is It Safe To Take DayQuil And A Z-Pack Together?

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

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