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Effects of Mixing Alcohol and Cold Medicine

The common cold and the flu are caused by viruses and are characterized by various symptoms including runny and stuffy nose, congestion, cough, fever, fatigue, and head and body aches. These respiratory illnesses tend to resolve relatively quickly. Seasonal and environmental allergies, on the other hand, will last as long as you are exposed to the specific allergen causing you discomfort.

Medications for the relief of cold, flu, and allergies (such as DayQuil, Sudafed, and Tylenol Cold and Sinus) can help lessen the discomfort associated with these conditions but will not cure them. Most of the time, a cold or flu will get better with rest and time, but while you wait, these medications can help alleviate symptoms like coughing, sneezing, and sore throat.

While these medications can help provide a much-needed reprieve from bothersome symptoms, they can be unsafe when misused—for example, when consumed with alcohol. Combining cold medicine and alcohol can expose you to several adverse health risks and may increase the chance of overdose. This page will help you learn more about the risks of mixing alcohol and cold medicine and how to get help if you are struggling with alcohol misuse.

If you or a loved one is improperly mixing cold medicine and alcohol, or you recognize the effects listed below, it may be time to seek professional help. Our admissions navigators are available at 24/7 to discuss treatment options and give you the information you need to begin your road to recovery.

Health Effects and Risks of Mixing Cold Medicine with Alcohol

Cold medicine is typically safe and effective when taken appropriately. However, mixing alcohol and cold medicine can be harmful to your health. According to The National Institute on Alcohol Abuse and Alcoholism (NIAAA), mixing alcohol with cold medicines can intensify the sedating effects and make it unsafe to perform certain tasks, such as driving.1 Mixing alcohol and certain medicines may also increase the risk of falls and serious injuries, especially in the elderly.1

Possible reactions when mixing medicine and alcohol include:1

  • Drowsiness.
  • Dizziness.
  • Increased risk of overdose.

People often may take over-the-counter pain medication to help with other cold and flu symptoms. When mixed with alcohol, pain medications like Advil and Tylenol can lead to additional adverse health effects including bleeding and ulcers, upset stomach, liver damage, and rapid heartbeat.1

Mixing alcohol with allergy, cold, and flu medications is tricky because many people are often unaware of the ingredients in their medications. Most over-the-counter cold and flu combination medications contain multiple active ingredients.1 When consuming one or more cold, flu, or allergy medications, read the labels carefully and pay attention to overlapping ingredients and any alcohol warnings. If you have any questions about what is safe to take, you can call your doctor or speak to a pharmacist.

Women and elderly individuals are at a greater risk of experiencing adverse medication interactions from mixing alcohol with these medications. Women tend to have less water in their bodies than men. Because alcohol mixes with water throughout the body, the proportion of alcohol in a woman’s bloodstream will, on average, be relatively higher than that of a man who drinks the same amount. The increased concentration of alcohol in the body can increase the risk of adverse medication interactions.1

Similarly, as we age, our bodies take more time to break down and process alcohol. For elderly individuals, this means that alcohol remains in the body longer, which can increase the chance of experiencing adverse medication interactions. Elderly individuals are also more likely to be taking one or more medications already, and the interactions between some of these medications and alcohol may subject them to further harm.1

Side Effects of Allergy, Cold, and Flu Medicine

Each medication has intended uses and side effects that may be experienced somewhat differently by everyone using the product. Common side effects of allergy, cold, and flu medications range from diarrhea and nausea to dizziness and trouble sleeping. These common side effects typically resolve on their own. However, other more serious side effects may occur, especially if you take more of the drug than is recommended or take the medication with other drugs that contain some or all the same ingredients. For example, many of these medicines contain acetaminophen. According to the U.S. Food and Drug Administration (FDA), acetaminophen is found in more than 600 medications, including prescription and non-prescription.2 The FDA warns that exceeding the daily limit of acetaminophen can lead to overdose and severe liver damage.

Avoid the Dangers of Mixing Cold Medicine with Alcohol

Medical professionals warn against mixing alcohol with medications for allergies, colds, and the flu due to the risk of dangerous complications. The risk of liver damage, as well as depressed nervous system functioning, increases with higher doses of medication and greater alcohol intake.1

Alcohol can decrease the likelihood that you will experience symptomatic relief from your allergy, cold, and flu medications while at the same time increasing your likelihood of adverse effects and overdose.1

No matter what allergy, cold, and flu medications you are taking, be cautious about drinking. Always read your medication labels, pay attention to the warnings, and talk to your doctor or pharmacist if you have any questions or concerns. If you’re unsure about whether it’s safe to consume alcohol, the safest thing to do is to avoid mixing cold medicine and alcohol altogether until you are no longer taking the medicine.

Know When It’s Time to Ask for Help

If you are struggling with alcohol or polysubstance use, you should know that help is available. According to the National Institute on Alcoholism and Alcohol Abuse (NIAAA), more than 14 million adults 18 and older have alcohol use disorder (AUD), the clinical term for alcohol addiction.3

Fortunately, no matter how bad the problem may seem, many people with AUD can benefit from treatment. Treatment will look different for everyone but may begin with detox to help you stop drinking alcohol while under the care of medical professionals, followed by an inpatient addiction program or an outpatient addiction program. Here you can expect a combination of behavioral therapies, medications, and support groups like Alcoholics Anonymous to help you stop drinking and help address the underlying causes of AUD.3

If you’re considering treatment, you can start the process by talking to your doctor or a mental health practitioner. They can provide an evaluation and discuss appropriate treatment options. You can also contact American Addiction Centers (AAC) to speak with an admissions navigator. Available 24/7/365, they can hear your story, answer treatment questions, and help you find a polysubstance rehab if you’re ready. It’s confidential and free to call, and there is no obligation to enter treatment. ­­­

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