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Key takeaways
NyQuil is an over-the-counter medication intended to relieve cold and flu symptoms. Some formulations contain alcohol.
Some people should not take NyQuil containing alcohol, including those with liver disease, people with alcohol use disorder, children younger than 12, and pregnant women.
There are formulations of NyQuil that do not contain alcohol, and other alternatives for cold and flu symptom relief available from different brands.
NyQuil is an over-the-counter cold and flu medicine that temporarily relieves symptoms such as nasal congestion, cough, fever, sinus pressure, and headaches. It is available in different formulations, including daytime versions designed to minimize drowsiness and nighttime options that can help with sleep. While many Vicks NyQuil products contain about 10% alcohol, alcohol-free options are also available.
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Is there alcohol in NyQuil?
NyQuil is an over-the-counter cold and flu medication available in several formulations. It is designed to relieve common cold symptoms such as sore throat and cough, along with flu symptoms such as fever and body aches. Many NyQuil products contain alcohol—typically around 10% or less—according to Jefferey Chester, DO, medical director of The Ohana Addiction Treatment Center.
Examples of formulations that contain alcohol include:
- NyQuil Severe Cold and Flu
- NyQuil VapoCool Severe Cold & Flu Liquid + Congestion
- NyQuil Cold and Flu Nighttime Relief Liquid
The alcohol “helps dissolve certain ingredients and acts as a preservative,” says Michael Genovese, MD, chief medical advisor at AscendantNY. It is not an active ingredient and does not have any therapeutic effects, though it may cause mild sedation.
There are several alcohol-free versions of NyQuil available. Some of the alcohol-free versions of NyQuil include:
- Alcohol-Free NyQuil Cold & Flu Liquid
- NyQuil LiquiCaps
- NyQuil High Blood Pressure Cold and Flu Relief
How much alcohol is in NyQuil?
Some NyQuil products contain about 10% alcohol by volume. A standard liquid dose of NyQuil is 30 mL (roughly two tablespoons), which means each serving contains about 3 mL of alcohol. While this is significantly less than the amount in a typical glass of wine or beer, it may still be noticeable for individuals who are sensitive to alcohol or who are avoiding it for medical, personal, or recovery-related reasons.
If you are looking for a cold medicine that does not contain alcohol, there are alternatives. “NyQuil LiquiCaps are alcohol-free, as is DayQuil,” Dr. Genovese says. “Robitussin Nighttime Cough DM, Theraflu Nighttime Severe Cold & Cough, and Equate Nighttime Cold & Flu capsules are all alcohol-free as well.”
Can you drink alcohol while taking alcohol-containing NyQuil?
The NyQuil label clearly warns against drinking alcohol while using the medication, as the combination can intensify drowsiness and impair alertness. Dr. Chester explains that mixing alcohol with NyQuil can also increase the risk of liver damage.
Dr. Genovese adds that while alcohol does not reduce NyQuil’s effectiveness, combining the two is unsafe and can heighten side effects such as dizziness, sedation, and liver stress. In rare cases, it may also contribute to respiratory depression.
Who shouldn’t take alcohol-containing NyQuil?
While anyone using NyQuil should follow the precautions on the label—especially the warnings about combining it with alcohol—certain groups should avoid formulations that contain alcohol entirely.
According to Drs. Chester and Genovese, alcohol-containing NyQuil should not be used by:
- People with a history of alcohol use disorder
- People with liver disease
- Those who are pregnant or breastfeeding
- Children younger than 12 years old
- People taking medications that interact with alcohol, such as sedatives or certain antidepressants
Dr. Chester emphasizes that even alcohol-free NyQuil may not be safe during pregnancy or breastfeeding due to other active ingredients, so medical guidance is essential. Always consult your healthcare provider before using any NyQuil product. A provider can review your medical history, current medications, and advise on whether NyQuil is appropriate for you.
For children, there are alcohol-free options such as NyQuil Kids, which is formulated for ages 6 and up. However, a healthcare provider should still be consulted before giving NyQuil to a child.
Other ingredients in NyQuil
NyQuil is a combination medication with several active ingredients targeting different symptoms. Depending on the formulation, it may contain:
- Acetaminophen, a pain reliever and fever reducer
- Doxylamine succinate, an antihistamine that helps with sneezing and a runny nose
- Dextromethorphan HBr, a cough suppressant
- Phenylephrine, a nasal decongestant
It’s important to carefully read the label for specific ingredient information to avoid double-dosing when treating cold and flu symptoms.
The bottom line
Many NyQuil products contain about 10% alcohol by volume. Alcohol-containing versions should be avoided by people with a history of alcohol use disorder, liver disease, or those who are pregnant. They can also interact dangerously with certain medications, including sedatives and some antidepressants. To ensure safe use, always seek medical advice from a healthcare provider before taking NyQuil for cold or flu symptoms.
- Vicks NyQuil Severe Cold & Flu, National Library of Medicine Drug Label (2024)
- Vicks NyQuil VapoCOOL Severe Cold & Flu + Congestion, National Library of Medicine Drug Label(2024)
- NyQuil Cold and Flu Nighttime Relief Liquid, National Library of Medicine (2024)
- NyQuil Alcohol Free Cough, Cold & Flu Nighttime Relief Liquid, Vicks (year not specified)
- VICKS NyQuil Severe Cold & Flu Liquicaps, National Library of Medicine (2025)
- NyQuil high blood pressure cold and flu relief, National Library of Medicine (2024)
- FDA proposes ending use of oral phenylephrine as OTC monograph nasal decongestant active ingredient after extensive review, Food and Drug Administration (2024)