Clinical conditions like a stuffy nose, sore throat, painful muscles, etc. are likely to affect your productivity levels. Proper treatment of such discomforts may help arrest these from turning into more complex / intricate conditions. In this milieu, a drug known as Nyquil is commonly administered used. The essential ingredients Nyquil has in it include dextromethorphan, acetaminophen, doxylamine, etc. But, can you use Nyquil while you have COVID or soon after taking COVID-vaccine? It is a wise thing to have added details prior to using this med.
What is Nyquil?
This med is a combinatorial drug capable of managing spells of allergies and other bodily discomforts as well as signs of infections like soreness of throat, blocked nose, etc. It is known for the unique blend of three meds viz., and doxylamine, dextromethorphan and acetaminophen. You need to remember that doxylamine is a popular antihistamine chemical. It enables a greater control over reactions triggered by exposure to allergens.
Allergic discomforts this med can treat include runny nose, itchy eyes, discharge of fluids from eyes, nasal passages, etc. It is equal importance to note that dextromethorphan is known to suppress and treat coughing episodes treat coughs. Last but not least, acetaminophen can help regulate temperature of your system, and thus reduces spells of fever as well as related discomforts.
Can you use Nyquil while you have COVID or soon after taking COVID-vaccine?
Foremost of all, you need to know that Nyquil cannot control or inhibit the virus that causes COVID. Instead, this med is chiefly administered for the treatment of flu, common cold and related discomforts such as fever, coughing as well as headaches.
In general, it is not a safe practice to take over the counter meds like Motrin / Advil (based on generic drug called ibuprofen), Aleve (contains an NSAID called naproxen), Tylenol (i.e., acetaminophen) or aspirin / meds containing its generic equivalent. As Nyquil has acetaminophen in it, you are advised not to take this med without the consent of your treating physician / pharmacist.
Moreover, it is unsafe to take drugs belonging to a genre called antihistamines / meds containing some percentage of antihistamines (like Nyquil) during the time of taking vaccines. Also, there is very little / no evidence about how this drug will influence the efficacy of COVID-vaccine.
Additional inputs you need to know about Nyquil
As mentioned, Nyquil contains doxylamine in it; this helps inhibit production of histamines in your body. Histamines are chemicals that your system naturally produces to fight adverse effects of allergens or other foreign bodies such as dust, mite, pet dander, pollen, etc. Histamines trigger defensive actions like internal swelling, discoloration / reddening of skin, itchy feeling or rashes.
Nyquil can suppress the production of histamines – thanks to the presence of doxylamine – and this helps inhibit the abovementioned reactions. A key fact to stay aware of: doxylamine has sedative properties; this drug puts you to sleep in order to bring about needful relief. As a result, you tend to experience dizziness. Due to this property, this med is always administered prior to going to sleep. You also need to be aware that Nyquil (not all forms of it though) may have some alcohol content. Presence of alcohol – though restricted to less than 7 – 8% in most variants – triggers drowsiness among users.
You need to note that Nyquil is never taken for the treatment of persistent episodes of coughing; especially, those triggered by respiratory conditions like bronchitis, asthma, bronchial asthma and other chronic obstructive pulmonary diseases (COPD). Hence, it is always a safe practice to use Nyquil as per the instructions of your caregiving team and / or pharmacist.
Disclaimer
Information provided here are only of supplementary nature. Information shared here does not substitute a qualified doctor’s advice. This website is not suggesting intake of this drug as safe or appropriate. Hence it is advised to talk to your doctor before consuming this med or any other drug.
Education: Master’s in Public Health (MPH) from the University of Michigan. Experience: Over 8 years of experience writing for health and wellness websites, including WebMD and Healthline, specializing in women’s health and nutrition.
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