Can You Take NyQuil With Tamiflu?

Answer

There is no reported interaction between NyQuil and Tamiflu and they can be safely taken together.

In fact, Tamiflu has very few reported drug interactions. The prescribing information for the drug only lists one clinically significant drug interaction, the live flu vaccine. Since Tamiflu decreases viral replication, it may make the live flu vaccine less effective.

As it concerns other drugs, Tamiflu is not thought to have any significant drug interactions and is therefore safe with NyQuil.

What Is NyQuil?

NyQuil is a combination product that contains the following ingredients:

• Acetaminophen (analgesic)
• Dextromethorphan (cough suppressant)
• Doxylamine (sedating antihistamine)

There are no documented interactions between any of the ingredients contained in NyQuil and Tamiflu.

NyQuil can be effective in treating symptoms of the flu (e.g. the aches and pains associated with it) and you can feel safe using it along with Tamiflu.

What Is Tamiflu?

Tamiflu (oseltamivir) is classified as a neuraminidase inhibitor and is indicated by the FDA for both the treatment and prevention of seasonal flu infections.

Tamiflu is most effective when taken as soon as possible after exposure to the flu virus so be sure to go to your doctor if you feel you have been exposed or are in a high-risk setting.

Tamiflu is generally well-tolerated and has very few side effects. Nausea and vomiting are the most commonly reported.

Additionally, as mentioned above, it has few clinically significant drug interactions so you can feel safe using OTC (over-the-counter) medications (like Tylenol or NyQuil) to help reduce any symptoms you may be experiencing.

Some studies have reported that Tamiflu does interact with the drug probenecid, which is used to treat gout. Taking both together can increase Tamiflu concentrations in the body, but since the drug has such a wide window of safety, no dosage adjustments are necessary.

Final Words

As Tamiflu is used to treat an infection from the flu virus, it is common to be taken over-the-counter cough/cold medications for symptom relief. Fortunately, Tamiflu is safe to use with most, including NyQuil.