Does NyQuil Contain Benadryl?

Answer

No, NyQuil does not contain Benadryl (diphenhydramine).

NyQuil contains the following medications:

• Acetaminophen: An analgesic used for the treatment of fever, headache, aches, and pains.
• Dextromethorphan: An antitussive agent to help control cough.
• Doxylamine: A first-generation antihistamine that is commonly used as a sleeping agent due to its side effect of sedation or drowsiness.

Benadryl (diphenhydramine) is also a first-generation antihistamine that can cause sedation or drowsiness. It is considered to be in the same class of drugs as the doxylamine that is found in NyQuil.  Benadryl can also be used as a short-term sleeping aid, but it is also commonly used to treat allergies, allergic reactions, and itching.  Since Benadryl and NyQuil both contain antihistamines, they should not be taken together.  There is an increased risk of the side effects of sedation, drowsiness, confusion, coordination problems, respiratory depression (breathing problems), and dizziness.

Final Words

As stated before, NyQuil does not contain Benadryl (diphenhydramine). It does, however, contain doxylamine which is also an antihistamine like Benadryl that can be used as a sleep aid.

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