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Can you take sudafed with dayquil: Sudafed PE Severe Cold and Vicks Dayquil Cold & Flu Relief Interactions

Sudafed PE Severe Cold and Vicks Dayquil Cold & Flu Relief Interactions

This report displays the potential drug interactions for the following 2 drugs:

  • Sudafed PE Severe Cold (acetaminophen/diphenhydramine/phenylephrine)
  • Vicks Dayquil Cold & Flu Relief (acetaminophen/dextromethorphan/phenylephrine)

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  • Consumer
  • Professional

Interactions between your drugs

Using dextromethorphan together with diphenhydrAMINE may increase side effects such as dizziness, drowsiness, confusion, and difficulty concentrating. Some people, especially the elderly, may also experience impairment in thinking, judgment, and motor coordination. You should avoid or limit the use of alcohol while being treated with these medications. Also avoid activities requiring mental alertness such as driving or operating hazardous machinery until you know how the medications affect you. Talk to your doctor if you have any questions or concerns. It is important to tell your doctor about all other medications you use, including vitamins and herbs. Do not stop using any medications without first talking to your doctor.

Switch to professional interaction data

Drug and food interactions

Consumer information for this interaction is not currently available.

GENERALLY AVOID: Alcohol may potentiate some of the pharmacologic effects of CNS-active agents. Use in combination may result in additive central nervous system depression and/or impairment of judgment, thinking, and psychomotor skills.

MANAGEMENT: Patients receiving CNS-active agents should be warned of this interaction and advised to avoid or limit consumption of alcohol. Ambulatory patients should be counseled to avoid hazardous activities requiring complete mental alertness and motor coordination until they know how these agents affect them, and to notify their physician if they experience excessive or prolonged CNS effects that interfere with their normal activities.

References

  1. Warrington SJ, Ankier SI, Turner P “Evaluation of possible interactions between ethanol and trazodone or amitriptyline.” Neuropsychobiology 15
    (1986): 31-7
  2. Gilman AG, eds., Nies AS, Rall TW, Taylor P “Goodman and Gilman’s the Pharmacological Basis of Therapeutics.” New York, NY: Pergamon Press Inc.
    (1990):
  3. “Product Information. Fycompa (perampanel).” Eisai Inc
    (2012):
  4. “Product Information. Rexulti (brexpiprazole).” Otsuka American Pharmaceuticals Inc
    (2015):

View all 4 references

Therapeutic duplication warnings

Therapeutic duplication is the use of more than one medicine from the same drug category or therapeutic class to treat the same condition.
This can be intentional in cases where drugs with similar actions are used together for demonstrated therapeutic benefit.
It can also be unintentional in cases where a patient has been treated by more than one doctor, or had prescriptions filled at more than one pharmacy,
and can have potentially adverse consequences.

The recommended maximum number of medicines in the ‘decongestants’ category to be taken concurrently is usually one.
Your list includes two medicines belonging to the ‘decongestants’ category:

  • Sudafed PE Severe Cold (acetaminophen/diphenhydramine/phenylephrine)
  • Vicks Dayquil Cold & Flu Relief (acetaminophen/dextromethorphan/phenylephrine)

Note: In certain circumstances, the benefits of taking this combination of drugs may outweigh any risks.
Always consult your healthcare provider before making changes to your medications or dosage.

The recommended maximum number of medicines in the ‘sympathomimetics’ category to be taken concurrently is usually one.
Your list includes two medicines belonging to the ‘sympathomimetics’ category:

  • Sudafed PE Severe Cold (acetaminophen/diphenhydramine/phenylephrine)
  • Vicks Dayquil Cold & Flu Relief (acetaminophen/dextromethorphan/phenylephrine)

Note: In certain circumstances, the benefits of taking this combination of drugs may outweigh any risks.
Always consult your healthcare provider before making changes to your medications or dosage.

The recommended maximum number of medicines in the ‘sympathomimetic amines’ category to be taken concurrently is usually one.
Your list includes two medicines belonging to the ‘sympathomimetic amines’ category:

  • Sudafed PE Severe Cold (acetaminophen/diphenhydramine/phenylephrine)
  • Vicks Dayquil Cold & Flu Relief (acetaminophen/dextromethorphan/phenylephrine)

Note: In certain circumstances, the benefits of taking this combination of drugs may outweigh any risks.
Always consult your healthcare provider before making changes to your medications or dosage.

The recommended maximum number of medicines in the ‘acetaminophen’ category to be taken concurrently is usually one.
Your list includes two medicines belonging to the ‘acetaminophen’ category:

  • Sudafed PE Severe Cold (acetaminophen/diphenhydramine/phenylephrine)
  • Vicks Dayquil Cold & Flu Relief (acetaminophen/dextromethorphan/phenylephrine)

Note: In certain circumstances, the benefits of taking this combination of drugs may outweigh any risks.
Always consult your healthcare provider before making changes to your medications or dosage.

See also

  • Sudafed PE Severe Cold drug interactions
  • Sudafed PE Severe Cold uses and side effects
  • Vicks Dayquil Cold & Flu Relief drug interactions
  • DayQuil Cold & Flu uses and side effects
  • Drug Interactions Checker

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Drug Interaction Classification
These classifications are only a guideline. The relevance of a particular drug interaction to a specific individual is difficult to determine. Always consult your healthcare provider before starting or stopping any medication.
MajorHighly clinically significant. Avoid combinations; the risk of the interaction outweighs the benefit.
ModerateModerately clinically significant. Usually avoid combinations; use it only under special circumstances.
MinorMinimally clinically significant. Minimize risk; assess risk and consider an alternative drug, take steps to circumvent the interaction risk and/or institute a monitoring plan.
UnknownNo interaction information available.

Further information

Always consult your healthcare provider to ensure the information displayed on this page applies to your personal circumstances.

Medical Disclaimer

Cold and flu medicine interactions to be cautious of

When you’re looking for a cough suppressant or decongestant, keep these potential side effects in mind

COVID-19 has dominated the news for months, but colds and other respiratory viruses haven’t disappeared. In addition to the pandemic, cold and flu season is approaching. “What you can certainly expect is more colds and flu than last year,” says David Cutler, MD, a family medicine physician at Providence Saint John’s Health Center in Santa Monica, California.

So, you might want to start thinking about the medications to treat cold symptoms and other respiratory ailments. But be cautious about potential cold and flu medicine interactions because you might not realize that certain drugs don’t mix well. 

According to the U.S. Food and Drug Administration (FDA), a drug-drug interaction occurs when two or more medications interact with each other.

One very common type of drug-drug interaction is a cold medicine interaction. This can happen when you take a cold or flu medication that interferes with the action of another medicine that you’re taking, or when you take multiple medications that cause side effects when combined. Some products contain one or two active ingredients, where others contain three or four.  This is why it’s important to understand each ingredient.

Common ingredients in many cold and flu medications

The next time you’re shopping for a cold-and-flu medication for yourself, take a good long look at the list of ingredients. (The American Academy of Pediatrics recommends against giving children younger than 4 over-the-counter cold and cough medications, which contain the ingredients below, except for acetaminophen or ibuprofen for fever and pain.) 

Although the specific combination of ingredients will vary from product to product, common ingredients in over-the-counter medications include:

Acetaminophen

Commonly known by its brand name, Tylenol, acetaminophen is a pain reliever and also reduces fever. 

See acetaminophen interactions here.

Chlorpheniramine maleate

Chlorpheniramine is an antihistamine that reduces cold and allergy symptoms and can be found in OTC medications such as Chlor-Trimeton and Chlor-Tabs.

See chlorpheniramine interactions here.

Diphenhydramine

Diphenhydramine is an antihistamine that will address your runny nose, sneezing, and itchy, watery eyes. It is the generic name for Benadryl allergy medicine.

See diphenhydramine interactions here.

Dextromethorphan

This ingredient, which belongs to a class of drugs known as antitussives, helps suppress your cough. You can find it in OTC products like Delsym, Robitussin, Dayquil Complete, Tylenol Cold Multi Symptom formulations, and others. 

See dextromethorphan interactions here.

Guaifenesin

Guaifenesin is an expectorant—that is, it thins and loosens mucus to make it easier to cough up and out of your body. It does not decrease the amount of secretions, just makes them thinner. It’s the generic form of Mucinex and is a component in DayQuil Complete, and Robitussin Severe Multi-Symptom Cough Cold and Flu.

See guaifenesin interactions here.

Phenylephrine

This ingredient relieves nasal congestion and sinus congestion and pain. It can be found in Sudafed PE (not just plain Sudafed, as that contains pseudoephedrine), NyQuil Severe, and other similar OTC products.  

See phenylephrine interactions here.

Pseudoephedrine

Pseudoephedrine is another common nasal decongestant that can be found in products like Chlor Trimeton Nasal Decongestant and various Sudafed formulations.

See pseudoephedrine interactions here.

Watch out for doubling up 

When you feel a cold coming on, your first instinct may be to purchase some medication to address your symptoms. Stop and read the label on each package before you buy anything. Many popular cold and flu medications do contain more than one active ingredient in an attempt to control multiple symptoms at once. In theory, that should simplify the process. 

“However, sometimes this convenience is confusing because it may seem like you need two separate medications to cover all your symptoms,” says Danielle Carter, MD, a family physician at Ascension St. Vincent’s Riverside in Jacksonville, Florida, and new physician member of the American Academy of Family Physicians Board of Directors. “Unfortunately, this can easily lead to accidentally ‘doubling up’ on specific ingredients that can cause side effects that can range from uncomfortable to dangerous.”

For example, consider the possibility of a Nyquil interaction. Here’s how that could happen: you might pick up a product like Nyquil, Dayquil, or Theraflu, all of which contain acetaminophen, in addition to other ingredients. But if you’re already taking Tylenol, you could wind up with a double dose of acetaminophen. That could lead to some side effects like cramping, loss of appetite, nausea, and stomach pain. “So it is important to consult the label before buying or taking anything,” Dr. Cutler adds. 

Other potential interactions to consider

It’s not just cold medicine interactions that you need to be cautious about. Consider all medications, including both OTC and prescription (and other treatments) that you are taking. Interactions can occur between them and any cold and flu drugs you take. For example, some interactions occur if you combine phenylephrine and guaifenesin with other meds.

So, it’s a good rule of thumb to check out the potential interactions of any medication that you’re taking or plan to take. “Before taking anything over the counter, make sure your doctor or pharmacist is aware of all the medications you’re taking,” says functional medicine practitioner Christine Manukyan, Pharm.D. “For example, someone with recent internal bleeding due to taking a blood thinner like warfarin/coumadin should not take any cold and flu medications that may increase the risk of bleeding such as ibuprofen.” 

Other treatments that you might be taking: 

Antidepressants and dextromethorphan or pseudoephedrine

It’s generally considered safe to take antidepressants while taking cold medicine. “However, cold/flu medications that contain dextromethorphan may increase the risk of a rare side effect called serotonin syndrome when taken with SSRIs and SNRIs,” Dr. Carter says. “Since there are many OTC options that do not contain that ingredient, it is probably best to avoid it just to be cautious. ” Dr. Manukyan also cautions that you should avoid mixing products containing pseudoephedrine if you’re taking an older type of antidepressant known as a monoamine oxidase inhibitor (MAOI), as it could cause a hypertensive crisis.

Anti-hypertensives and pseudoephedrine

“The concern with OTC cough/cold medications and high blood pressure is that the medications may further raise your blood pressure,” says Dr. Carter. “The ingredient most likely to do this is pseudoephedrine, but you should also use caution with some nasal sprays.” Your healthcare provider might suggest choosing an OTC product with phenylephrine instead. 

Elderberry and immunosuppressants

Elderberry products aren’t technically medication, as they’re considered supplements, but many people do turn to them when cold and flu season approach. “Elderberry is safe and effective for many patients, except for those who are taking medications to suppress their immune system, i.e., immunosuppressants,” says Dr. Manukyan. “Medications that decrease the immune system interact with elderberry.” She cautions that elderberry-drug interactions could potentially occur as a result of taking elderberry along with corticosteroids like prednisone, as well as cyclosporine and other immunosuppressants.

Tamiflu

Should you be concerned about a Tamiflu drug interaction if your healthcare provider prescribes this antiviral in the early stages of a case of influenza? “Luckily, Tamiflu does not interact with the ingredients of most over-the- counter cold and flu medications,” says Dr. Carter.

Other considerations when taking cold meds 

Another consideration: Some meds contain added colors and flavorings. “Make sure to mention all your allergies to your pharmacist when picking over-the-counter cold and flu medication,” says Dr. Manukyan.

Also, it’s probably best to avoid drinking alcohol when taking any cold or flu medications. Alcohol can increase the effect of ingredients like dextromethorphan, and it can compound the sedative effect of antihistamines. Plus, many cold meds contain acetaminophen which could potentially lead to liver damage if mixed with alcohol. 

“The overall advice I would give before taking medication for colds or flu is to balance the benefits against the risks,” Dr. Cutler says. “Doing so may make mom’s chicken soup seem like the best medicine of all.”

Pseudoephedrine and Codeine | Memorial Sloan Kettering Cancer Center

Adult Medication

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Provided by Lexicomp ® , this document contains all the information you need to know about this medicine, including indications, directions for use, side effects, and when your healthcare provider should be contacted.

Trade names: USA

Codar ® D [DSC]

Warning

For all patients taking this drug:

  • This drug contains an opioid. Treatment with opioids can be associated with risks such as dependence, abuse or misuse of these drugs. Misuse or abuse of this drug can lead to overdose and death. If you have any questions, ask your doctor.
  • This drug contains an opioid. Serious side effects have occurred when using opioids with benzodiazepines, alcohol, marijuana, or other forms of cannabis, as well as prescription or over-the-counter drugs that can cause drowsiness or slow action. These effects include slow or labored breathing and death. Benzodiazepines include drugs such as alprazolam, diazepam, and lorazepam. Benzodiazepines can be used to treat many health conditions such as anxiety, sleep disorders, or seizures. If you have any questions, please consult your doctor.
  • Many drugs interact with this drug and may increase the risk of side effects such as life-threatening breathing problems. Check with your doctor and pharmacist to make sure it is safe to use this drug with all your other drugs.
  • Avoid alcohol, marijuana or other forms of cannabis, and prescription or over-the-counter drugs that can slow you down.
  • Seek immediate medical attention if you feel very drowsy, severely dizzy, or if you lose consciousness. Caregivers or others should seek immediate medical attention if the patient does not respond, does not respond, or does not respond in the usual way, or if he sleeps and does not wake up.
  • Very bad and sometimes deadly breathing problems have happened with this drug. Consult your doctor.
  • Seek immediate medical attention if you experience slow breathing, shallow breathing, or difficulty breathing.

Children:

  • This drug is not intended for use in children under 18 years of age. The benefits of using this drug for an allergic cough, cold, or other infection do not outweigh the risks for the baby. If your child has been treated with this drug or if you have any questions, contact your child’s doctor.

What is this drug used for?

  • The drug is used to treat blockage of the nasal valve.
  • Used to relieve cough.

What should I tell my doctor BEFORE taking this drug?

  • If you are allergic to pseudoephedrine, codeine, or any of the other ingredients of this medicine.
  • If you have an allergy to this drug, any of its ingredients, other drugs, foods or substances. Tell your doctor about your allergies and how they have manifested.
  • If you have any of the following health conditions: Lung or breathing problems such as asthma, shortness of breath, or sleep apnea; high levels of carbon dioxide in the blood; gastrointestinal obstruction or narrowing.
  • If you have a cough with a lot of mucus.
  • If you have a prolonged cough caused by your smoking, smoking in close proximity to you, or lung problems such as asthma or emphysema.
  • If you have taken medications for depression or Parkinson’s disease in the past 14 days. These include isocarboxazid, phenelzine, tranylcypromine, selegiline, or rasagiline. An episode of very high blood pressure may occur.
  • If you are taking any of the following drugs: linezolid or methylene blue.
  • If you are taking any of the following drugs: buprenorphine, butorphanol, nalbuphine, or pentazocine.
  • If your doctor has told you that your body metabolizes certain drugs faster.
  • If you are breastfeeding. Do not breastfeed while taking this drug.

This list of drugs and conditions that may interact with this drug is not exhaustive.

Tell your doctor and pharmacist about all medicines you take (prescription and over-the-counter, natural products and vitamins) and any health problems you have. You need to make sure that this drug is safe for your conditions and in combination with other drugs you are already taking. Do not start or stop taking any drug or change the dosage without your doctor’s advice.

What do I need to know or do while taking this drug?

  • Tell all your health care workers that you are taking this drug. These are doctors, nurses, pharmacists and dentists.
  • Do not take the drug in higher doses than prescribed by your doctor. Taking more than the prescribed amount of the drug increases the risk of serious side effects.
  • Do not use longer than prescribed by your doctor.
  • Avoid driving and other activities that require increased attention until you see how this drug affects you.
  • To reduce the risk of dizziness or loss of consciousness, get up slowly from a lying or sitting position. Walking up and down stairs should be done with care.
  • This drug may be habit-forming with long-term use.
  • Do not take this drug with other strong pain medications or if you are using a pain patch without talking to your doctor first.
  • This drug may affect the results of some lab tests. Tell all your health care workers and laboratory staff that you are taking this drug.
  • Do not take this drug if you are 65 years of age or older. Consult your doctor.
  • Children may have a higher risk of very serious side effects. This risk may be more likely in children with respiratory failure. Some children have experienced life-threatening respiratory problems when using codeine. Consult your doctor.
  • When used during pregnancy, the drug may have a harmful effect on the fetus. If you are pregnant or become pregnant while taking this drug, call your doctor right away.
  • Long-term use of this drug during pregnancy may cause withdrawal symptoms in the newborn. This can be life threatening. Consult your doctor.

What side effects should I report to my doctor immediately?

WARNING. In rare cases, this drug can cause serious and sometimes deadly side effects in some patients. Contact your doctor or seek medical attention right away if you have any of the following signs or symptoms that may be associated with serious side effects:

  • Signs of an allergic reaction, such as rash, hives, itching, red and swollen skin with blisters or peeling, possibly accompanied by fever, wheezing or wheezing, tightness in the chest or throat, difficulty breathing, swallowing or speaking, unusual hoarseness, swelling in the mouth, face, lips, tongue or throat.
  • Severe dizziness or fainting.
  • Pain or pressure in the chest or a fast heartbeat.
  • Labored, slow or shallow breathing.
  • Noisy breathing.
  • Strong drowsiness.
  • Confusion of consciousness.
  • Feeling of abnormal heartbeat.
  • Hallucinations (a person sees or hears something that is not in reality).
  • Mood changes.
  • Seizures.
  • Severe pain in the abdomen.
  • Strong headache.
  • Obstruction of the urinary tract.
  • Shiver.
  • Vision change.
  • Severe nausea or vomiting.
  • Severe constipation.
  • Feeling extremely tired or weak.

What are some other side effects of this drug?

Any medicine can have side effects. However, for many people, side effects are either minor or non-existent. Talk to your doctor or get medical help if these or any other side effects bother you or don’t go away:

  • Dizziness.
  • Nervous tension and agitation.
  • Insomnia.
  • Constipation.
  • Drowsiness.
  • Nausea or vomiting.
  • Excessive sweating.
  • Feeling tired or weak.

This list of possible side effects is not exhaustive. If you have any questions about side effects, please contact your doctor. Talk to your doctor about side effects.

You can report side effects to the National Health Board.

You can report side effects to the FDA at 1-800-332-1088. You can also report side effects at https://www.fda.gov/medwatch.

What is the best way to take this drug?

Use this drug as directed by your doctor. Read all the information provided to you. Strictly follow all instructions.

  • Take with or without food. Take with food if medicine causes nausea.
  • Liquid doses should be measured with caution. Use the dispenser that comes with the medication. If the dispenser is not provided in the package, ask the pharmacist for a dosing agent for this drug.

What if I miss a dose of a drug?

  • If you take the drug regularly, take the missed dose as soon as you can.
  • If it’s time for your next dose, don’t take the missed dose and then go back to your regular dosing schedule.
  • Do not take 2 doses or an additional dose at the same time.
  • In most cases, this drug is used as needed. Do not take the drug more often than prescribed by your doctor.

How do I store and/or discard this drug?

  • Store at room temperature in a dry place. Do not store in the bathroom.
  • Keep this medicine in a protected place out of sight and reach of children and out of the reach of other people. A box or room that is locked with a key can act as a secure storage place for the drug. Keep all medicines out of the reach of pets.
  • Dispose of unused or expired drugs. Do not empty into a toilet or sewer unless instructed to do so. If you have any questions about disposing of medicines, ask your pharmacist. Drug disposal programs may be in place in your area.

General information about medicines

  • If your health does not improve or even worsens, see your doctor.
  • Do not give your medicine to anyone and do not take other people’s medicines.
  • Some medicines may come with other patient information leaflets. If you have any questions about this drug, talk with your doctor, nurse, pharmacist, or other health care professional.
  • Some medicines may come with other patient information leaflets. Check with your pharmacist. If you have any questions about this drug, talk with your doctor, nurse, pharmacist, or other health care professional.
  • If you think you have overdosed, call a poison control center or get medical help right away. Be prepared to tell or show what drug you took, how much, and when it happened.

Consumer Use of Information and Limitation of Liability

This information should not be used to make decisions about taking this or any other drug.