Can You Give Tylenol with Zarbee’s Cough Syrup?

As a parent, witnessing your child come down with a cough and fever can be quite worrisome. Tylenol and Zarbee’s Cough Syrup are two effective medications that can remedy the situation. However, their safety when used together becomes a question. In this article, the pharmacist will explain if it is safe to give Tylenol with Zarbee’s cough syrup to your child. 

He will also examine the ingredients in the syrup and the potential of them to interact with acetaminophen. You will also be advised on how to space the dosing appropriately.

Is It Safe to Give Tylenol With Zarbee’s Cough Syrup?

It is safe to give Tylenol and Zarbee’s cough syrup as there is no documented evidence of a significant interaction between the acetaminophen in Tylenol and any of the ingredients in Zarbee’s. However, it would be better if you space the two drugs by at least 2-hour intervals instead of giving them together at the same time. 

This is because when it comes to interaction between drugs and herbs, very few studies are often done to ascertain such.

So, there’s really no research data out there that clearly states whether or not there is an interaction between acetaminophen and honey, elderberry, ivy leaf extract, and other natural ingredients present in Zarbee’s.

As such, we have no way of knowing if there are interactions between these ingredients. Hence, by maintaining a spacing of at least 2 hours apart, you reduce the chances of the two medications coming together to react. 

Zarbee’s is also safe to give together with other common medications like Benadryl, and Motrin(Ibuprofen). But as earlier advocated, maintaining some space in the dosing would be very commendable.

Does Zarbee’s Cough Syrup Have Acetaminophen?

No, none of Zarbee’s cough syrups contain acetaminophen(Tylenol), as they are all formulated from natural ingredients. Zarbee’s emphasizes its commitment to providing drug-free alternatives for relieving cough and cold symptoms. 

The specific ingredients may vary depending on the variant of Zarbee’s Cough Syrup but you can always rest assured that they are devoid of any pharmaceutical drugs, alcohol, artificial sweeteners, artificial flavors, dyes, or gluten. 

Nevertheless, It’s always recommended to read the product label for detailed information on the ingredients and usage instructions.

About Tylenol

Tylenol is a brand name for the over-the-counter drug acetaminophen. It is a non-opioid painkiller used to relieve pain and also reduce fever. Tylenol is very effective and safe when used as prescribed and within the recommended dose range for both adults and children.

It works by blocking the enzyme that promotes the production of prostaglandin. A substance that is known to cause pain and fever. However, unlike NSAIDs like Diclofenac and Ibuprofen, acetaminophen cannot treat inflammation.

Tylenol is usually well tolerated especially when used correctly. Its side effects are often minimal but can be very severe when used above the recommended dose. 

Taking an overdose of acetaminophen can cause liver damage. Hence, you mustn’t take or give two or more different drug products that contain acetaminophen. 

About Zarbee’s Cough Syrup

Zarbee’s Cough Syrup is a brand of over-the-counter cough syrup used for the relief of cough associated with hoarseness, irritants, and dry throat. It is known for using only natural ingredients like honey and other plant extracts, as opposed to traditional cough syrups like Nyquil which uses pharmaceutical ingredients. 

It is formulated for patients of varying age groups like babies (6 months+), children (2-12 years), and adults. There are over a dozen Zarbee’s cough syrups. Each of them is formulated to meet the specific or combined needs of the patient.

For example, some cough syrups are designed to be taken at night. Products of this nature often contain ingredient(s) that can calm the body and also aid night sleep. They also have cough syrups that can boost the immune system in addition to cough relief.

Ingredients In Zarbee’s Cough Syrup

The ingredients in Zarbee’s cough syrup vary depending on the product and the age group of the patient. However, its primary ingredient remains their proprietary blend of high-quality Grade A dark honey, which is known for its soothing effect on coughs associated with hoarseness, irritants, and dry throat.

It also contains other natural ingredients like English ivy leaf extract and elderberry. Ivy leaf extract helps in clearing the mucus when coughing, while elderberry provides support to the immune system.  

For cough syrups meant to be taken at night, chamomile extract is often added to provide a calming effect that will aid sleep. 

Agave syrup is used as a substitute for honey in formulations intended for children below the age of 1. This is because honey should not be given to children who are below 1 year of age due to the risk of botulism.

Some Zarbee’s products also contain ingredients like zinc, thyme leaf extract, melatonin, turmeric, probiotics, and vitamins C and D for additional immune support.

Various Types of Zarbee’s Cough Syrups

Zarbee’s offers products that cater to the needs of various age groups. The ingredients in each formulation are specially picked while ensuring that it is safe for the intended user. These are some of the cough syrups offered by Zarbee’s.

For Babies:

• Soothing Baby Cough Syrup
• Baby Cough Syrup + Immune
• Baby Cough Syrup + Immune with Agave
• Soothing Saline Nasal Mist with Aloe
• Baby Chest Rub

For Children:

• Kid’s Cough + Mucus Day/Night
• Kid’s Cough + Immune Day/Night
• Kid’s Cough All-In-One Day/Night

For Adults:

• Cough Syrup + Mucus
• Complete Cough Syrup + Immune

Final Thoughts

References

1. Zarbee’s Professional. (n.d.). Ingredients. Zarbee’s Professional. Retrieved from https://www.zarbeesprofessional.com/ingredients
2. Mayo Clinic Staff. (2020, March 17). Infant botulism. Mayo Clinic. Retrieved from https://www.mayoclinic.org/healthy-lifestyle/infant-and-toddler-health/expert-answers/infant-botulism/faq-20058477

3. Zarbee’s. (n.d.). Baby. Zarbee’s. Retrieved from https://www.zarbees.com/products/baby/ 
4. Wikström S, Holst E. Spädbarnsbotulism – skäl att inte ge honung till barn under ett år [Infant botulism – why honey should be avoided for children up to one year]. Lakartidningen. 2017 Jul 24;114:ELMF. Swedish. PMID: 28742188. Available from: https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/28742188/  
5. Gerriets V, Anderson J, Nappe TM. Acetaminophen. [Updated 2023 Jun 20]. In: StatPearls [Internet]. Treasure Island (FL): StatPearls Publishing; 2023 Jan-. Available from: https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/books/NBK482369/ 
6. Goldman RD. Acetaminophen in children: an old drug with new warnings. Can Fam Physician. 2013 Oct;59(10):1065-6, e449-50. PMID: 24130280; PMCID: PMC3796971. https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC3796971/