Nyquil Cough
Nyquil Cough (dextromethorphan / doxylamine) is an over-the-counter (OTC) medication for treating symptoms of the common cold, such as cough and runny nose. It's a combination of two medications, dextromethorphan (cough suppressant) and doxylamine (antihistamine). It's taken by mouth, typically every 6 hours as needed, by adults and children 6 years and older. Some common side effects of Nyquil Cough (dextromethorphan / doxylamine) include nausea, stomach upset, and drowsiness. If this medication makes you too sleepy during the day, try taking it only at nighttime or before bed.
What is Nyquil Cough (dextromethorphan / doxylamine)?
What is Nyquil Cough (dextromethorphan / doxylamine) used for?
Short-term relief of cold symptoms, including:
Cough caused by minor throat or lung irritation (e.g., common cold)
Runny nose
Sneezing
Watery eyes
Itching
How Nyquil Cough (dextromethorphan / doxylamine) works
Nyquil Cough (dextromethorphan / doxylamine) is a combination of two medications.
Dextromethorphan is a cough suppressant. It works by lowering activity in the part of your brain that makes you cough. This helps to temporarily relieve the urge to cough.
Doxylamine is a first-generation antihistamine. It blocks histamine, a natural chemical your immune system releases that can cause allergy symptoms, such as runny nose, sneezing, and itching.
Drug Facts
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What are the side effects of Nyquil Cough (dextromethorphan / doxylamine)?
Common Side Effects
- Nausea
- Belly discomfort
- Drowsiness
- Dizziness
- Feeling less alert
- Poor coordination
- Drowsiness
Other Side Effects
- Constipation
- Trouble urinating
- Discomfort when urinating
- Blurry vision
- Double vision
Serious Side Effects
- Serotonin syndrome: fast heart rate, sweating, muscle stiffness or spasms, high fever, confusion
- Accidentally taking too much (overdose): hallucinations, fast heart beat, slow breathing, seizures
Source: DailyMed
Pros and cons of Nyquil Cough (dextromethorphan / doxylamine)
Pros
Available over the counter without a prescription
Combines two medications into one product for convenience
Available as an oral liquid for people with trouble swallowing
Cons
Might need to take multiple times a day
Can cause drowsiness and shouldn't be taken with alcohol
Meant for short-term treatment of cold or allergy symptoms
Pharmacist tips for Nyquil Cough (dextromethorphan / doxylamine)
Use the dose cup or oral syringe that's included with the packaging or provided by the pharmacy to measure out your dose. Using household spoons might cause you to take the wrong amount.
Nyquil Cough (dextromethorphan / doxylamine) can cause excessive drowsiness. Don't drive or do anything that needs a lot of focus until you know how this medication affects you. It's best to avoid drinking alcohol while taking Nyquil Cough (dextromethorphan / doxylamine) because it can make you more sleepy and dizzy, which can be dangerous.
Don't give Nyquil Cough (dextromethorphan / doxylamine) to children under 6 years old without speaking to their pediatrician. Also don't give this medication to children to help them fall asleep. Nyquil Cough (dextromethorphan / doxylamine) can sometimes cause your child to be more stimulated and excited.
If you have a cough that lasts for a long time or is related to cigarette smoking or a breathing problem (e.g., asthma, emphysema) or a cough with a lot of mucus, let your primary care provider (PCP) know. Nyquil Cough (dextromethorphan / doxylamine) might not be appropriate for your cough, and you might need more medical attention.
Speak with your PCP if your cough gets worse, comes back after clearing up, or lasts more than a week. Also, let them know if you also have fever, rash, or headache. These might be signs of a more serious medical condition that can't be treated with Nyquil Cough (dextromethorphan / doxylamine).
Many combination over-the-counter cough, cold, and allergy medications contain dextromethorphan, doxylamine, as well as other similar ingredients. To avoid taking medications with overlapping ingredients, ask your pharmacist to help you check the ingredients list.
Store Nyquil Cough (dextromethorphan / doxylamine) up and away and out of children's reach and sight. Always put medication away every time you use it. This prevents them from accidentally swallowing any medication that was left out and possible poisoning. If you think that your child might’ve accidentally swallowed Nyquil Cough (dextromethorphan / doxylamine), call your Poison Control Center at 1-800-222-1222 right away even if you aren't completely sure.
Frequently asked questions about Nyquil Cough (dextromethorphan / doxylamine)
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What are the risks and warnings for Nyquil Cough (dextromethorphan / doxylamine)?
Nyquil Cough (dextromethorphan / doxylamine) can cause some serious health issues. This risk may be even higher for certain groups. If this worries you, talk to your doctor or pharmacist about other options.
Overdose and misuse
Risk factor: Taking other medications that contain dextromethorphan or doxylamine
Nyquil Cough (dextromethorphan / doxylamine) contains dextromethorphan and doxylamine, which are common ingredients in many other over-the-counter products, including Nyquil Cough (dextromethorphan / doxylamine). Taking more than one product containing the same ingredients can lead to an accidental overdose and life-threatening symptoms. Too much dextromethorphan can cause trouble breathing and seizures. Too much doxylamine can cause blurry vision, skin redness, and confusion.
If you're not sure whether you're taking a medication with dextromethorphan or doxylamine, ask your pharmacist to help you check for interactions. If you think that you or your child might’ve accidentally taken too much Nyquil Cough (dextromethorphan / doxylamine), call your Poison Control Center at 1-800-222-1222 right away.
In addition, dextromethorphan can be misused. To lower the risk of misuse, retail stores in most states restricts the purchase of dextromethorphan to people over 18 years old with a valid form of photo identification.
Medication interactions
Talk to your PCP first before taking Nyquil Cough (dextromethorphan / doxylamine) if you're taking or have taken a monoamine oxidase inhibitor (MAOIs) within the past 14 days. Also, let them know if you've taken other medications that can raise serotonin levels, such as antidepressants. These medications can interact with Nyquil Cough (dextromethorphan / doxylamine) and cause a medical condition called serotonin syndrome, which is dangerous. Serotonin syndrome can lead to serious side effects, like confusion, stiff muscle, sweating, and fast heart rate. Get medical attention right away if you have any of these symptoms. Your healthcare team can also recommend other safer options to treat your cough.
Worsening of certain medical conditions
Risk factors: Glaucoma | Trouble urinating | Long-term cough | Cough with too much mucus | Breathing problems
Speak to your care team first before using Nyquil Cough (dextromethorphan / doxylamine) if you have other medical conditions to make sure this medication is safe and appropriate for you. You might need other treatment if you have a cough with a lot of mucus or long-term coughing caused by conditions like asthma, emphysema, smoking, and bronchitis. In addition, it's possible for this medication to worsen certain medical conditions, such as glaucoma or trouble urinating.
Excessive sleepiness
Risk factors: Drinking alcohol | Taking other medications that cause sleepiness | Age 65 and older
Nyquil Cough (dextromethorphan / doxylamine) can make you sleepy, which can affect your ability to focus, think, or react. This side effect is more likely to happen or be more intense if you're over 65 years old, drink alcohol while taking Nyquil Cough (dextromethorphan / doxylamine), or take other medications that cause sleepiness (e.g., opioids, benzodiazepines, sleep medications). It's best to avoid alcohol and other medications that might make you sleepy while taking Nyquil Cough (dextromethorphan / doxylamine). Don't drive or operate machinery until you know how this medication affects you.
Nyquil Cough (dextromethorphan / doxylamine) dosage forms
| Dosage | Quantity | Price as low as | Price per unit |
|---|---|---|---|
| 15mg/6.25mg/15ml | 1 bottle | $7.56 | $7.56 |
Typical dosing for Nyquil Cough (dextromethorphan / doxylamine)
Dextromethorphan / doxylamine combinations are made by several manufacturers. Be sure to check the medication label for specific instructions for your product.
Some examples are listed below:
Basic Care Nighttime Cough
Each 30 mL of solution contains dextromethorphan 30 mg and doxylamine 12.5 mg.
Adults and children ages 12 years and older: The typical dose is to take 30 mL every 6 hours. Don't take more than 4 doses in 24 hours.
Children ages 4 to under 12 years old: Ask your child's pediatrician.
Children under 4 years old: Don't use.
Children's Robitussin Nighttime Cough
Each 10 mL of solution contains dextromethorphan 15 mg and doxylamine 6.25 mg.
Adults and children ages 12 years and older: The typical dose is to take 20 mL every 6 hours. Don't take more than 4 doses in 24 hours.
Children ages 6 to under 12 years old: The typical dose is to take 10 mL every 6 hours. Don't take more than 4 doses in 24 hours.
Children under 6 years old: Don't use.
How much does Nyquil Cough (dextromethorphan / doxylamine) cost?
Nyquil Cough (dextromethorphan / doxylamine) contraindications
Taking a monoamine oxidase inhibitor within 2 weeks of Nyquil Cough (dextromethorphan / doxylamine)
What are alternatives to Nyquil Cough (dextromethorphan / doxylamine)?
Short-term relief of cold symptoms, including:
Cough caused by minor throat or lung irritation (e.g., common cold)
Runny nose
Sneezing
Watery eyes
Itching
Allergies
Common cold symptoms
Trouble sleeping for people 12 years and older
Cough in people ages 10 years and older
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References
Best studies we foundAmazon.com Services LLC. (2023). Basic Care Night Time Cough- dextromethorphan hbr, doxylamine succinate solution [package insert]. DailyMed.
Borowy, C. S., et al. (2023). Antihistamine toxicity. StatPearls.
Brott, N. R., et al. (2023). Doxylamine. StatPearls.
Haleon US Holdings LLC. (204). Childrens Robitussin Honey Nighttime Cough DM- dextromethorphan hbr, doxylamine succinate solution [package insert]. DailyMed.
Oh, S., et al. (2023). Dextromethorphan. StatPearls.
Parker, W. A. (1982). Alcohol-containing pharmaceuticals. The American Journal of Drug and Alcohol Abuse.
Spangler, D. C., et al. (2016). Dextromethorphan: A case study on addressing abuse of a safe and effective drug. Substance Abuse Treatment, Prevention, and Policy.
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