Doxylamine
ZzzQuil is a brand-name sleep aid that contains diphenhydramine as its active ingredient. It is designed for adults and children 12 years and older to help relieve occasional sleeplessness when difficulty falling asleep occurs. The medication is intended for short-term use only and does not treat pain or fever.
ZzzQuil is an over-the-counter sleep aid used for temporary relief of occasional sleeplessness in adults and children 12+.
Key facts at a glance
- RxNorm
- 1233547
- Generic
- Zzzquil
- Class
- brand-name
- Brands
- —
- Availability
- rx
- Lactation
- unknown
- Routes
- —
- Forms
- —
- Regions
- US, EU, CN, JP
- Monitoring
- —
This page is for informational purposes only.
Do not use this information to diagnose yourself or to replace a physician's advice. Always consult a qualified healthcare provider before starting, stopping, or changing any medication. If you believe you are experiencing a medical emergency, call your local emergency number immediately.
ZzzQuil is indicated for the temporary relief of occasional sleeplessness, specifically when difficulty falling asleep is the primary concern. It is not intended for chronic insomnia or underlying sleep disorders.
ZzzQuil contains diphenhydramine, an antihistamine that crosses the blood-brain barrier and causes sedation by blocking histamine receptors. This drowsiness effect is utilized to help individuals fall asleep more easily.
ZzzQuil is for short-term use only—consult a healthcare provider if sleeplessness persists beyond 2 weeks. Do not operate machinery or drive after taking this medication due to significant drowsiness. Avoid alcohol while using this product. Not recommended for children under 12 years of age.
Official drug label
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This information is for educational purposes only and is not a substitute for professional medical advice, diagnosis, or treatment.
This content is for general informational and educational purposes only and is not a substitute for professional medical advice, diagnosis, or treatment. Always seek the guidance of a qualified healthcare provider with any questions you have about a medical condition, and never disregard professional medical advice or delay seeking it because of something you read here.
If you think you may have a medical emergency, call your local emergency number or go to the nearest emergency department immediately.
Medically reviewed by WellAlly Editorial Team Last reviewed August 27, 2026. · Read our editorial policy