Is Target brand NyQuil gluten-free?

NyQuil is a popular over-the-counter medication used to treat cold and flu symptoms like cough, sore throat, headache, fever, and congestion. It comes in several varieties, including the Target brand. With food allergies and sensitivities like celiac disease on the rise, many people want to know if medications like NyQuil contain gluten.

What is NyQuil?

NyQuil is an over-the-counter medication manufactured by Procter & Gamble. It contains the active ingredients acetaminophen (a pain reliever and fever reducer), dextromethorphan (a cough suppressant), doxylamine succinate (an antihistamine), and phenylephrine (a nasal decongestant). Together, these ingredients help relieve multiple symptoms associated with the common cold and flu. NyQuil comes in liquid and liquid capsule forms and is available in several product lines:

  • NyQuil Cold & Flu Liquid
  • NyQuil Daytime Cold & Flu Liquid
  • NyQuil Severe Cold & Flu Liquid
  • NyQuil Cough Liquid
  • NyQuil Cold & Flu Liquid Capsules

The Target brand version contains the same combination of active ingredients as the name brand NyQuil products in liquid form. The Target version comes in a cherry flavor while the name brand has several flavor options.

Does NyQuil Contain Gluten?

Gluten is a protein found in grains like wheat, barley, and rye. People with celiac disease or non-celiac gluten sensitivity cannot tolerate gluten and experience digestive symptoms or other health issues when they eat it.

After reviewing the inactive ingredients lists on regular NyQuil and Target brand NyQuil liquid medications, neither product contains gluten or wheat-derived ingredients. Therefore, both the name brand and Target brand NyQuil liquid cold and flu medications appear to be gluten-free.

Here are the inactive ingredients in NyQuil and Target brand NyQuil liquids, for reference:

NyQuil Cold & Flu Liquid Inactive Ingredients:

  • Alcohol
  • Citric Acid
  • D&C Red No. 33
  • FD&C Blue No. 1
  • Flavor
  • Glycerin
  • Polyethylene Glycol
  • Propylene Glycol
  • Purified Water
  • Saccharin Sodium
  • Sodium Citrate
  • Sorbitol Solution

Target Brand NyQuil Cold & Flu Liquid Inactive Ingredients:

  • Alcohol
  • Citric Acid
  • D&C Red No. 33
  • FD&C Blue No. 1
  • Flavor
  • Glycerin
  • Polyethylene Glycol
  • Propylene Glycol
  • Purified Water
  • Saccharin Sodium
  • Sodium Citrate
  • Sorbitol Solution

Neither ingredients list contains any wheat, barley, rye or malt ingredients that would indicate the presence of gluten.

Are Other Forms of NyQuil Gluten-Free?

In addition to the standard liquid form, NyQuil also comes in a liquid capsule format. NyQuil Severe Cold & Flu Liquid Capsules contain the following inactive ingredients:

  • D&C Yellow #10
  • FD&C Blue #1
  • Gelatin
  • Polyethylene glycol
  • Potassium hydroxide
  • Propylene glycol
  • Purified water
  • Shellac
  • Sorbitol sorbitan solution
  • Titanium dioxide

The gelatin used to make the capsules is derived from bovine sources, not wheat. So NyQuil Severe Cold & Flu Liquid Capsules are also gluten-free.

Target brand NyQuil also makes liquid capsules, but the inactive ingredients differ slightly:

  • D&C Yellow #10
  • FD&C Blue #1
  • Gelatin
  • Glycerin
  • Polyethylene glycol
  • Potassium hydroxide
  • Propylene glycol
  • Purified water
  • Shellac
  • Sorbitol
  • Titanium dioxide

Again, the gelatin source is not wheat-based, so the Target brand NyQuil liquid capsules are gluten-free as well.

Are There Any Risks of Cross-Contamination?

Cross-contamination occurs when gluten-containing grains come into contact with gluten-free products during manufacturing or packaging. This can make gluten-free products unsafe for those with celiac disease or gluten sensitivity.

When it comes to over-the-counter drugs like NyQuil, the risk of cross-contamination with gluten is very low. OTC drugs are manufactured in highly controlled facilities that follow stringent quality and purity standards. Segregation procedures are in place to prevent ingredients like wheat flour from coming into contact with gluten-free products.

Procter & Gamble (the maker of NyQuil) and Target confirm that their liquid NyQuil products are produced in facilities that do not handle gluten and the risk of cross-contamination is minimal. Individuals with celiac disease or gluten intolerance can feel safe taking regular or Target brand NyQuil liquids.

Does Alcohol (Ethanol) Contain Gluten?

Some varieties of NyQuil contain alcohol (also called ethanol) as an inactive ingredient. This raises questions around whether alcohol contains gluten.

Alcohol is made by fermenting and distilling grains or other plant sources. Gluten-containing grains like wheat, barley, and rye are commonly used to produce certain alcohols like beer or whiskey.

However, the alcohol used in medications like NyQuil is pharmaceutical grade ethanol derived from corn, potatoes, or other gluten-free grains. The distillation process removes any traces of gluten protein from the alcohol, even if derived from gluten-containing grains. Highly purified pharmaceutical ethanol does not contain detectable levels of gluten that could cause issues for those with celiac or gluten sensitivity.

So the alcohol used in liquid NyQuil and Target brand NyQuil does not pose any risk of gluten exposure.

What About Other Medications?

While NyQuil liquid products are gluten-free, individuals with celiac disease or gluten intolerance need to carefully check all over-the-counter and prescription medications before taking them.

Some medications contain wheat starch or other gluten ingredients as fillers, binders, or inactive ingredients. Common examples include:

  • Pills or tablets (gluten fillers are often used)
  • Chewable medications (may contain wheat starch)
  • Capsules (some contain wheat starch)
  • Prescription ointments or creams (wheat-derived ingredients may be added)

The FDA requires all manufacturers to clearly label medications with their ingredients. Checking the inactive ingredients list on any medication is the only way to confirm if it is gluten-free. Individuals can also contact the drug maker directly if ingredient information is not readily available.

Getting medications in liquid form, when possible, is generally the safest option for avoiding gluten exposure. Liquids have a lower likelihood of containing gluten additives compared to pills, tablets, and capsules.

Precautions for Celiacs and Gluten Sensitive Individuals

Here are some precautions those with celiac disease or non-celiac gluten sensitivity can take when using medications like NyQuil:

  • Check all medication labels carefully before use. Look for wheat, barley, rye and malt ingredients in the inactive ingredients list.
  • Contact the drug manufacturer directly if ingredient information cannot be verified.
  • Stick to liquid forms of medication when possible.
  • Opt for naturally gluten-free capsules made from cellulose, if available.
  • Ask pharmacists to substitute brand name medications for gluten-free generics, if applicable.
  • Consult physicians and pharmacists about gluten-free alternatives for medications containing gluten.

Being vigilant about checking labels and contacting drug makers can help identify gluten-free medications. Finding suitable alternatives helps those with gluten intolerance stay healthy and avoid adverse reactions.

Conclusion

After reviewing the ingredients lists, both regular NyQuil liquid products and Target brand NyQuil liquids are gluten-free and safe for people with celiac disease and non-celiac gluten sensitivity. The liquid capsules varieties of NyQuil are also free from gluten.

While NyQuil liquids do not pose a significant risk of gluten exposure, individuals should always double-check medication labels and inactive ingredients before taking them. Liquid forms tend to be safer than pills, tablets, and capsules when it comes to avoiding gluten. With proper precautions, people with gluten intolerance can safely use NyQuil and other over-the-counter medications to treat their cold and flu symptoms.

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