Should You Take Nyquil When You Have COVID-19?

Verywell Health / Michela Buttignol

Key Takeaways

The introduction of vaccines has reduced the severity of COVID-19.

Some might treat COVID-19 as a common cold and take medications such as Tylenol and Nyquil.

So should you take Nyquil when you have COVID-19?

Verywell Health / Michela Buttignol

Thomas Yadegar, MD,medical director of the ICU at Providence Cedars-Sinai Tarzana Medical Center.

One of the main components of Nyquil is doxylamine succinate, a sedating antihistamine.

It can treat nasal congestion, but it also induces drowsiness.

You don’t want to suppress their respiratory drive.

You don’t want to suppress their cough.

When Is It Safe to Take Nyquil When You Have COVID?

It can also help patients get a good night of sleep.

But it’s not meant to cure them of the virus.

However, it’s not a treatment for COVID, and that’s vitally important for patients to understand.

It’s not treating the underlying disease.

Instead, seek medical care as soon as possible.

For the most recent updates on COVID-19, visit ourcoronavirus news page.

American Medical Association.What doctors wish patients knew about which cold medicines work.

Centers for Disease Control and Prevention.Covid-19 treatment options.