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Why Can't You Give a Baby NyQuil?

In 2007, the Food and Drug Administration (FDA) recalled all infant's cough and cold products due to widespread overdosing. Pharmacists and physicians do not recommend giving NyQuil to infants, based on the potential harmful effects of its active ingredients and because NyQuil contains alcohol.

  1. NyQuil's Intended Benefits

    • NyQuil Cold and Flu syrup is intended to relieve cough, sore throat, headache, minor aches and pains, fever, runny nose and sneezing.

    NyQuil's Active Ingredients

    • NyQuil contains acetaminophen, a pain reliever and fever reducer;
      dextromethorphan, a cough suppressant; and doxylamine succinate, an antihistamine. It also contains 10 percent alcohol in a two-tablespoon dose.

    Issues and Harmful Effects

    • Giving a baby NyQuil causes three major concerns. First, a baby's body cannot metabolize the medicine the way an adult body can. As a result, a baby may become disoriented, drowsy and lethargic. Secondly, in 2007, the FDA recalled all infant cough and cold products, because parents were not following the recommended guidelines or using the proper measuring devices, thereby overdosing their infants. Lastly, NyQuil contains 10 percent alcohol per two-tablespoon dose.

      Below, see NyQuil's active ingredients and possible effects of overdose:
      Dextromethorphan--brain damage, seizure, loss of consciousness, irregular heartbeat
      Doxylamine--drowsiness, dizziness, lightheadedness
      Acetaminophen--liver damage

    Warnings for Use with Babies

    • The FDA issued the following warnings for use of cough and cold products with infants and children:
      - Unless directed by a physician, do not use cough and cold products for children under age two.
      - Do not give children medicine that is packaged for adults and made at full strength. Look for "pediatric" products, marked for use with infants or children.
      - If the medicine is to be used in combination with other medicines, seek prior approval from a physician.
      - Read all the information on the package label to be aware of active ingredients and warnings.
      - For liquid products, use the measuring device packaged with the medicine and only deliver the recommended dose. Do not use kitchen spoons as measuring devices.

    Alternatives

    • Health officials have approved the use of Benadryl and Sudafed for infants and children under age two, at the recommended doses. Saline can also be a safe and effective way to relieve congestion in infants.

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