While they have some benefits, these medications carry a risk of overdosing.
Overdosing of OTC cold and flu remedies is often accidentaldue to errors like misreading product labels or dosing.
How an Accidental Overdose Happens
Overconsumption of drugs found in cold and flu remedies poses health risks.
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These drugs include:
Using these medications with alcohol can also lead to overdosing.
Taking too much acetaminophen can potentiallycause liver damage.
This risk is even higher with alcohol.
Preventing Overdose
Ways to avoid these mistakes include:
Can You Overdose on Nyquil?
Nyquil Cold and Fluis a combination medication containing acetaminophen, dextromethorphan, and doxylamine.
Do not take more than four doses in 24 hours.
See the directions on the box for the correct dosage for adults and children.
Nyquil should not be used as a sleep aid.
A 2015 review concluded there werent enough quality studies to determine its safety or effectiveness as a sleep aid.
It’s important to get immediate medical care, even if you don’t notice any symptoms yet.
These products are readily available throughout the United States in syrup, tablet, and powder form.
Alcohol
Alcohol used to be a common ingredient in many OTC cough syrups.
As a public safety measure, alcohol is no longer a component of most OTC remedies.
However, some cold and flu combination medications such as NyQuil and Theraflu still contain alcohol.
Because fewer remedies contain alcohol, there is less of a concern for abuse.
Codeine
Codeine has also been an ingredient in many OTC cough syrups that were abused.
As a public health safety measure, codeine has been classified as a controlled substance.
Know the signs of medication overdose and abuse to be able to get someone help if needed.
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