Understanding Interactions Between Nyquil, Hydroxyzine and Blood Sugar
When you're sick with cold or flu symptoms like congestion, cough and fever, over-the-counter medications like Nyquil can provide relief. But if you have diabetes, you need to be aware of how these OTC drugs may affect your blood sugar.
Nyquil contains dextromethorphan and acetaminophen, both of which can potentially increase blood glucose levels. Hydroxyzine, an antihistamine, also has the potential to raise blood sugar.
It's important to monitor your blood sugar closely whenever you take Nyquil, hydroxyzine or any other OTC cold medicine. Work with your doctor to find safe cough and cold options that won't interfere with your diabetes management.
How Nyquil May Impact Blood Sugar
Nyquil is a popular OTC cold and flu medication that contains the cough suppressant dextromethorphan along with acetaminophen for pain/fever relief. Both of these active ingredients may affect blood sugar levels.
Dextromethorphan and Blood Sugar
Dextromethorphan is a cough suppressant that works by depressing activity in the central nervous system. Studies show dextromethorphan can impair insulin secretion and increase blood glucose levels.
One study found that administering dextromethorphan to healthy subjects caused a significant increase in blood glucose after just 45 minutes. These effects may be more pronounced at higher doses.
Acetaminophen and Blood Glucose
Acetaminophen also appears to affect blood sugar regulation. In a study on rats, acetaminophen was shown to reduce insulin secretion by pancreatic beta cells. High doses impaired the rats' glucose tolerance.
However, the effects of acetaminophen on blood sugar in humans are less clear. One small study actually found a slight improvement in glucose control in people with type 2 diabetes after taking acetaminophen. More research is still needed.
Other Factors that Increase Blood Sugar
Being sick can independently raise blood glucose levels due to physical stress on the body. Having a fever, coughing, poor appetite and dehydration may all contribute to higher than normal blood sugars when you have a cold or flu.
The ingredients in Nyquil may compound this effect. It is important to monitor glucose closely when taking Nyquil to help avoid potentially dangerous spikes.
How Hydroxyzine May Affect Blood Sugar
Hydroxyzine is an antihistamine used to treat allergic reactions, nausea, anxiety, insomnia and itching. Like Nyquil, this OTC medication may also impact blood glucose control.
Research shows that antihistamines as a drug class can impair insulin secretion and reduce insulin sensitivity. They may also stimulate appetite which can lead to increased carb consumption.
One study specifically looked at the effects of hydroxyzine on blood sugar regulation in healthy men. They found that hydroxyzine significantly increased serum glucose levels for several hours after administration.
More research is needed, but current evidence suggests hydroxyzine has the potential to interfere with blood sugar management. This is an important consideration for people with diabetes.
Tips to Manage Blood Sugar When Taking OTC Medicines
With the potential for Nyquil, hydroxyzine and other OTC cold medications to affect blood sugar, extra caution is warranted if you have diabetes. Here are some tips to help you stay safe:
Monitor Closely
Check your blood sugar more often when taking Nyquil, hydroxyzine or other cough/cold medicines. This will help you identify and address any spikes or dips related to the medications.
Adjust Insulin Doses
Consult your doctor about adjusting insulin doses to accommodate for increased blood glucose levels from cold medications. Taking more insulin may be advisable.
Stay Hydrated
Dehydration drives blood sugar up. Be diligent about drinking water, clear broths and electrolyte beverages when sick.
Stick to Routines
Try to maintain regular meal timing and carbohydrate amounts, even if your appetite is low. This will help stabilize blood sugar.
Manage Fever
Reduce fever with acetaminophen or other antipyretics as fever can increase glucose levels. Avoid overuse of fever-reducers though.
Limit Carbs/Sugars
Choose low-carb comfort foods and avoid sugar-filled juices or sodas to help prevent extreme blood sugar spikes.
Alternative Cough and Cold Medicines for Diabetes
To avoid interactions with blood sugar, ask your doctor about alternative OTC cold remedies that may be safer if you have diabetes. Options may include:
Guaifenesin
The expectorant guaifenesin thins mucus without significantly affecting blood glucose. Robitussin, Mucinex and generics contain guaifenesin.
Phenylephrine
This decongestant constricts blood vessels in the nasal passages. Humidifiers can also help clear congestion.
Cough Drops
Cough drops with menthol or throat lozenges can temporarily soothe coughs and sore throats.
Saline Sprays
Salt water nasal sprays moisturize and cleanse nasal passages without drug interactions.
Chicken Soup
Warm broth provides hydration and electrolytes to support recovery.
Honey
Honey may coat and soothe sore throats while suppressing coughs.
Discuss your cold symptom relief options with your doctor to find solutions that won't interfere with your blood sugar management. Avoid guessing - always consult your physician first.
Precautions for Nyquil, Hydroxyzine and Other Cough/Cold Meds with Diabetes
OTC cold medications like Nyquil and hydroxyzine require special precautions for people with diabetes due to their potential to disrupt blood sugar control. Work closely with your healthcare provider to stay safe.
Check Labels
Carefully read medication labels and avoid products with dextromethorphan, acetaminophen and antihistamines like hydroxyzine if you have diabetes. Look for safer alternatives.
Talk to Your Doctor
Discuss any new OTC medication with your doctor before starting it. Review potential interactions with your diabetes management plan.
Start Low
When trying a new OTC medicine, start with the lowest effective dose. Gradually increase only if needed.
Time Dosing
Take cold medications with food to help blunt rapid spikes or drops in blood sugar levels.
Avoid Alcohol
Don't drink alcohol when taking Nyquil, hydroxyzine or other cough/cold medicines as it may exacerbate side effects.
Monitor Close
Frequently check blood sugars whenever taking new medications. Write down results to identify patterns.
Watch for Lows
Some OTC meds may actually lower blood glucose. Watch for hypoglycemia and treat lows quickly with fast-acting carbs.
With careful selection and monitoring, OTC cough, cold and flu medications can often be used safely if you have diabetes. But be sure to exercise additional caution and consult your doctor first.
The Takeaway Nyquil, Hydroxyzine and Managing Colds with Diabetes
Colds and flu can be more complicated when you have diabetes. Medications like Nyquil and hydroxyzine may interact with blood sugar management.
OTC dextromethorphan, acetaminophen and antihistamines have the potential to decrease insulin secretion and increase glucose levels. Clear congestion cautiously.
Work closely with your doctor to find cough/cold remedies that won't spike your blood sugar. Monitor levels diligently whenever treating a cold or flu.
With smart medication choices and careful monitoring, people with diabetes can still effectively relieve cold and flu symptoms. But special precautions are required to avoid disruptions in glucose control.
FAQs
Does Nyquil affect blood sugar?
Yes, Nyquil can raise blood sugar levels due to its active ingredients dextromethorphan and acetaminophen, which may impair insulin secretion.
Does hydroxyzine raise blood sugar?
Hydroxyzine, an antihistamine, has been shown to increase blood glucose levels in some studies. More research is still needed.
What cold medicines are safe for diabetics?
Safe OTC options may include guaifenesin, phenylephrine, cough drops, nasal saline spray, honey and chicken soup. Check with your doctor.
How can I manage a cold with diabetes?
Frequently monitor blood sugar, stay hydrated, maintain nutrition routines, treat fever/cough cautiously and avoid alcohol and added sugars.
When sick, how often should I check blood sugar?
Test blood glucose more often when you have a cold or flu, especially if taking medications like Nyquil or hydroxyzine. Check every 2-4 hours to catch fluctuations.
Disclaimer: This article is for informational purposes only and does not constitute medical advice. Always consult with a healthcare professional before starting any new treatment regimen.
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