Can you take NyQuil and Benzonatate together?
By
Dr Drielli Vital-Fujii (PhD)
Author bio
Dr Drielli Vital-Fujii, PhD, is a Pharmacist with expertise in Drug Design and Development, Enzymes, Molecular Modelling, and Photodynamic Therapy. She writes and reviews content on these topics.
Dr Drielli Vital-Fujii’s Highlights:
- Postdoctoral fellow at the Department of Biochemistry at the University of São Paulo, emphasizing therapy of neglected diseases using light.
- PhD in Pharmaceutical Sciences focusing on drug design and development at the Faculty of Pharmaceutical Sciences of the University of São Paulo.
- Six months as an international researcher at the Center for Discovery and Innovation in Parasitic Diseases (University of California San Diego)
- Master’s degree in Pharmaceutical Sciences focusing on drug design and development at the Faculty of Pharmaceutical Sciences of the University of São Paulo.
- Bachelor of Pharmacy at the University of Mogi das Cruzes – São Paulo / Brazil
Professional Experience:
2012 – 2018 Project manager at University of São Paulo – Pharmacy Department
Dr Drielli Vital-Fujii has worked with computational studies, synthesis, biological evaluation, design, and development of new inhibitor candidates for Chagas Disease and Leishmaniasis.
2017 – 2017 International research fellow at University of California San Diego Skaggs School of Pharmacy and Pharmaceutical Sciences – Center for Discovery and Innovation in Parasitic Diseases.
She used Virtual Screening (VS) and High-Throughput Screening (HTS) Integration in the Discovery of new drugs against neglected tropical diseases (NTDs).
2018 – 2019 Faculdades Oswaldo Cruz
Dr Drielli Vital-Fujii was a professor in the Faculty of Pharmacy, teaching the subjects of Pharmaceutical Chemistry and Drug Development.
2019 – 2021 Researcher in Biochemistry University of São Paulo – Biochemistry Department
She applied Photodynamic Therapy in Leishmaniasis Treatment, mentored undergraduate students in scientific activities, and wrote, executed, translated, and reported scientific projects with funding agencies.
2023-2023 UniPiaget – University Center.
Dr Drielli Vital-Fujii was a Biology, Nutrition, Physiotherapy, and Pharmacy professor.
Education:
2018 -2021 Postdoctoral at the Department of Biochemistry at the University of São Paulo
2013 -2018 PhD of Science: Drugs and Medicines at Department of Pharmacy at University of São Paulo
2012 -2013 M.Sc. of Sciences: Drugs and Medicines at the Department of Pharmacy at the University of São Paulo
2005-2008 Bachelor of Pharmacy at the University of Mogi das Cruzes
The leading publications of Dr Drielli Vital-Fujii are:
Vital-Fujii, D.G, Baptista, M.S. (2021). Progress in the photodynamic therapy treatment of Leishmaniasis. Brazilian Journal of Medical and Biological Research, 54, 1-11.
Gatti, F. M., Gomes, R.A., da Fonseca, A.L., Lima, E.J.C., Vital-Fujii, D.G., Taranto, A.G., Varotti, F.P., Trossini, G.H.G. (2020). Antiplasmodial activity of sulfonylhydrazones: in vitro and in silico approaches. Future medicinal chemistry, 13, 233-250.
Silva, E.J., Bezerra-Souza, A., Passero, L.F., Laurenti, M.D., Ferreira, G.M., Fujii, D.G.V., et al. (2018). Synthesis, leishmanicidal activity, structural descriptors and structure-activity relationship of quinoline derivatives. Future medicinal chemistry, 10, 2069-2085.
Leite, F.H.A., Froes, T.Q., da Silva, S.G., de Souza, E.I.M., Vital-Fuji,i D.G., Trossini, G.H.G., et al. (2017). An integrated approach towards the discovery of novel non-nucleoside Leishmania major pteridine reductase 1 inhibitors. European Journal of Medicinal Chemistry, 132, 322-332.
Vital, D.G., Damasceno, F.S., Rapado, L.N., Silber, A.M., Vilella, F.S., Ferreira, R.S., et al. (2017). Application of bioisosterism in design of the semicarbazone derivatives as cruzain inhibitors: a theoretical and experimental study. Journal of Biomolecular Structure and Dynamics, 35, 1244–1259.
Mello, J. F.R., Gomes, R.A., Vital-Fujii, D.G., Ferreira, G.M., Trossini, G.H.G. (2017). Fragment-based drug discovery as alternative strategy to the drug development for neglected diseases. Chemical Biology & Drug Design, 90, 1067-1078.
Pantaleao, S.Q., Fujii, D.G.V., Maltarollo, V.G., da C. Silva, D., Trossini, G.H.G., Weber, K.C., et al. (2017). The Role of QSAR and Virtual Screening Studies in Type 2 Diabetes Drug Discovery. Medicinal Chemistry, 13, 706-720.
Vital, D., Arribas, M., Trossini, G. (2014). Molecular Modeling and Docking Application to Evaluate Cruzain Inhibitory Activity by Chalcones and Hydrazides. Letters in Drug Design and Discovery, 11, 249-255.
Blau, L., Menegon, R.F., Trossini, G.H.G., Molino, J.V.D., Vital, D.G., Cicarelli, R.M.B., et al. (2013). Design, synthesis and biological evaluation of new aryl thiosemicarbazone as antichagasic candidates. European Journal of Medicinal Chemistry, 67, 142-151.
You can view some of Dr Drielli’s work below and links to her professional profile.
Orcid: https://orcid.org/0000-0001-9270-0466
Research Gate: https://www.researchgate.net/profile/Drielli-Gomes-Vital-Fujii
Scopus: https://www.scopus.com/authid/detail.uri?authorId=55829534000
Google Scholar: https://scholar.google.com/citations?user=F9U50AEAAAAJ&hl=pt-BR
Linkedin: linkedin.com/in/driellivital
Escavador: https://www.escavador.com/sobre/6101380/drielli-gomes-vital
CDIPD: https://cdipd.org/index.php/about-us/visiting-scientists
Can you take NyQuil and Benzonatate together?
Yes, you can take NyQuil and Benzonatate together. There is no known interaction between these two meds and they are often used together (1,2). However, both NyQuil and Benzonatate may cause side effects in some individuals when combined together.
This is why it’s always best to talk to your healthcare provider before combining medications on your own. People are different and can respond differently to medications. What works for one may not always work for another.
Potential risks of taking NyQuil and Benzonatate together
Taking NyQuil and Benzonatate together can pose potential risks due to drug interactions and the combination of active ingredients. Both of these meds can cause some similar side effects (1,2).
NyQuil contains Doxylamine as one of its active ingredients, which is an antihistamine medication. Doxylamine can cause sedation and tiredness (3). Benzonatate, on the other hand, is also associated with fatigue as a side effect (1).
Taking the two together can increase the risk of excessive sedation, dizziness, impaired coordination, and difficulty concentrating.
Another concern is the potential for respiratory depression, where both medications could slow down breathing, especially when taken in high doses or by individuals with respiratory issues.
Combining these medications may also increase the risk of other side effects, such as dry mouth, blurred vision, constipation, and urinary retention.
Moreover, NyQuil already contains a cough suppressant, and taking it excessively with Benzonatate, which also works to suppress coughs, can lead to an excessive suppression of the cough reflex, making it harder for the body to clear the airways.
To avoid these risks, it’s crucial to consult with a healthcare professional before using NyQuil and Benzonatate together.
How to safely take NyQuil and Benzonatate together?
If your healthcare provider has advised you to take NyQuil and Benzonatate together, it’s essential to follow their instructions carefully to ensure safe use (1,2):
- Only take the recommended doses of both medications as prescribed by your doctor or as indicated on the packaging. Do not exceed the recommended dosages to avoid potential side effects or interactions.
- Both NyQuil and Benzonatate can cause drowsiness and impair your ability to concentrate. To ensure safety, avoid engaging in activities that require alertness, such as driving or operating heavy machinery, until you understand how these medications affect you.
- If possible, take NyQuil and Benzonatate at different times to reduce the likelihood of interactions. Follow your doctor’s guidance on the appropriate timing for each medication.
- Be vigilant for any adverse effects or unusual symptoms while taking both medications. If you experience any concerning reactions, contact your healthcare provider immediately.
- Do not consume alcohol or other sedatives while taking NyQuil and Benzonatate, as this can increase the risk of drowsiness and respiratory depression.
- Make sure to drink plenty of fluids while taking these medications, as some formulations may cause dry mouth.
Remember, combining medications can have risks, and it’s crucial to have open communication with your healthcare provider. If you have any questions or concerns about taking NyQuil and Benzonatate together, don’t hesitate to reach out to them for guidance.
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References
1.-
LABEL: BENZONATATE capsule. DailyMed [Internet]. Available from: https://dailymed.nlm.nih.gov/dailymed/getFile.cfm?setid=2256f7e4-b7e6-433f-941e-bf78ddcd55b2&type=pdf
2.-
LABEL: VICKS NYQUIL COLD AND FLU- acetaminophen, dextromethorphan hydrobromide, and doxylamine succinate capsule, liquid filled. DailyMed [Internet]. Available from: https://dailymed.nlm.nih.gov/dailymed/getFile.cfm?setid=620bc3dc-099b-40bd-be22-e4c3f9c8e09d&type=pdf
3.-
Brott NR, Reddivari AKR. Doxylamine. 2022 Jun 11. In: StatPearls [Internet]. Treasure Island (FL): StatPearls Publishing; 2023 Jan–. PMID: 31869110. https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/books/NBK551646
