Can You Take NyQuil With Tamiflu?
In our latest question and answer, the pharmacist discusses whether or not you can take NyQuil with Tamiflu.
Hi there: I've been prescribed 100mg benzonatate 3x a day along with 12h Mucinex to combat the flu. I have been taking Tamiflu regularly and have 2 doses left. Is it safe to also take NyQuil at night for sleeping? Thank you!
Oct 19, 2022- NyQuil and Tamiflu can be safely taken together with no reported interactions between them. NyQuil can help relieve flu symptoms like aches and pains while you are taking Tamiflu. Tamiflu has very few drug interactions overall and is safe to use with most over-the-counter cough and cold medications.
Answer
There is no reported interaction between NyQuil and Tamiflu and they can be safely taken together.
In fact, Tamiflu has very few reported drug interactions. The prescribing information for the drug only lists one clinically significant drug interaction, the live flu vaccine. Since Tamiflu decreases viral replication, it may make the live flu vaccine less effective.
As it concerns other drugs, Tamiflu is not thought to have any significant drug interactions and is therefore safe with NyQuil.
What Is NyQuil?
NyQuil is a combination product that contains the following ingredients:
- Acetaminophen (analgesic)
- Dextromethorphan (cough suppressant)
- Doxylamine (sedating antihistamine)
There are no documented interactions between any of the ingredients contained in NyQuil and Tamiflu.
NyQuil can be effective in treating symptoms of the flu (e.g. the aches and pains associated with it) and you can feel safe using it along with Tamiflu.
What Is Tamiflu?
Tamiflu (oseltamivir) is classified as a neuraminidase inhibitor and is indicated by the FDA for both the treatment and prevention of seasonal flu infections.
Tamiflu is most effective when taken as soon as possible after exposure to the flu virus so be sure to go to your doctor if you feel you have been exposed or are in a high-risk setting.
Tamiflu is generally well-tolerated and has very few side effects. Nausea and vomiting are the most commonly reported.
Additionally, as mentioned above, it has few clinically significant drug interactions so you can feel safe using OTC (over-the-counter) medications (like Tylenol or NyQuil) to help reduce any symptoms you may be experiencing.
Some studies have reported that Tamiflu does interact with the drug probenecid, which is used to treat gout. Taking both together can increase Tamiflu concentrations in the body, but since the drug has such a wide window of safety, no dosage adjustments are necessary.
Final Words
As Tamiflu is used to treat an infection from the flu virus, it is common to take over-the-counter cough/cold medications for symptom relief. Fortunately, Tamiflu is safe to use with most, including NyQuil.
References & sources
- Tamiflu Prescribing Information — Genentech
- Elsevier ClinicalKey: Tamiflu Monograph — ClinicalKey (Subscription Required)
- Oseltamivir for influenza in adults and children: systematic review of clinical study reports and summary of regulatory comments — PubMed
- Oseltamivir: a review of its use in influenza. — PubMed
- Pharmacokinetics and Tolerability of Oseltamivir Combined with Probenecid — PubMed
Glossary — Terms in This Answer
- Neuraminidase inhibitor
- A type of antiviral medication that blocks an enzyme viruses use to spread to other cells in your body.
- Viral replication
- The process by which viruses make copies of themselves inside your body.
- Analgesic
- A medication that relieves pain.
- Cough suppressant
- A medication that reduces the urge to cough.
- Antihistamine
- A medication that blocks histamine, a chemical your body releases during allergic reactions and cold symptoms.
- Drug interaction
- A situation where one medication affects how another medication works in your body.
- Oseltamivir
- The generic chemical name for the antiviral medication Tamiflu.
- Probenecid
- A medication used to treat gout that can increase the amount of Tamiflu in your body if taken together.
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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