Can You Cut Or Split NyQuil LiquiCaps?
In our latest question and answer, the pharmacist discusses whether or not you can cut, split or otherwise open NyQuil LiquiCaps.
Hi! Can I cut NyQuil LiquiCaps and just take the liquid inside? I don't want the outer shell since it has gelatin in it.
Sep 12, 2022- You should not cut or split NyQuil LiquiCaps because they are small and slippery, making them dangerous to cut and difficult to dose properly if opened.
- NyQuil is available in a liquid formulation that contains the exact same active ingredients as the LiquiCaps, so there is no need to cut the capsules.
- If you want to avoid gelatin found in the LiquiCaps, you can use NyQuil liquid instead, which is vegan and vegetarian.
Answer
No, you should not cut or split NyQuil LiquiCaps. Not only would it be dangerous to attempt to cut into a small and slippery LiquiCaps capsule with a knife or blade, but the amount of liquid inside the LiquiCaps is so small it would be difficult to even take the full dose should you get it open.
Perhaps most importantly here, you simply don't have any need to cut into NyQuil LiquiCaps since it is already available in a liquid version that contains the exact same active ingredients.
In fact, both the liquid and LiquiCap formulations of NyQuil and NyQuil Severe (which contain the additional drug phenylephrine), have the same active ingredients.
NyQuil Liquid and NyQuil LiquiCaps contain:
- Acetaminophen
- Dextromethorphan
- Doxylamine
NyQuil Severe Liquid and NyQuil Severe LiquiCaps contain:
- Acetaminophen
- Dextromethorphan
- Doxylamine
- Phenylephrine
You mentioned in your question that you wanted to avoid the gelatin contained in the LiquiCaps, and you are correct that that is a component of them. The following are the inactive ingredients in NyQuil LiquiCaps:
- D&C Yellow No. 10
- FD&C Blue No. 1
- Gelatin
- Glycerin
- Polyethylene glycol
- Povidone
- Propylene glycol
- Purified water
- Sorbitol
- Sorbitan solution
- Titanium dioxide
Since the LiquiCaps contain gelatin, they are not considered vegan or even vegetarian. So, if you want to avoid gelatin for the sake of avoiding animal products, again, go with the NyQuil liquid products. There is no need to try and cut open the LiquiCaps.
References & sources
- Vicks Manufacturer Website — Vick's
- NyQuil Monograph — ClinicalKey (Subscription Required)
Glossary — Terms in This Answer
- LiquiCaps
- A brand of soft gelatin capsule containing liquid medication that dissolves in your stomach.
- Acetaminophen
- A common pain reliever and fever reducer found in many over-the-counter medications.
- Dextromethorphan
- A cough suppressant ingredient used to reduce coughing in cold and flu medicines.
- Doxylamine
- A sleep aid antihistamine that helps reduce symptoms and promote rest during illness.
- Phenylephrine
- A decongestant ingredient that helps reduce nasal congestion and stuffiness.
- Active ingredients
- The substances in a medication that actually treat your symptoms or condition.
- Inactive ingredients
- Substances added to medication for texture, color, taste, or preservation but that don't treat symptoms.
- Gelatin
- A protein derived from animal bones and skin that is used to make capsule shells.
Dr. Brian Staiger, PharmD
Doctor of Pharmacy, board certified clinical pharmacist (BCPS), American Herbalist Guild, Medication Therapy Management certified
Brian Staiger, PharmD, BCPS, is a licensed pharmacist with more than 13 years of experience across retail pharmacy, clinical pharmacy, medication safety, pharmacy program development, and healthcare administration. He is the founder of HelloPharmacist.com, where he helps patients...
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