Vicks ZzzQuil FAQ

Q: What is ZzzQuil?

A: ZzzQuil is a sleep-aid that helps you get the sound sleep you need by providing relief of occasional sleeplessness. The active ingredient in ZzzQuil that helps you sleep is diphenhydramine HCl, which is an antihistamine.

Q: What does ZzzQuil do?

A: ZzzQuil helps you get a good night’s rest and provides relief of occasional sleeplessness. The ZzzQuil line of products helps you sleep soundly so you can wake up feeling refreshed. It also reduces the amount of time it takes to fall asleep, if you have difficulty falling asleep.

Q: How does ZzzQuil work?

A: ZzzQuil contains diphenhydramine, an antihistamine that causes drowsiness. To help you stay awake and alert, your body produces histamine, a naturally occurring substance that interacts with receptors in your brain to promote wakefulness. If an antihistamine enters the brain, it can block the effects of histamine and cause the opposite effect – drowsiness. The result? You fall asleep faster.

Q: How often can I take ZzzQuil?

A: ZzzQuil should only be taken once a day before bedtime, as needed for occasional sleeplessness. Stop use and ask a doctor if sleeplessness persists continuously for more than two weeks. Insomnia may be a symptom of a serious underlying medical illness.

Q: How much ZzzQuil can I take?

A: Adults and children 12 years of age and older may take two ZzzQuil LiquiCaps or 30 mL of ZzzQuil Liquid at bedtime, as needed. If persistent drowsiness is experienced with 50 mg dose (2 ZzzQuil LiqiuCaps or 2 tablespoons of ZzzQuil Liquid), the dosage should be reduced 25 mg dose (1 ZzzQuil LiquiCap or 1 tablespoon of ZzzQuil Liquid). Children under 12 years of age should not take ZzzQuil.

Q: How long does ZzzQuil last?

A: There are many factors that could influence how long ZzzQuil lasts. It is recommended that you take ZzzQuil when you have adequate time to get a full night’s sleep (about eight hours).

Q: Can I take ZzzQuil every night?

A: ZzzQuil should only be used for occasional sleeplessness. Stop use and ask a doctor if sleeplessness persists continuously for more than two weeks. Insomnia may be a symptom of a serious underlying medical illness.

Q: Will ZzzQuil make me feel groggy in the morning?

A: There are many factors that could influence how rested you feel in the morning. These could include the number of hours you sleep, the time that you take ZzzQuil, and other individual factors. It is recommended that you take ZzzQuil when you have adequate time to get a full night’s sleep. If persistent drowsiness is experienced with 50 mg dose (2 ZzzQuil LiqiuCaps or 2 tablespoons of ZzzQuil Liquid), the dosage should be reduced 25 mg dose (1 ZzzQuil LiquiCap or 1 tablespoon of ZzzQuil Liquid).

Q: Can I take ZzzQuil if I wake up in the middle of the night?

A: You can take ZzzQuil in the middle of the night if you’ll still have time to get a sufficient night’s sleep (about 7 to 8 hours). In general, it is best to take ZzzQuil at bedtime.

Q: What is in ZzzQuil?

A: The active ingredient in ZzzQuil is diphenhydramine HCl, an antihistamine that is a nighttime sleep-aid. Do not take ZzzQuil if you are taking any other product containing diphenhydramine and antihistamine, even one used on skin. If you are presently taking a prescription drug or other medication, do not take this product without first consulting a physician or pharmacist.

Q: How is ZzzQuil different from “PM” products?

A: Some “PM” products contain a pain reliever such as acetaminophen or ibuprofen in addition to a sleep-aid ingredient. ZzzQuil is different from these products because it does not contain any pain reliever. ZzzQuil: Not for pain. Not for colds. Just for sleep.

Q: How much alcohol is in ZzzQuil?

A: ZzzQuil Warming Berry Liquid contain 10 percent alcohol. ZzzQuil LiquiCaps do not contain alcohol.

Q: Is ZzzQuil the same thing as NyQuil?

A: No, ZzzQuil is not the same thing as NyQuil. ZzzQuil reduces the amount of time it takes to fall asleep and relieves occasional sleeplessness, while NyQuil Cold & Flu treats nighttime symptoms of the common cold and flu such as sneezing, sore throat pain, headache, minor aches and pains, fever, runny nose, and cough.

Q: Is ZzzQuil effective?

A: ZzzQuil is effective when taken as directed. To ensure ZzzQuil is right for you, always read and follow the label. Do not use if you have: a breathing problem such as asthma, emphysema or chronic bronchitis; heart disease; glaucoma; or difficulty urinating due to enlargement of the prostate gland. Unless directed by a physician, not to be used by elderly patients who experience confusion at nighttime. These drugs may produce excitation rather than sedation in the elderly. Therefore they should be avoided in this age group.