What Is the Interaction Between Dayquil & Ambien?

Dayquil and Ambien taken together may make you drunk with sleep.

Prescription sleep aid Ambien is a schedule 4 controlled substance. Dayquil is an over-the-counter cold and allergy medication specifically formulated not to make you sleepy like its nighttime counterpart, Nyquil. Dayquil is known to interact with 282 different drugs. Ambien is not one of them.

Ambien

Ambien's sole active ingredient is zolpidem tartrate, a quick-acting sedative that doctors prescribe for insomnia. Due to its addictive nature, it is classified as a schedule 4 controlled substance. Ambien is usually prescribed for short-term use: two to six weeks.

Dayquil

Dayquil's active ingredients are acetominophen, dextromethorphan and pseudoephedrine hydrochloride. Acetominophen is an analgesic or pain reliever. Dextromethorphan suppresses the cough reflex. Pseudoephedrine hydrochloride decreases nasal and sinus congestion by shrinking nasal and sinus passages. Unlike Nyquil, Dayquil doesn't have antihistamine to make you sleepy.

Central Nervous System

Dayquil's acetominophen and dextromethorphan act on the central nervous system to suppress pain and cough. Ambien's zolpidem tartrate also works on the central nervous system, helping you to quickly fall asleep.

Possible Interactions

Any prescription or over-the-counter drug suppressing the central nervous system has the possibility of enhancing the sedative effect of Ambien. Although Dayquil and Ambien have no reported interaction, it is best to be mindful of the possibility.

Dayquil Allergy

Dayquil Allergy does contain chlorpheniramine, an antihistamine, as well as pseudoephedrine. Use caution, as this Dayquil formulation may cause excessive drowsiness if taken with Ambien.

References

• Medications: Dayquil
• Drugs.com: Dayquil Known Drug Interactions
• Rx List: Ambien Side Effects and Drug Interactions
• Everyday Health: Dayquil Allergy