Can You Take NyQuil With Robitussin?
In our latest question and answer, the pharmacist discusses whether or not NyQuil can be taken with Robitussin.
Can you take Nyquil and Robitussin together?
Aug 17, 2022- Most NyQuil and Robitussin products contain the same ingredients, particularly dextromethorphan, so taking them together risks overdosing on that ingredient.
- You should check the labels of both products to compare their ingredients before taking them together.
- Some Robitussin products don't share ingredients with NyQuil and could be used together, but you need to verify this by reading the label.
Answer
In most cases, NyQuil should not be taken with Robitussin products as they share many of the same ingredients. Both Robitussin and NyQuil are brand names and there are a variety of products marketed under each. It is important to look at the label of the products to double-check whether or not they contain the same ingredients. You don't want to double up on the same drug.
Most Robitussin and NyQuil products contain dextromethorphan, a cough suppressant, and that is typically the drug to be concerned about getting too much of when taking multiple products.
NyQuil Ingredients
NyQuil contains the following ingredients:
- Acetaminophen 650 mg (Pain reliever/fever reducer)
- Dextromethorphan HBr 30 mg (Cough suppressant)
- Doxylamine succinate 12.5 mg (Antihistamine)
Ingredients In Robitussin Products
As mentioned, there are a variety of Robitussin products on the market, and ingredients differ depending on the product. "Original" Robitussin contains only dextromethorphan, a cough suppressant. As NyQuil already contains dextromethorphan, they should not be used together.
Below, is a list of ingredients in the most common Robitussin products on the market:
Robitussin Cough & Chest Congestion DM
- Dextromethorphan (cough suppressant)
- Guaifenesin (expectorant)
Robitussin Night Time Cough DM
- Dextromethorphan (cough suppressant)
- Doxylamine (sedating antihistamine)
Robitussin 12-Hour Cough Relief
- Dextromethorphan (cough suppressant)
Robitussin Severe Multi-Symptom Cough Cold & Flu
- Acetaminophen (analgesic)
- Dextromethorphan (cough suppressant)
- Guaifenesin (expectorant)
- Phenylephrine (nasal decongestant)
Robitussin Severe Multi-Symptom Cough Cold & Flu Nighttime
- Acetaminophen (analgesic)
- Diphenhydramine (sedating antihistamine)
- Phenylephrine (nasal decongestant)
Robitussin Multi-Symptom Cold CF
- Dextromethorphan (cough suppressant)
- Guaifenesin (expectorant)
- Phenylephrine (nasal decongestant)
Final Words
As evidenced above, most Robitussin products contain some of the same ingredients that NyQuil contains, and therefore they should not be dosed together. You certainly can find some Robitussin products that don't share any ingredients with NyQuil, and they would be fine to take. Just look at those labels!
References & sources
- Dextromethorphan Monongraph — PubChem
- NyQuil Manufacturer Website — Vicks
- Robitussin Manufacturer Website — Robitussin
Glossary — Terms in This Answer
- Dextromethorphan
- A medication that suppresses cough by acting on the brain's cough center.
- Acetaminophen
- A pain reliever and fever reducer commonly used in over-the-counter medications.
- Doxylamine succinate
- A sedating antihistamine that causes drowsiness and is often used in nighttime cold medicines.
- Guaifenesin
- An expectorant that helps thin mucus to make coughs more productive.
- Expectorant
- A type of medication that helps clear mucus from the airways by making it thinner and easier to cough up.
- Phenylephrine
- A nasal decongestant that reduces swelling in the nasal passages to relieve congestion.
- Diphenhydramine
- A sedating antihistamine that reduces allergy symptoms and causes drowsiness.
- Antihistamine
- A medication that blocks the effects of histamine to reduce allergy symptoms and often causes drowsiness.
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...
More answers from Brian →