Taking NyQuil With Medrol (Methylprednisolone)
In our latest question and answer, our pharmacist discusses whether or not it is safe to combine NyQuil with Medrol.
Can I take 4mg Methylprednisolone with Nyquil Cold and flu? I have been prescribed the steroid for a virus but ended up with a nasty cough.
Oct 06, 2022- Medrol and NyQuil have no known interactions and can be safely taken together.
- The sedative effects of NyQuil may actually help reduce common side effects of Medrol like anxiety, insomnia, and restlessness.
- Medrol should be taken with food or meals to minimize stomach upset.
Answer
Thanks for reaching out! Medrol (methylprednisolone) can safely be taken with NyQuil Cold and Flu as there are no known interactions between them.
In fact, the sedative effects of NyQuil may help to offset some of the most commonly reported side effects of Medrol, such as anxiety, insomnia, and restlessness.
It is important to remember that NyQuil is a multi-ingredient product and therefore, you need to take them all into account as it concerns potential drug interactions.
NyQuil Cold and Flu contains:
- Acetaminophen
- Doxylamine
- Dextromethorphan
- Phenylephrine (only in NyQuil Severe)
None of the ingredients in NyQuil, or NyQuil Severe, interact with Medrol.
About NyQuil
NyQuil is a combination ingredient cold/flu medication.
It contains:
- Acetaminophen, a pain reliever and fever reducer. Acetaminophen is the active ingredient in Tylenol.
- Doxylamine, a sedating antihistamine, similar to Benadryl (diphenhydramine).
- Dextromethorphan, a cough suppressant.
- Phenylephrine, a nasal decongestant.
Several other varieties of NyQuil are available as well, all of which can be seen on the manufacturer website.
NyQuil begins working about 15 to 30 minutes after taking a dose, and has a typical duration of action around 4-6 hours.
About Medrol
Medrol (methylprednisolone) is a corticosteroid, commonly used to treat inflammation of the skin, joints and lungs.
It is used for a wide variety of indications, including:
- Asthma exacerbation
- Allergies, including contact dermatitis reaction (e.g. poison ivy)
- Arthritis
Medrol is most commonly prescribed in a Dosepak, which follows a 21-tablet dose titration schedule:
- Day One: 2 tablets (8 mg) before breakfast, 1 tablet (4 mg) after lunch, 1 tablet (4 mg) after supper, and 2 tablets (8 mg) at bedtime.
- Day Two: 1 tablet (4 mg) before breakfast. 1 tablet (4 mg) after lunch, 1 tablet (4 mg) after supper, and 2 tablets (8 mg) at bedtime.
- Day Three: 1 tablet (4 mg) before breakfast, 1 tablet (4 mg) after lunch, 1 tablet (4 mg) after supper, and 1 tablet (4 mg) at bedtime.
- Day Four: 1 tablet (4 mg) before breakfast, 1 tablet (4 mg) after lunch, and 1 tablet (4 mg) at bedtime.
- Day Five: 5th day: 1 tablet (4 mg) before breakfast, and 1 tablet (4 mg) at bedtime.
- Day Six: 6th day: 1 tablet (4 mg) before breakfast.
Medrol should be taken with food or meals to minimize nausea, indigestion and stomach irritation.
Final Words
Thanks again for reaching out to us!
References & sources
Glossary — Terms in This Answer
- Corticosteroid
- A type of anti-inflammatory medication that reduces swelling and immune system activity in the body.
- Methylprednisolone
- The active drug ingredient in Medrol, a corticosteroid used to treat inflammation.
- Antihistamine
- A medication that blocks histamine, a chemical in the body that causes allergy symptoms like itching and sneezing.
- Cough suppressant
- A medication that reduces the urge to cough by acting on the part of the brain that controls coughing.
- Nasal decongestant
- A medication that reduces swelling in the nasal passages to help clear congestion and improve breathing.
- Duration of action
- The length of time a medication remains active and effective in the body.
- Dose titration
- A gradual increase or decrease in medication amount, typically over several days, to reach or lower the effective dose.
- Drug interactions
- Changes in how medications work when taken together, which can increase side effects or reduce effectiveness.
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...
More answers from Brian →