Can You Take Sudafed And NyQuil Together?
In our latest question and answer, the pharmacist discusses if NyQuil and Sudafed can be used together.
I was diagnosed with the flu one week ago. I have high blood pressure and am taking medicine. Is it safe to take Sudafed in the daytime and Nyquil at night?
Nov 09, 2022- Original NyQuil can be safely taken with Sudafed since NyQuil does not contain a decongestant and there are no interactions between them. NyQuil Severe should not be combined with Sudafed because it already contains a decongestant. If you have high blood pressure, decongestants like Sudafed can raise your blood pressure, so you should avoid them unless your doctor recommends otherwise.
Answer
Great question! It's always a good idea to ask about taking multiple over-the-counter medications as many of them are combination products and contain more than one drug. You want to avoid doubling up on the same drug.
In regard to NyQuil and Sudafed (pseudoephedrine), they can safely be taken together as NyQuil does not already contain a decongestant and there are no interactions between any of the drugs. You can also take one in the morning and one in the evening as you suggested.
The 'original' NyQuil contains the following ingredients:
- Acetaminophen (pain reliever)
- Dextromethorphan (cough suppressant)
- Doxylamine (sedating antihistamine)
Watch Out For NyQuil Products That Contain A Decongestant Already
I do want to point out that although the 'original' NyQuil is safe to combine with Sudafed, NyQuil Severe, a different product in the NyQuil family of products, does contain a decongestant and should not be taken with Sudafed.
NyQuil Severe contains:
- Acetaminophen (pain reliever)
- Dextromethorphan (cough suppressant)
- Doxylamine (sedating antihistamine)
- Phenylephrine (decongestant)
Phenylephrine and Sudafed (pseudoephedrine) are similar drugs and both decongestants. They should not be used together.
Nasal Decongestants Should Be Used Cautiously In Those With High Blood Pressure
You mentioned in your question that you have high blood pressure.
Although data is mixed, studies report that nasal decongestants, like Sudafed, can raise blood pressure and put those with heart conditions at more risk of adverse events.
In general, it is recommended to avoid combining nasal decongestants if you have high blood pressure unless specifically recommended by your doctor. It is for this reason that there are a number of over-the-counter products that are marketed specifically for individuals with high blood pressure (they don't contain a decongestant).
One such product is in the NyQuil family, NyQuil HBP (high blood pressure).
Be Careful About Using Decongestants At Bedtime
Another point I want to bring up is that nasal decongestants can have a mild stimulating effect in some individuals and can sometimes cause insomnia. This is even highlighted on the 'Drug Facts' for oral nasal decongestant products, like Sudafed:
If you are having trouble sleeping, it is often recommended to not take a decongestant within at least a few hours of bedtime.
The sedative effects of NyQuil may slightly offset the stimulating effects of Sudafed, but it is an important point to keep in mind that Sudafed might not be doing you any favors if you are having issues falling asleep.
You mentioned in your question that you would be looking to take Sudafed during the day and NyQuil in the evening. This is a good plan to avoid the potential stimulating effects of Sudafed affecting your sleep.
Final Words
I hope you found this helpful! Reach back out again anytime.
References & sources
- Vicks NyQuil — Vicks
- Decongestant use and the risk of myocardial infarction and stroke: a case-crossover study — PubMed
- Clinical Inquiry: Do oral decongestants have a clinically significant effect on BP in patients with hypertension? — PubMed
- Pseudoephedrine—Benefits and Risks — PubMed
- A Multicenter, Randomized, Placebo-Controlled Study of Pseudoephedrine for the Temporary Relief of Nasal Congestion in Children With the Common Cold — PubMed
Glossary — Terms in This Answer
- Combination products
- Medications that contain more than one active drug ingredient mixed together in a single product.
- Decongestant
- A medication that relieves nasal congestion by narrowing blood vessels in the nasal passages.
- Pseudoephedrine
- An over-the-counter decongestant drug commonly found in products like Sudafed that helps clear nasal congestion.
- Dextromethorphan
- A cough suppressant ingredient found in many over-the-counter cold and flu medicines.
- Doxylamine
- A sedating antihistamine that causes drowsiness and is used in nighttime cold medicines.
- Phenylephrine
- A decongestant drug similar to pseudoephedrine that is found in some cold and flu products.
- Insomnia
- The inability to fall asleep or stay asleep.
- Adverse events
- Unwanted or harmful effects that occur as a result of taking medication.
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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