Can You Take DayQuil With Tamiflu?
In our latest question and answer, the pharmacist discusses whether or not DayQuil can safely be taken with Tamiflu (oseltamivir phosphate).
I am currently on Tamiflu after testing positive for the flu. While I feel a little better, I need something else for the symptoms. Can I take DayQuil safely?
Oct 28, 2022- DayQuil and Tamiflu can be safely taken together with no reported drug interactions between them. DayQuil is commonly used to relieve flu symptoms like headache, fever, and muscle aches while taking Tamiflu to treat the flu virus infection.
Answer
There is no reported interaction between DayQuil and Tamiflu and they can be safely taken together. DayQuil is a combination ingredient cough/cold product that contains the following ingredients:
- Acetaminophen (analgesic/fever reducer)
- Dextromethorphan (cough suppressant)
- Phenylephrine (nasal decongestant)
Taking DayQuil With Tamiflu
Each ingredient contained in DayQuil is considered to be safe to take with Tamiflu due to the absence of drug interactions. In fact, per the prescribing information for Tamiflu, most drugs are safe to take with it as the medication has very few drug interactions.
One of the only reported interactions is with probenecid. Even with that interaction, no dosage adjustments are recommended for Tamiflu and it is considered to have a wide window of safety.
As Tamiflu is used to treat infection from the flu virus, it is common to need over-the-counter medication for the relief of flu-related symptoms such as headache, fever, and muscle aches. DayQuil is a good option for symptom relief and fortunately, Tamiflu is safe to take with it.
Drug Information
If you are looking for additional information on the drugs mentioned in this question, you can visit our drug detail pages, or contact one of our pharmacists directly!
Final Words
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References & sources
- Tamiflu Prescribing Information — Genentech
- Acetaminophen Monograph — https://pubchem.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/compound/Acetaminophen
- Dextromethorphan Monograph — https://pubchem.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/compound/dextromethorphan
- Phenylephrine Monograph — https://pubchem.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/compound/Phenylephrine
Glossary — Terms in This Answer
- Analgesic
- A medication that relieves pain.
- Cough suppressant
- A medication that reduces or stops coughing.
- Nasal decongestant
- A medication that relieves nasal congestion and stuffiness.
- Drug interactions
- Unwanted changes that occur when two or more medications are taken together and affect how they work in your body.
- Dosage adjustments
- Changes made to the amount of medication prescribed to a patient.
- Probenecid
- A medication used to treat gout that is known to interact with Tamiflu.
- Tamiflu
- An antiviral medication used to treat and prevent infection from the flu virus.
- Over-the-counter medication
- A drug that can be purchased without a prescription from a doctor.
Dr. Brian Staiger, PharmD
Doctor of Pharmacy, board certified clinical pharmacist (BCPS), American Herbalist Guild, Medication Therapy Management certified
Brian Staiger, PharmD, BCPS, is a licensed pharmacist with more than 13 years of experience across retail pharmacy, clinical pharmacy, medication safety, pharmacy program development, and healthcare administration. He is the founder of HelloPharmacist.com, where he helps patients...
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