Can you take Sudafed with NyQuil? (3+ precautions)

In this article, we will explore whether you can take Sudafed with NyQuil or not. We will discuss the potential interactions that may occur between Sudafed and NyQuil and some important precautions that should be taken if you want to use both these medications simultaneously.

Can you take Sudafed with NyQuil?

Yes, you can take Sudafed with NyQuil, but both medications should have a bit of a dosing gap. Sudafed is a decongestant containing pseudoephedrine, whereas NyQuil is a multi-ingredient medication containing acetaminophen, dextromethorphan and doxylamine. NyQuil does not work for nasal congestion (1,2).

Sudafed is used to provide temporary relief from nasal congestion and sinus pressure. NyQuil is used for the nighttime relief of colds and flu, runny nose, headaches, cough, sore throat and minor aches and pains relating to the common cold.

Sudafed and NyQuil can be taken together as they do not have any overlapping medications. However, both medications should not be mixed, and there should be a gap between the intake times.

Additionally, other medications like NyQuil D are available in the market and contain all these ingredients in a single formulation so the need to take two different medications becomes void (3).

What precautions should be considered before taking Sudafed with Nyquil?

The following precautions should be kept in mind if you take Sudafed with NyQuil:

Are there any alternatives for the combination of Sudafed and NyQuil?

There may be alternative options available for the management of the same condition and symptoms. Medications like NyQuil D are available with the same ingredients.

You should always consult your healthcare provider or a pharmacist for a better option rather than using Sudafed and NyQuil in combination.

Some medications, which may have different ingredients than Sudafed and NyQuil may be used to manage the same conditions and symptoms and may also be a better alternative for your symptoms.

Do Sudafed and NyQuil interact with each other?

Combining Sudafed and NyQuil does not result in any potential drug interaction. However, keep in mind that NyQuil Severe should not be taken with Sudafed as it also contains a decongestant.

Using two different medications with the same decongestant properties is not safe for the individual as side effects and interactions can occur. So you should always use the recommended type of NyQuil as a combination with Sudafed.

What side effects are experienced while taking Sudafed with NyQuil?

Various side effects can be associated with Sudafed and NyQuil. Some of them are as follows:

Common side effects

Some common side effects experienced by taking Sudafed with NyQuil are as follows:

• Dizziness
• Blurred vision
• Nervousness
• Nausea
• Anxiousness
• Restlessness
• Tachycardia

Keep in mind that both medications are associated with side effects of their own too. Some individual side effects of Sudafed and NyQuil are listed below.

Side effects of Sudafed

Some side effects of Sudafed are as follows (4):

• Dry mouth
• Headache
• Tinnitus
• Vomiting
• Palpitations
• Euphoria
• Chest pain
• Changes in blood pressure
• Increased thirst
• Sweating
• Difficulty urinating

Side effects of NyQuil

Some side effects of NyQuil are as follows:

• Constipation
• Drowsiness
• Hallucinations
• Skin rash
• Lightheadedness
• Stomach pain

To minimise any potential adverse effects there is a recommended time gap between taking Sudafed and NyQuil. It is advised to take Sudafed in the morning and to take NyQuil at night before going to sleep. This can help with the management of your symptoms as well as promote better sleep as the insomnia caused by Sudafed will not affect the sleep.

Also, if NyQuil causes drowsiness in the individual, it will not interfere with any daily activities. Always check for the expiry of the drugs, as expired medication may not be safe. Also, you can take the medication without food, making it safe for dosing at night.

Taking Sudafed with NyQuil safely

In my experience as a pharmacist, Sudafed can be taken with NyQuil safely, when taken hours apart from each other. No interactions have been reported with the combination, however, some common side effects may cause discomfort if taken at the same time.

Also, there are alternatives available that contain all the ingredients in one medication, so there is not much need to take two separate medications. However, if you are taking Sudafed with NyQuil, you should monitor yourself for any unusual side effects.

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