Taking Claritin With NyQuil

Thanks so much for reaching out! Always more than happy to answer questions like this.

In general, it is not recommended to use both NyQuil and Claritin (loratadine) together due to a duplication of therapy between the two medications and the possibility of increased side effects.

Claritin is an antihistamine and NyQuil contains doxylamine, a sedating antihistamine. In most situations, it is not recommended to take two medications from the same class at the same time.

Having said this, the risk of serious side effects is low, and there may be situations where it is recommended by your health care provider to take both on a short-term basis.

Taking NyQuil With Claritin - More Info

NyQuil is a combination medication that is used to treat both cold and flu symptoms.  NyQuil contains the following medications:

• Acetaminophen: For reducing fevers, headaches, aches, and pain

• Dextromethorphan: An oral antitussive used to control a cough

• doxylamine: A first-generation antihistamine used primarily as a sleeping aid in the treatment of insomnia due to the side effect of sedation or drowsiness

Claritin (loratadine) is a second-generation non-sedating antihistamine used in the treatment of seasonal allergies.  It typically does not cause drowsiness in most patients.

I want to emphasize that Claritin (loratadine) and the doxylamine in the NyQuil are both antihistamines that work on the allergy symptoms of itching, sneezing, runny nose, and watery eyes (although doxylamine is contained in NyQuil primarily for its sedative effects).

Taking them together would be a duplication in therapy and, more importantly, increase the potential of side effects.

Taking both medications together potentially increases the likelihood of central nervous system side effects of:

• Drowsiness
• Confusion
• Problems with coordination
• Respiratory depression (respiratory effects would be uncommon though)

I do want to mention that there may be situations where it is okay to dose Claritin in the morning and NyQuil at night only as needed, but you should be sure to speak with your doctor first to ensure the combination is safe for you.

If you have fairly severe cold symptoms, your provider may recommend combining the two to help you sleep and deal with your symptoms on a short-term basis.

The risk of serious side effects is rare, but again, the general rule of thumb is not to combine medications that are in the same class and work the same way (remember that the doxylamine contained in NyQuil is an antihistamine just like Claritin).

There may be better options to effectively treat your allergies and problems with insomnia.

Thanks again for reaching out!