Aspirin and nyquil are both used as medication for headaches and other pains. Because they’re both pain relievers, it might make sense that taking both at the same time would be even more effective. However, combining aspirin and nyquil can have some negative effects on your body. Carrying both of these medications with you when you travel could lead to problems if TSA or airport security officers ask you to reveal what’s in your luggage.
Aspirin and nyquil look similar, so remembering which one is which could help avoid confusion. Both drugs also have common side effects, some of which can be dangerous if combined. Avoid taking these two medications together unless advised by a doctor and follow the instructions for safe use of each individually as well.
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What Is Aspirin?
Aspirin is a non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drug (NSAID) that is used to treat headaches, fevers, muscle aches, and toothaches. It can also be used to reduce the risk of heart attack, stroke, and certain types of cancers. Aspirin is not an analgesic (pain reducer), but is often taken for pain because it reduces the body’s production of prostaglandin, which is a chemical that causes inflammation and pain.
Aspirin works by reducing the amount of blood clotting that occurs in your body. This is important because when there are a lot of clots in your blood, it’s harder for your heart to pump blood around your body. If too many clots form, they can block blood vessels and lead to heart attacks and strokes.
What Is Nyquil?
Nyquil is an over-the-counter sleep aid designed to relieve symptoms of the common cold. The active ingredients in this medication include dextromethorphan hydrobromide, acetaminophen, pseudoephedrine hydrochloride, and diphenhydramine hydrochloride. It should not be used for anyone under 12 years old without the supervision of a doctor, as the dose for children that young would be too high.
Symptoms of a cold include stuffy nose, coughing, runny nose, watery eyes, sneezing, fever, and general body aches. These symptoms are caused by viruses, not bacteria, so taking antibiotics will not help you get better any faster. Which is why many people choose to treat their cold symptoms with over-the-counter medications.
Can You Take Aspirin and Nyquil Together?
Aspirin and nyquil can be taken together, though it’s best to talk to a doctor first to make sure it’s safe for you. Aspirin and nyquil are both used to relieve pain and reduce fever, so they’re often used together. Both medications may cause internal bleeding, ulcers, and gastrointestinal bleeding if taken too often or in large doses. But when taken together, they shouldn’t cause a significant amount of adverse effects.
Be aware of any side effects that either medication causes when taken alone, and know that taking both at the same time can worsen those effects. One way to reduce the risk of these side effects is to take aspirin before bedtime, along with a small amount of nyquil (if necessary). This way, aspirin is metabolized and out of your system faster than if you took it in the morning.
Why You Shouldn’t Mix Aspirin and Nyquil
Aspirin and nyquil both have side effects, but when taken together, these side effects are heightened. When taken at recommended doses, aspirin is generally safe for adults. But, it can be dangerous for certain people and in high doses. The U.S. Food and Drug Administration (FDA) recommends that those under 60 years old use no more than 325 milligrams of aspirin a day.
Those over the age of 60 who are generally at higher risk of heart disease should take no more than 100 milligrams of aspirin a day. The FDA also advises against taking aspirin if you’re pregnant or breastfeeding. This is because aspirin has the potential to harm an unborn child and could lead to miscarriage. It’s also dangerous for breastfeeding mothers, as it can reduce the flow of breast milk.
Side Effects of Mixing Aspirin and Nyquil
Aspirin and nyquil can have dangerous side effects when used together. Some of these include:
- Increased risk of internal bleeding
- Ulcers and gastrointestinal bleeding
- Kidney damage
- Irregular heartbeat
- Thrombosis (clots in blood)
Allergic reactions If you’re taking both aspirin and nyquil together, be on the lookout for any of these side effects. If you start experiencing any of these symptoms, stop using both medications and talk to your doctor.
Final Words
If you don’t have a medical condition that requires aspirin or nyquil, don’t take them. Both of these medications have been proven to be effective when used properly and in the right dosage. However, they can be harmful if misused. Not everyone is able to take these medications, so talk to a doctor to see if one or both of these are safe for you. If you have a headache or fever, there are several ways to treat it without medicine.
Rest, staying hydrated, and using a cold compress on the site of the pain can help you get better more quickly than taking medication would. If you’re in pain and don’t want to suffer through it, these are the two options available to you.
