Over-the-counter cold and flu medications alleviate common symptoms like coughs, congestion, aches, and fever. While generally safe when used as directed, understanding their components is important for responsible use and to prevent unintended consequences.
What Delsym and Dayquil Contain
Delsym is primarily known for its cough-suppressing properties, with its main active ingredient being Dextromethorphan HBr (DXM). This compound works to reduce the urge to cough by affecting the cough reflex in the brain. While the 12-Hour formulation of Delsym typically contains only DXM, some other Delsym products might include additional ingredients like acetaminophen for pain relief or guaifenesin for chest congestion.
Dayquil, a multi-symptom cold and flu medication, usually combines several active ingredients to address a broader spectrum of symptoms. Its common formulation includes acetaminophen, which acts as a pain reliever and fever reducer. It also contains Dextromethorphan (DXM) to suppress coughing and phenylephrine, a nasal decongestant that helps relieve stuffiness. Some Dayquil “Severe” variants may further include guaifenesin to help loosen mucus.
Why Mixing Them Can Be Harmful
Combining Delsym and Dayquil presents risks primarily due to overlapping active ingredients, especially Dextromethorphan (DXM). Both medications commonly contain DXM, meaning that taking them together can lead to an excessive intake. High levels of DXM in the body can cause central nervous system depression, affecting brain function and potentially leading to serious health issues.
Beyond DXM, Dayquil often includes acetaminophen. If a person takes Dayquil and another medication containing acetaminophen, the combined dose can exceed safe limits, posing a significant risk of liver damage. The decongestant phenylephrine in Dayquil can also cause issues if taken in excess, as overdosing may elevate blood pressure and increase heart rate.
Signs of an Adverse Reaction
An adverse reaction to excessive cold medication, particularly due to high Dextromethorphan (DXM) levels, can manifest in various ways. Individuals may experience severe dizziness, extreme drowsiness, confusion, nausea, and vomiting.
The cardiovascular system can be affected, leading to a rapid heart rate and elevated blood pressure. Neurological symptoms may include hallucinations, slurred speech, impaired motor function, and unsteadiness. In more severe cases, individuals might exhibit agitation, restlessness, blurred vision, or develop a dangerously high body temperature (hyperthermia). Difficulty breathing, seizures, loss of consciousness, or a bluish tint to the fingernails or lips indicate a medical emergency. Immediate medical attention is necessary; contact emergency services or poison control.
Responsible Cold Medication Use
To ensure safe self-medication for cold symptoms, carefully reading product labels is paramount. This helps identify all active ingredients and prevents accidental duplication. Understanding and strictly adhering to dosage instructions is also important, as exceeding recommended amounts can lead to adverse effects.
When experiencing multiple cold symptoms, it is often beneficial to select a single medication that targets the most bothersome issues rather than combining several products. Many multi-symptom formulas already contain several active ingredients, increasing the risk of ingredient overlap if other medications are added. Consulting a pharmacist or doctor can provide guidance on appropriate single-ingredient remedies or safe combinations, especially for individuals with pre-existing health conditions or those taking other prescription medications, as drug interactions can occur. Avoiding alcohol while taking cold medications is also recommended, as it can intensify side effects and increase the risk of liver damage, particularly with acetaminophen.