When cold symptoms strike, finding relief is often a top priority, especially when trying to ensure a restful night’s sleep. Many people wonder about the safety of combining different medications. A common question involves benzonatate, a prescription cough suppressant, with over-the-counter (OTC) nighttime cold medicines. This article provides information on these combinations to help you make informed health decisions.
Understanding Benzonatate and Nighttime Cold Medicine
Benzonatate is a prescription medication used to alleviate cough symptoms. It functions as an antitussive, desensitizing stretch receptors in the lungs and respiratory passages. This calms the cough reflex, reducing the urge to cough. Benzonatate is typically an oral capsule, with effects beginning within 15 to 20 minutes and lasting for 3 to 8 hours.
Nighttime cold medicines are multi-symptom formulations designed to address cold or flu symptoms while promoting sleep. These products often contain a combination of active ingredients. Common components include acetaminophen for pain and fever, dextromethorphan as a cough suppressant, and antihistamines like diphenhydramine or doxylamine succinate to alleviate runny nose, sneezing, and induce drowsiness. Some formulations may also include decongestants such as phenylephrine or pseudoephedrine.
Potential Interactions and Safety Concerns
Combining benzonatate with nighttime cold medicine presents safety considerations, primarily due to additive side effects. Both benzonatate and many nighttime cold medicines can cause drowsiness and dizziness. When taken together, sedative effects can be enhanced, potentially leading to increased drowsiness, impaired coordination, and difficulty concentrating.
A concern is the presence of overlapping active ingredients, particularly cough suppressants. Many nighttime cold medicines contain dextromethorphan, another cough suppressant. While benzonatate and dextromethorphan work differently, combining them is not recommended as they can produce similar side effects, increasing the risk of adverse reactions. Nighttime cold medicines often include acetaminophen for pain and fever relief. While acetaminophen and benzonatate do not have known direct interactions, it is possible to accidentally overdose on acetaminophen if multiple products containing it are taken simultaneously.
Serious side effects, such as respiratory depression (slowed or shallow breathing), can occur with excessive doses, especially when combining medications that depress the central nervous system. Benzonatate overdose can lead to severe effects including seizures, irregular heartbeat, and cardiac arrest. These outcomes can develop rapidly, sometimes within 15 to 20 minutes of ingestion.
Safe Medication Practices and When to Seek Medical Advice
Always carefully read the labels of all medications, both prescription and over-the-counter, before taking them. Pay close attention to active ingredients to avoid unintentional duplication, especially with acetaminophen or cough suppressants. It is advisable to take only one cough medication at a time unless directed otherwise by a healthcare professional.
Consult a pharmacist or doctor before combining any over-the-counter medications, particularly if you are taking prescription drugs or have underlying health conditions such as liver disease, asthma, or chronic obstructive pulmonary disease. They can provide guidance and help identify potential interactions or contraindications. This is especially important for individuals who are pregnant, breastfeeding, or managing chronic illnesses.
Seek medical advice if your cold symptoms persist or worsen after 7 to 10 days, or if you experience severe symptoms. Immediate medical attention is warranted for a fever above 101.3°F lasting more than three days, difficulty breathing, chest pain, severe headache, or signs of an allergic reaction like rash or swelling. If you suspect an overdose or experience severe side effects such as seizures or confusion, seek emergency medical care immediately.