Can You Take DayQuil With Claritin (Loratadine)?
In our latest question and answer, the pharmacist discusses whether or not there is a drug interaction between Claritin (Loratadine) and DayQuil.
Is it safe to combine Claritin and DayQuil?
Aug 31, 2022- It is safe to take Claritin and DayQuil together as there is no interaction between these two medications. Taking them together can help relieve both cold and flu symptoms along with allergy symptoms like runny nose and itchy eyes. Be careful not to exceed the maximum daily dose of acetaminophen, which is 4 grams per day, especially if taking other medications that contain it.
Answer
Thanks for reaching out to us! Yes, it is safe to take both Claritin and DayQuil together as there is no interaction between the two medications.
Claritin (loratadine) is a second-generation antihistamine used to treat seasonal allergies and urticaria (hives).
DayQuil Cold & Flu (acetaminophen; dextromethorphan; phenylephrine) is a combination product used to treat fever, cough, and sinus congestion. Let's take a look at each product more closely.
Claritin
As a second-generation antihistamine, Claritin (loratadine) is typically non-sedating and does not cause drowsiness. Claritin (loratadine) works on the symptoms of runny nose, itchy, watery eyes, and sneezing.
It comes in 12 and 24-hour formulations and its effects can be felt within 1 to 3 hours. It is typically a well-tolerated medication with the most common side effects being headache, drowsiness, fatigue, and dry mouth.
Patients with known kidney or liver impairment or disease should check with their doctor or other health care provider before using.
DayQuil Products
DayQuil is a combination product that contains different drugs depending upon which formulation is being used. The following DayQuil products are available:
- DayQuil HBP Cold and Flu: Acetaminophen for fever/pain and Dextromethorphan for cough suppressant
- DayQuil Cold and Flu Relief Caps: Acetaminophen for fever/pain, Dextromethorphan for cough suppressant and phenylephrine for nasal congestion
- DayQuil Severe Cold and Flu: Acetaminophen for fever/pain, Dextromethorphan for cough suppressant, phenylephrine for nasal congestion and guaifenesin for expectorant
- DayQuil Cough and Congestion Liquid: Dextromethorphan for cough suppressant and guaifenesin for expectorant
- DayQuil Cough Suppressant: Dextromethorphan for cough suppressant
Below, I discuss each ingredient in the above DayQuil products in detail.
Drugs Contained In DayQuil Products
Acetaminophen
Acetaminophen is used as a fever reducer and for pain. If taking DayQuil with other drugs, it is important not to exceed the maximum dose of acetaminophen. Acetaminophen has been associated with acute liver failure. Doses should not exceed 4 grams daily in adults. Be careful when combining with other medications that contain acetaminophen so as to not exceed the 4 grams as a maximum daily dose.
Dextromethorphan
Dextromethorphan is a cough suppressant used to help control a cough. It is usually a well-tolerated medication. The most common side effects that have been reported are drowsiness, nausea, vomiting, and stomach upset.
Phenylephrine
Phenylephrine is a decongestant that helps relieve nasal and sinus congestion. Patients with high blood pressure should check with their doctor or other health care provider before taking it. It can increase blood pressure and cause heart stimulation including palpitations, fast heartbeat and arrhythmias. Other possible side effects include insomnia, anxiety, dizziness, headache, and upset stomach.
Guaifenesin
Guaifenesin is an expectorant used to loosen mucus and make a cough more productive. The most common side effects are dizziness, drowsiness, headache, nausea, vomiting, and stomach pain.
Additional Information
When taking combination products, it can be quite easy to take too much of a drug if combined with other products. It is important for patients to realize what they are taking and which medications are in a particular formulation. If there is any confusion or questions, ask the pharmacist or another health care provider for help determining which product formulations are most appropriate for the symptoms you are trying to treat.
Conclusion
Taking Claritin (loratadine) and DayQuil Cold & Flu (acetaminophen; dextromethorphan; phenylephrine) is safe. Adding Claritin (loratadine) to DayQuil Cold & Flu will also give relief to any allergy symptoms present such as runny nose, watery, itchy eyes and sneezing.
References & sources
Glossary — Terms in This Answer
- Antihistamine
- A medication that blocks histamine to relieve allergy symptoms like itching, sneezing, and runny nose.
- Urticaria
- A medical term for hives, which are red, itchy welts that appear on the skin.
- Decongestant
- A medication that reduces nasal and sinus congestion by narrowing blood vessels in the nasal passages.
- Expectorant
- A medication that helps thin and loosen mucus to make coughs more productive.
- Cough suppressant
- A medication that reduces or stops coughing by affecting the cough reflex in the brain.
- Palpitations
- An abnormal awareness of your heartbeat, often felt as a fluttering, racing, or pounding sensation in the chest.
- Arrhythmias
- Irregular heartbeats where the heart beats too fast, too slow, or in an uneven pattern.
- Acute liver failure
- A sudden and severe loss of liver function that can occur from overdose or toxicity.
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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