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Can I Take Pseudoephedrine with Alcohol?

Emily Daw
Emily Daw

Pseudoephedrine is a common over-the-counter cold and allergy medication used to treat nasal congestion, or a stuffy nose. The side effects of combining pseudoephedrine with alcohol are minimal and not considered dangerous, but may include general malaise. Certain drugs often taken with pseudoephedrine, such as aspirin, ibuprofen, or various antihistamines, should not be combined with alcohol. Of course, you should use caution when using any drug, and consult a medical professional or pharmacist if you have any questions about drug interactions.

This drug provides temporary relief of allergy symptoms, but it does not cure any underlying problems. It works by constricting the blood vessels in the nose, which reduces nasal discomfort and decreases the production of mucus. The constriction of blood vessels causes pseudoephedrine to be a mild stimulant, or "upper." Alcohol, on the other hand, is a depressant, or "downer." Stimulants tend to increase heart rate and boost energy, while depressants reduce heart rate and energy.

Though taking pseudoephedrine with alcohol is not dangerous, it can cause light headedness.
Though taking pseudoephedrine with alcohol is not dangerous, it can cause light headedness.

Combining stimulants with depressants, such as taking pseudoephedrine with alcohol, may cause some patients to feel light-headed or uncomfortable, especially if they are sensitive to alcohol. Folk wisdom indicates that combining large amounts of stimulants and depressants may cause cardiovascular complications, but these claims have not been scientifically proven. The effects of combining the drug with alcohol in moderation, however, are mild enough not to be of great concern.

Pills that are often taken with pseudoephedrine, like aspirin or ibuprofen, can be dangerous when used with alcohol.
Pills that are often taken with pseudoephedrine, like aspirin or ibuprofen, can be dangerous when used with alcohol.

Because pseudoephedrine treats only one of many symptoms that often appear together, it is commonly taken in combination with other drugs to treat a wider range of symptoms. If you are taking other drugs with pseudoephedrine, you should make sure that they do not have any harmful interactions with alcohol. Double-check the label or prescription information to make sure that no other active ingredient in your cold or allergy medicine is dangerous to take with alcohol.

Pseudoephedrine is an over-the-counter medication used to combat congestion.
Pseudoephedrine is an over-the-counter medication used to combat congestion.

Many cold and sinus medications include both pseudoephedrine and a pain reliever, such as aspirin or ibuprofen, to combat the headache or body aches that sometimes accompany allergy or cold symptoms. Combining these drugs with alcohol may cause gastrointestinal bleeding or liver problems. Antihistamines such as diphenhydramine are usually classified as depressants and should not be combined with other depressants, like alcohol. Diphenhydramine can also cause dehydration, especially when combined with alcohol.

Discussion Comments

anon998928

One evening I drank 5 beers after taking pseudoephedrine for influence.

It had a massive effect on my mental state and concentration. I felt like there was an automatic pilot that commanded me for all the evening and I ended up randomly insulting a guy on a train (never did that before even if more heavily drunk) and not recognizing a long time friend's face, plus nonsense conversation and light headed feeling.

I don't know if it's only me but if others experienced this it would be cool to know.

discographer

I don't recommend taking pseudoephedrine with alcohol. I did it once and not together either, about five or six hours apart. What it did is that the pseudoephedrine made me get drunk very, very fast. First I acted really strange and then I got sick. My friends had to usher me home. It was very embarrassing. So please avoid this combination. It's bad.

serenesurface

@fBoyle-- Doesn't the drug description mention something about the use of alcohol while on the drug? If not, you can also call your local pharmacy and ask. They know about these kind of interactions.

If your allergy medicine also has something additional like antihistamine, I'd say avoid alcohol. But if it's just pseudoephedrine and if you are taking the drug at least 4-6 hours before the alcohol, it will probably be okay. Just don't overdo it. A single glass might be fine but go slow to see if there are side effects.

My allergy and cold medicine has pseudoephedrine plus antihistamine and I never drink alcohol when I'm on it. Antihistamines and alcohol are a big no-no. There can be many negative side effects of mixing them.

fBoyle

I'm on a pseudoephedrine allergy medication and will be attending a wedding tomorrow. Is it okay if I have some alcohol, just to toast to the bride and groom?

I've never had alcohol while on this medication. I called my doctor to ask about it but he's out of the office. What should I do?

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    • Though taking pseudoephedrine with alcohol is not dangerous, it can cause light headedness.
      By: absolutimages
      Though taking pseudoephedrine with alcohol is not dangerous, it can cause light headedness.
    • Pills that are often taken with pseudoephedrine, like aspirin or ibuprofen, can be dangerous when used with alcohol.
      By: digitex
      Pills that are often taken with pseudoephedrine, like aspirin or ibuprofen, can be dangerous when used with alcohol.
    • Pseudoephedrine is an over-the-counter medication used to combat congestion.
      By: Arvind Balaraman
      Pseudoephedrine is an over-the-counter medication used to combat congestion.
    • Pseudoephedrine is often used to alleviate cold and allergy symptoms.
      By: fabianaponzi
      Pseudoephedrine is often used to alleviate cold and allergy symptoms.
    • A pharmacist can answer all of your questions about possible drug interactions.
      By: Deklofenak
      A pharmacist can answer all of your questions about possible drug interactions.