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Allergy and cold

NyQuil and other night-time cold products

Combination cold product with a sedating antihistamine
Other names: NyQuil, Coricidin HBP Cough & Cold, Theraflu Nighttime

FAA guidance

Do not fly while taking it.

Wait

At least 5 dosage intervals after the last dose (over-the-counter guide)

FAA label

NO GO

Source: FAA, What Over-the-Counter (OTC) Medications Can I Take and Still Be Safe to Fly?. FAA date 28 August 2024. Checked by Crosscheck 14 October 2026

The FAA's over-the-counter guide marks Coricidin HBP cough & cold, which it says contains chlorpheniramine, and Nyquil, which it says contains doxylamine, as No Go, among the products to avoid, which it says can cause incapacitation.

Track your medications
More detail: NyQuil and other night-time cold productsThe rest of Crosscheck's reading, in plain wordsOpen

It says most "night-time" or "PM" medications contain a sedating antihistamine. The guide says that if the label states PM (for nighttime use), you should not fly while using these medications and for at least 5 dosage intervals after the last dose.

The FAA's allergy sheet speaks to doxylamine on its own; that has its own entry.

Show the FAA's words: NyQuil and other night-time cold productsThe official FAA wording: two passages, each with its document and dateOpen
FAA, What Over-the-Counter (OTC) Medications Can I Take and Still Be Safe to Fly? · FAA date 28 August 2024
AVOID
These can cause incapacitation.
NO GO
Coricidin HBP cough & cold (contains chlorpheniramine), Nyquil (contains doxylamine). Most “night-time” or “PM” medications contain a sedating antihistamine.
FAA, What Over-the-Counter (OTC) Medications Can I Take and Still Be Safe to Fly? · FAA date 28 August 2024
If the label states PM (for nighttime use) or DM (containing dextromethorphan), you should not fly while using these medications and for at least 5 dosage intervals after the last dose (see Dosage Interval Timetable).
Sources and dates: NyQuil and other night-time cold productsOne FAA document, with the FAA's date and when Crosscheck checked itOpen

See also

Medication guidance alone does not determine whether a pilot is medically qualified to fly. The underlying condition, dosage, side effects, medication combinations, and certification history may affect FAA eligibility.

For informational purposes only. Not legal or medical advice.