The Dangers of Mixing Sudafed and Alcohol

Sudafed is the brand name for a medication known as pseudoephedrine. It is the active ingredient in many nasal decongestant products that you can buy without a prescription. However, it is usually sold behind the counter because people use it to create illegal drugs like methamphetamine.[1]

Pseudoephedrine is generally safe when used as a nasal decongestant. That said, Sudafed is a stimulant, which means it can be abused for mind-altering effects like increased energy and euphoria.[2] Additionally, if you are taking Sudafed to treat a cold, you might be wondering if it is safe to drink alcohol.

It is not recommended to mix alcohol and Sudafed for a variety of reasons. First, Sudafed can mask the effects of alcohol, causing you to consume more alcohol than you should. This can lead to life-threatening overdoses and alcohol poisoning.

Even further, drinking alcohol can reduce the effectiveness of Sudafed. In other words, drinking might cause your Sudafed to be ineffective in managing the symptoms of your cold or illness.

In this article, you will learn:

• What is pseudoephedrine?
• Can you mix alcohol and Sudafed?
• What are the risks of mixing Sudafed and alcohol?

What is Sudafed?

Sudafed is the brand name for a medication called pseudoephedrine, which is found in many nasal decongestant products. Some of these products include other substances like naproxen or acetaminophen.

Sudafed can be used to treat:[3]

• Common cold
• Flu symptoms
• Sinusitis
• Asthma
• Bronchitis

While Sudafed is effective in reducing congestion, it is a central nervous system stimulant. As a result, some people abuse pseudoephedrine to experience feelings of intoxication. Unfortunately, abusing Sudafed can lead to addiction, heart problems, and even overdoses.

Can You Drink Alcohol While Taking Sudafed?

If you are taking Sudafed to treat the symptoms of a cold, you might not think twice about the interactions it can have with other drugs. Unfortunately, Sudafed is known to have alcohol interactions. If you combine Sudafed and alcohol, you could experience a wide range of adverse effects.

While the interactions with alcohol can be dangerous, you should also be aware of monoamine oxidase inhibitors (MAOIs) Commonly used as antidepressants, MAOIs have severe interactions with Sudafed like increased effects on the vascular system.[4] If you take these medications, you should not use any product that contains pseudoephedrine.

What are the Risks of Mixing Alcohol and Sudafed?

You should never drink alcohol with Sudafed. Doing so could lead to a wide variety of issues, including an increased risk of alcohol overdose.

The risks of mixing Sudafed and alcohol include:

Increased Dizziness and Drowsiness

Drinking alcohol while you are on Sudafed can increase the potency of certain side effects. For example, mixing these substances can lead to increased dizziness and drowsiness. This can lead to accidents and injuries, especially if you attempt to drive or operate heavy machinery.

Weakened Immune System

According to the National Institute on Alcohol Abuse and Alcoholism (NIAAA), “Drinking too much can weaken your immune system, making your body a much easier target for disease.”[4]

If you are taking Sudafed to treat the cold or the flu, drinking alcohol could make your symptoms worse. You might want to avoid alcohol consumption until you are feeling better and cleared by a medical professional.

Reduced Effectiveness

Drinking alcohol can reduce the effectiveness of Sudafed when you are using it to treat nasal congestion. According to a study in 2022, acute alcohol consumption can reduce how open your nose is.[5] In other words, alcohol can make it harder for your Sudafed to treat the congestion you are dealing with.

Because of this, it is best to avoid alcohol consumption until you no longer need Sudafed.

Alcohol Poisoning

Lastly, pseudoephedrine is a stimulant. If you are taking this medication, it is increasing the activity in your central nervous system. Alcohol is a depressant that decreases activity in your brain.

Because of this, Sudafed can make it harder to notice the effects that alcohol is causing. This could make you more likely to drink larger amounts of alcohol than your body can handle, leading to an alcohol overdose.

The symptoms of alcohol poisoning/overdose include:[6]

• Confusion
• Nausea and vomiting
• Slowed or irregular breathing
• Pale, blue, or gray-colored skin
• Low body temperature
• Trouble staying conscious or awake
• Seizures

If you believe someone is overdosing on alcohol, contact 911 immediately. Medical professionals can help you overcome the effects of alcohol poisoning and find you help for an alcohol use disorder.

Find Help for Alcohol Abuse and Addiction

If you or a loved one struggles with alcoholism, it’s time to seek professional help. Alcohol rehab programs like the Mandala Healing Center can provide you with the tools and support you need to achieve long-term sobriety. We offer a combination of evidence-based and individualized care.

Contact us today for more information on our alcohol use disorder treatment program.

References:

1. The National Institute on Drug Abuse (NIDA): Methamphetamine
2. MDPI: Pseudoephedrine—Benefits and Risks
3. The Food and Drug Administration (FDA): Pseudoephedrine label
4. The National Institute on Alcohol Abuse and Alcoholism (NIAAA): Alcohol’s Effects on Health
5. Sage Journals: Effects of Acute Alcohol Intake on Nasal Patency
6. Stanford University: Alcohol Overdose/Poisoning