, medical toxicology, and undersea and hyperbaric medicine, says, “Children’s formulations of Nyquil contain a cough suppressant and antihistamine, and may also contain a nasal decongestant. Traditional Nyquil products may also contain these ingredients, but in higher doses that may cause unwanted side effects in children. Additionally, traditional formulations of Nyquil often contain acetaminophen or alcohol in doses that are safe for adults, but may be too high for children and cause unwanted side effects or toxicity.”

Children’s Nyquil Dosage Chart

Child’s age	Dosage
12 years and above	30ml every six hours
Six to 12 years	15 ml every six hours
Four to six years	Consult your doctor for dosage recommendations
Under the age of four	Do not use Nyquil (4)

In any case, make sure that you do not give more than four doses in 24 hours (5).

Note: Always use the dosage cup that comes with the medicine. And do not increase the dosage as excess acetaminophen can cause liver damage (1).

Even though the dosage instructions are mentioned on the label, it is good to consult your doctor before giving any medicine to your child. This helps you avoid overdosing, which can harm the child’s health.

Children’s Nyquil is a liquid preparation available in cherry flavor, which may make it easier to administer the medication to children.

Possible Side Effects Of Nyquil

Children’s Nyquil may also have a few side-effects, such as drowsiness and excitability (1).

Other possible side effects include:

• Blurred vision

• Dizziness

• Dry mouth, nose, or throat

• Lightheadedness

• Nausea and vomiting

• Stomach pain

These side effects may or may not occur, depending upon the child. But if you notice any of the symptoms in your child, then take them to a doctor.

Also, some kids can be allergic to Nyquil and develop the following symptoms upon taking the drug.

• Rash

• Hives

• Difficulty in swallowing and breathing

• Swelling in face, throat, and mouth

• Feeling of dryness

If you spot any of the above allergic reactions in your child, then stop giving the medicine and take them to the doctor (6).

Does Nyquil Make The Child Sleepy?

Nyquil may cause drowsiness in children, making them feel sleepy. Therefore, it should always be given under adult supervision, especially at night time, to ensure the child’s safety.

However, this medication should never be given to help a healthy child sleep. If children are given Nyquil when they are not sick, it could lead to Nyquil dependency and can cause withdrawal symptoms when they stop taking Nyquil (6).

Precautions To Take While Administering Nyquil For Kids

• Never give your child more than the recommended dosage at a time. Even if you miss a dose, give them the prescribed dose, but not more, the next time. Never administer two doses at once or give more than the recommended dosage.

• Always measure the medicine with the measuring cup or dispenser you get with it.

• Nyquil can only relieve the symptoms of cold and flu and does not cure them. This fact should be kept in perspective. So, it can take about five to seven days for the cold to subside. However, in this course of time, if the symptoms worsen or new symptoms occur, then take your child to the doctor.

• Your child must get enough rest and fluids when they have a cold.

• Tell your doctor about other medicines your child may be taking before using Nyquil to avert possible drug interactions.

Before going for Nyquil, try out the alternative measures, such as using a bulb syringe to suck out the mucus, or encourage your child to blow their nose. Running a warm shower in your child’s room may help in easing the symptoms (7).

This post is for informational purposes only and is not a replacement for a doctor’s consultation. Do not use any medication without talking to your doctor.