Taking NyQuil With Protonix (Pantoprazole)

Mel asked

Can I take Nightquil while taking Pantoprazole? Im sick at the moment and woud like to sleep.

Answer

There is no drug interaction between NyQuil and Protonix (pantoprazole). They are considered safe to take together.

Having said that, for optimal effects, most guidelines recommend that proton pump inhibitors like Protonix should be taken on an empty stomach, 30 to 60 minutes before food or other medication.

Protonix is generally taken in the morning and therefore co-administration with a night-time cough/cold medication like NyQuil doesn't occur often.

Nevertheless, if you take Protonix in the evening, you can take it with NyQuil as there is no interaction, but ideally, take Protonix at least 30 minutes prior to NyQuil.

About Protonix

Protonix (Pantoprazole) is a proton pump inhibitor (PPI) that is dosed once every 24 hours (although is dosed twice daily for certain indications).

It is used for a variety of indications including gastroesophageal reflux disease (GERD), gastric and duodenal ulcers as well as Helicobacter pylori (H. pylori) infections.

Protonix is currently available by via prescription only, either as a tablet, granules for suspension or as a IV solution.

In terms of dosing, all PPI medications should be dosed about 30 to 60 minutes before food for optimal effects.

Lastly, Protonix does not significantly inhibit liver metabolizing enzymes and compared to other currently available PPIs, like Prilosec, it has the lowest potential for drug interactions.

About NyQuil

NyQuil comes in a variety of formulations. The two most commonly used are:

• NyQuil Cold and Flu
• NyQuil Severe

NyQuil Cold and Flu contains:

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

The NyQuil severe formulations contain one additional ingredient, phenylephrine, a nasal decongestant.