Can You Take NyQuil While Pregnant? Safety Tips and Alternatives

NyQuil is a popular over-the-counter (OTC) medication designed to relieve nighttime cold and flu symptoms, such as a runny nose, a fever, and body aches.

It’s a brand, not just one product, and it comes in various formulations, including liquids and capsules. Each contains a different combination of ingredients, some of which are safe during pregnancy, others of which aren’t. 1 2 3

This guide breaks down the ingredients in NyQuil, what their potential risks during pregnancy are, and whether there are safer alternatives to help you find relief.

Yes, as alluded to, you can take some formulations of NyQuil during pregnancy, but not all of them.

For instance, some contain alcohol, which you probably already know is never safe when you’re pregnant. Others contain decongestants that could also pose risks to you or your baby, whereas others are completely fine to use. 1 4 3

You should also exercise the same degree of caution with generic versions of NyQuil. These are medications with similar ingredients and dosages that are sold under the name of their active ingredients or some other non-branded or store name (e.g., Equate and Amazon Basic Care). 5 6.

Safe ingredients in most NyQuil products

Most NyQuil products contain a combination of these three active ingredients, which are usually safe: 7 8

• Acetaminophen: This is generally considered safe for managing pain, fever, or headaches while pregnant. 9 10 However, you should avoid high doses or prolonged use to prevent liver and kidney damage, as well as anemia. 11
• Dextromethorphan: Sometimes abbreviated as DXM, this is also typically considered low-risk during pregnancy and is used to suppress coughs. 12 13
• Doxylamine succinate: The same goes for this, which is often used in combination with Vitamin B6 to relieve morning sickness (nausea and vomiting). 14

These ingredients can also be found in generic versions of NyQuil. Make sure you read the full ingredient list to ensure there are no harmful components, something we’ll explore in the next section.

Potentially unsafe ingredients in NyQuil

Some versions of NyQuil contain ingredients that could be harmful during pregnancy:

• Phenylephrine: This is a decongestant that experts recommend avoiding during pregnancy, especially during the first trimester. 2 15 3 It can constrict blood vessels, which could raise your blood pressure and reduce the flow of blood and oxygen to your baby. 3 16
• Alcohol: This one is worth repeating: liquid NyQuil formulations often have a high alcohol content (about 10%). 7 17 Again, there’s no known safe amount of alcohol you can take during pregnancy, as it can lead to birth defects and developmental disorders. 18
• Sugar: For most moms-to-be, some sugar is fine, but if you have gestational diabetes, stick to sugar-free options.

Always check the Drug Facts label for a complete list of ingredients, as formulations can change.

Note that you should also be proactive about your health and get vaccinated to avoid getting sick in the first place (if at all possible—of course there are no guarantees). You can get the flu shot while pregnant, in any trimester, and it will also protect your baby until she’s 6 months old and can get the vaccine herself. 19

The American College of Obstetricians and Gynecologists (ACOG) also recommends that you get the updated COVID-19 vaccine or booster shot during your pregnancy. Getting COVID while pregnant can cause severe health complications, such as preterm birth and stillbirth, so stay on top of your vaccines. 20

Given the risks of certain ingredients, it’s best to avoid: 4

• NyQuil SEVERE Maximum Strength Cough, Cold & Flu Nighttime Relief Liquid (Liquids, LiquiCaps, and VapoCool Caplets) 2
• Nyquil Cough DM and Congestion Medicine 15
• All Liquid NyQuil formulations (due to their alcohol content)

This is a non-exhaustive list. Again, always check the ingredients, and ask your doctor if you’re ever unsure whether something is safe or not.

In addition to NyQuil, there are other cold medications you can take while you’re pregnant.

You’re best off sticking with single-ingredient options to target specific symptoms. For example, you can take Tylenol while you’re pregnant if you have a fever or pain. The active ingredient is acetaminophen, which, as discussed, is safe when taken as directed. 9 21

You may have recently heard concerning things about the safety of this medication during pregnancy (especially regarding its purported link to ADHD and autism). There’s no scientific evidence that using Tylenol while you’re pregnant causes neurodevelopmental disorders, and the ACOG still recommends Tylenol as a safe option during pregnancy. 22

If it’s just a cough, you can get relief with dextromethorphan cough suppressants (like Robitussin or Delsym), or cough drops with benzocaine (Chloraseptic, Cepacol, Halls)—as long as they don’t have pregnancy-unsafe herbs like licorice. 23 24 17

Be careful with cough syrups, which often have 10% alcohol. It’s also best to choose sugar-free options. 25

Always check the ingredient list on these medications. Just like NyQuil, some variants of other products may contain alcohol or other ingredients like decongestants (e.g., DayQuil, Sudafed, Claritin-D) that aren’t safe during pregnancy. 26

Non-drug strategies for cold and flu relief during your pregnancy

Sometimes, the best remedies don’t come in a bottle. If you have a cold, get lots of rest and drink plenty of water, juice, or broth to loosen your congestion. 27

Here are some other tips: 25

• Use a saline rinse: Use a neti pot to rinse your sinuses with sterile, distilled, or boiled and cooled water. 28 You can also use saline nasal sprays (e.g., Sterima and Neilmed Nasamist) for relief. 29
• Get a humidifier: Use a humidifier or steamy shower to add moisture to the air and ease congestion.  Make sure you sterilize or clean your humidifier before each use, following the manufacturer’s instructions.
• Gargle saltwater: You can gargle with warm salt water to soothe a sore throat.
• Drink honey and warm tea: Adding honey to warm water or tea is another classic remedy for a sore throat and cough.

When you’re ready to go to bed, use a few pillows to keep your head elevated while you sleep. This helps drain the mucus and will give you a bit of relief.

Mild colds usually resolve on their own without issue during pregnancy. The problem lies with more severe sickness and fever, which can cause pregnancy complications such as preterm labor and possible birth defects, depending on the type of infection. See your doctor if you think you’re getting the flu or COVID-19 (i.e., if you experience fever, chills, and worsening symptoms). 30 31

You should also seek immediate medical attention if you have any of the following symptoms: 32

• Difficulty breathing
• Chest pain
• A persistent cough
• Dehydration (i.e., if you aren’t peeing very much)
• Any concerns about your baby’s movements

Getting medical intervention before things progress can help prevent serious pregnancy complications.

While NyQuil (and the other generic versions of this medication) may seem like a convenient solution for cold and flu season during pregnancy, certain ingredients pose risks. Pay attention to the ingredients and opt for safer alternatives if necessary.

Remember, always ask your doctor before taking any medication when you’re expecting, even if it’s an OTC drug that you’ve taken without issue for years.