Friday, March 26, 2010

Vicks cold medicine

Was bit by cold from yesterday and just bought "Vicks Nyquil" and did some work on what it is and how is it different from other similar products.


Nyquil Flu and cold liquid caps ingredients are
  • Acetaminophen - 325mg (Pain reliever/Fever reducer)
  • Dextromethorphan Hbr 15mg (Cough suppressant)
  • Doxylamine 6.25mg (Antihistamine)
  • Inactive ingreditents: D&C Yellow No. 10, FD&C Blue No. 1, gelatin, glycerin, polyethylene glycol, providone, propylene glycol, purified water, sorbital special, titanium dioxide.
Nyquil sinus liquid caps ingredients
  • Acetaminophen - 325mg (Pain reliever/Fever reducer)
  • Doxylamine Succinate - 6.25mg (Antihistamine)
  • Phenylephrine HCI - 5mg (Nasala decongestant)
  • Inactive ingredients: FD&C Blue No. 1, gelatin, glycerin, polyethylene glycol, providone, propylene glycol, purifiled water, sorbital special, titanium dioxide.
Nyquil Flu and cold relief liquid ingredients
  • Acetaminophen - 500mg (Pain reliever/Fever reducer)
  • Dextromethorphan Hbr - 15mg (Cough suppressant)
  • Doxylamine Succiante - 6.25 mg (Antihistamine)
  • Inactive ingredients: acesulfame potassium, alchohol, citric acid, D&C Yellow No. 10, FD&C Green No. 3, FD&C Yellow No. 6, flavour, high fructose corn syrup, polyethylen glycol, propylene glycol, purified water, saccharin sodium, sodium citrate,

Vicks dayquil flu and cold liquid caps ingredients are below.
  • Acetaminophen - 325mg (Pain reliever/Fever reducer)
  • Dextromethorphan Hbr - 15mg (Cough suppressant)
  • Phenylephrine - 15mg (Nasal decongestant)
  • Inactive ingredients: FD&C Yellow No. 6, FD&C Red No. 40, gelatin, glycerin, polyethylene glycol, providone, propylene glycol, purified water, sorbital special, titanium dioxide etc.
Vicks dayquil sinus liquid caps ingredients are below.
  • Acetaminophen - 325mg (Pain reliever/Fever reducer)
  • Phenylephrine HCI 5mg (Nasal decongestant)
  • Inactive ingredients: FD&C Yellow No. 6, gelatin, glycerin, polyethlyne glycol, providone, propylene glycol, purified water, sorbital special, titanium dioxide etc.
Acetaminophen (APAP or also called paracetamol) is common pain reliever in cough, cold, fever and sleep aid products. Liver stays right near the stomach and breaks down the toxics and chemicals entering body. Taking too much drug (more than 4000mg) a day loads liver and causes damage.

Dextromethorphan(DXM) is cough suppressant. As FDA approved it as cough suppressant in 1958, it replaced older drug codeine phosphate. Over dosage causes brain damage, seizure, loss of consciousness and heart beat irregularities.

Doxylamine is antihistamine used in night time cold medicines. It causes dizziness and lightheartedness. It is not advised to use during day because it impairs to work on machines or drive a vehicle.

Phenylephrine is nasal decongestant that shrinks blood vessels in nasal passages, as dilated blood vessels cause nasal congestion or stuffy nose. It may interact with blood pressure and diabetes medications and antidepressants.