Is It Safe To Take DayQuil And A Z-Pack Together?
In our latest question and answer, the pharmacist discusses whether or not it is safe to take the antibiotic azithromycin (Z-Pack) with Dayquil.
Is it safe to take DayQuil with a Z-Pak?
Oct 13, 2022- It is safe to take DayQuil and a Z-Pak together because none of the ingredients in DayQuil interact with azithromycin.
- Avoid taking antacids containing aluminum or magnesium at the same time as a Z-Pak because they can decrease the antibiotic's absorption.
- Do not take loperamide (Imodium) with a Z-Pak unless your doctor directs you to, as both medications can cause heart-related side effects.
Answer
Yes, it is safe to take DayQuil and a Z-Pak (azithromycin) together. There is no known interaction between the two.
It is important to remember that DayQuil is a combination ingredient product, and contains multiple drugs. All must be considered when discussing whether or not there are interactions.
Fortunately, none of the ingredients in DayQuil interact with a Z-Pak.
The ingredients in DayQuil are as follows:
- Acetaminophen
- Dextromethorphan
- Phenylephrine
DayQuil also comes in a 'severe' formula and is known as DayQuil Severe. It contains one additional ingredient:
- Acetaminophen
- Dextromethorphan
- Phenylephrine
- Guaifenesin
Just like DayQuil, DayQuil Severe doesn't interact with a Z-Pak.
In fact, A Z-Pak is safe to take with most over-the-counter medications.
The only ones you should avoid are the following:
- Antacids
- Loperamide (Imodium)
I will touch on each of these briefly below.
Antacids: Use Caution
Anything over that contains aluminum or magnesium (e.g. Gaviscon, Mylanta) should not be taken at the same take as a Z-Pak since they can decrease the absorption of the antibiotic, which may make it less effective.
The prescribing information for azithromycin states this specifically:
Patients should also be cautioned not to take aluminum- and magnesium-containing antacids and azithromycin simultaneously.
Loperamide: Use Caution
Loperamide, the active ingredient in Imodium-AD, should generally not be taken with a Z-Pak unless directed by your doctor.
Both loperamide (in high doses) and azithromycin are associated with cardiac side effects like QT prolongation.
The FDA has posted safety communications regarding both drugs (loperamide safety announcement; azithromycin safety announcement).
Final Words
Thanks for reaching out!
References & sources
Glossary — Terms in This Answer
- Azithromycin
- An antibiotic medication commonly known as Z-Pak that is used to treat bacterial infections.
- Interaction
- A reaction that occurs when two drugs are taken together and affect how each other works in the body.
- Acetaminophen
- A pain reliever and fever reducer commonly found in over-the-counter medications like DayQuil.
- Dextromethorphan
- A cough suppressant ingredient found in DayQuil that helps reduce coughing.
- Phenylephrine
- A decongestant ingredient in DayQuil that helps relieve nasal congestion.
- Guaifenesin
- An expectorant that helps thin mucus to make coughs more productive, found in DayQuil Severe.
- Loperamide
- An anti-diarrheal medication sold under the brand name Imodium that slows intestinal movement.
- QT prolongation
- A heart rhythm condition where the electrical signal in the heart takes longer than normal to reset, which can be dangerous.
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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