Beth asked
Can I take CVS Nite Time Cold and Flu with benzonate 100 mg pills to help with my cough.The CVS brand has 650mg of acetaminophen, 30mg of dextromethorphan HBr and 12.5mg of doxylamine.
Answer
It is safe to take CVS Nighttime Cold and Flu with benzonatate as there are no interactions between these medications, but you may be taking more medications than you need to if you just have a cough.
Taking CVS Nite Time Cold and Flu With Benzonatate
CVS Nighttime Cold and Flu contains the following medications:
- Acetaminophen (analgesic)
- Dextromethorphan (cough suppressant)
- Doxylamine succinate (sedating antihistamine)
Benzonatate does not interact with any of the ingredients contains in CVS Nighttime Cold and Flu.
However, benzonatate and dextromethorphan are both medications that treat cough. They work in slightly different ways to reduce cough, but it might not be necessary to take both medications.
Doxylamine succinate is an antihistamine that causes a lot of drowsiness and it also helps to dry up mucus (stops runny nose). The drowsiness and drying effects can help reduce cough as well if your cough keeps you awake or if it is from too much mucus.
The acetaminophen is the only medication in this combination that doesn’t help treat cough, but it will help with pain and fever. If you don’t have any pain or fever then the acetaminophen isn’t adding any additional benefit.
Summary
- CVS Nite Time Cold and Flu is safe to take with benzonatate.
- However, the combination contains three drugs that treat cough and this might be unnecessary.
- In general, it is safer to take only medications that you really need and avoid extra ingredients.
