Despite being quite effective in treating coughs and colds, it may not be everyone’s favorite medicine because of its taste. Especially when it comes to kids, it can be difficult for them to tolerate its overwhelming taste. Moreover, the fact that it tastes so bad makes many people wonder why does nyquil taste so bad.
It tastes so bad because of the medications inside. The main ingredient is doxylamine succinate which works by blocking histamine receptors in the brain, thereby causing drowsiness. However, it doesn’t discriminate between which histamine receptors it blocks, so it also blocks those involved in regulating sleep. As a result, it makes you feel very drowsy and numb.
In addition, the liquid formulation of the medicine contains acetaminophen, which can cause liver damage. For this reason, it is important to follow the recommended dosage and not take more than four doses per day. It is also advisable to avoid taking this medication with any other drugs that contain acetaminophen.
In order to make Nyquil more palatable, manufacturers add a variety of flavors such as cherry and vanilla. The taste of these medicines may be a bit different, but they all share the same bitter aftertaste. The bitterness is likely caused by the chemicals used to activate the compounds and extend their shelf life. Moreover, the pH of the solution also plays an important role in determining how bitter a medicine tastes.
