Amoxicillin is a type of antibiotic, and as such, it fights bacteria. Nyquil is also designed to fight bacteria, but in the case of the flu and other cold-like viruses. Therefore, taking amoxicillin and NyQuil at the same time could lead to some unwanted or even dangerous side effects.
As with any medication, there are certain precautions that need to be taken when combining these two medications together. Let’s take a look at what you need to know about taking amoxicillin and nyquil together before doing so if you decide that’s the best course of action for your situation.
Table of Contents
What is Amoxicillin?
Amoxicillin is an antibiotic medication designed to fight bacterial infections. It works by destroying the bacterial cell wall and disrupting the potential bacterium from reproducing or spreading. It is helpful for many illnesses and conditions that are bacterial in nature, including ear infections, pneumonia, and UTIs.
Because it is an antibiotic, it is not recommended for use in situations where a virus is the cause of the issue.
What is Nyquil?
NyQuil is a popular over-the-counter cold and flu medication that is designed to help relieve symptoms and shorten the duration of a potential infection. It contains multiple active ingredients, including acetaminophen, diphenhydramine, and fructose. Acetaminophen is a pain reliever and fever reducer, while the diphenhydramine is a sleep aid. The fructose is there to sweeten the taste.
Can you take Amoxicillin and Nyquil together?
While this is something you should never do without consulting a doctor, it is possible in certain situations. Amoxicillin and Nyquil both contain active ingredients that are antibacterial. This could lead to one or both medications being less effective than they otherwise would be.
Therefore, when you are taking both at the same time, you will likely need to increase the dose of each. You should also be careful about taking these two medications together if you have a compromised immune system.
Side effects of taking Amoxicillin and Nyquil together
Depending on the dosage and frequency of use, both amoxicillin and NyQuil could lead to unwanted side effects. Amoxicillin, in higher doses, could lead to nausea or vomiting, headaches, and diarrhea.
Nyquil, in larger amounts, could lead to drowsiness, dizziness, confusion, constipation, and difficulty urinating. If you take both medications together at a higher dose and frequency than recommended, you could experience more serious, even dangerous side effects.
The Final Word
Amoxicillin and NyQuil, while they both fight bacteria, are not the same. They have different active ingredients, and therefore, they interact with the body very differently. Taking them together could lead to unwanted side effects and could make both medications less effective than they otherwise would be.
Consult with your doctor first before combining these two medications.
