Although there isn’t an official Sudafed and alcohol interaction, medical professionals still advise against drinking alcohol while taking Sudafed. As a stimulant medication, pseudoephedrine can mask the tipsy feeling that alcohol produces.
Contents
- 1 What happens if you drink alcohol after taking Sudafed?
- 2 Can you take Sudafed after a glass of wine?
- 3 Can you drink wine with sinus medicine?
- 4 Can you drink alcohol with a sinus infection?
- 5 Does Sudafed keep you awake?
- 6 How many hours is Sudafed good for?
- 7 Do you need to drink a lot of water with Sudafed?
How long should you wait to drink after taking Sudafed?
Sudafed and Alcohol Drug Interaction No drug interactions exist between Sudafed and alcohol. Although each substance has its own individual side effects, taking both together should not impact or worsen the side effects of either substance.
What happens if you drink alcohol after taking Sudafed?
Pseudoephedrine is a nonprescription medication for blocked nose relief. Sudafed is a common medication containing pseudoephedrine. People should limit alcohol while taking pseudoephedrine. The class of medications pseudoephedrine belongs to is nasal decongestants,
It is usually available in tablet form. However, there is also a liquid form of pseudoephedrine available. People may take pseudoephedrine when they are experiencing conditions that cause a blocked nose, such as a cold. Although people do not require a prescription to get pseudoephedrine, the Food and Drug Administration (FDA) requires the medication to be kept behind the pharmacy counter.
Some of the brand names people may be familiar with containing pseudoephedrine may include:
SudafedSuphedrineDecofedAdvil Allergy Sinusallergy medications, such as Claritin-D, Allegra-D, and Zyrtec-D
People may sometimes confuse pseudoephedrine with phenylephrine, which is an over-the-counter (OTC) medication with similar brand names, such as Sudafed PE. In this article, we look at how alcohol interacts with pseudoephedrine. We also list the possible side effects, other interactions, and how other decongestants interact with alcohol.
A person can drink alcohol while taking pseudoephedrine. However, they should limit the amount they consume because it may cause side effects and make them feel the effects of alcohol more than usual. Drinking alcohol with any form of medication may carry risks. The National Institute on Alcohol Abuse and Alcoholism (NIAAA) states that many drugs, including nonprescription medications, may be harmful when combined with alcohol.
A 2018 study states that mixing medications with alcohol may result in adverse side effects. The authors say the effects may be worse for individuals in later life, concluding that some older people mix alcohol and medication regularly. Another study from 2015 suggests that mixing alcohol and medications is common in the United States.
- The researchers state this could pose some health risks.
- However, the study looked into prescription rather than nonprescription medications such as pseudoephedrine.
- Although the researchers published the study in 2015, they assessed the data from 1999 to 2010.
- Pseudoephedrine is a stimulant, and alcohol is a depressant.
Some older research investigated the combination of stimulants and depressants in rats, using cocaine as the stimulant and diazepam as the depressant. Diazepam is a type of antidepressant doctors recommend to treat anxiety, The researchers concluded that drug interactions between stimulants and depressants are complex and relate to dosage, and the side effects are unpredictable.
headachenauseavomitingdrowsiness fainting dizzinessloss of coordination
In extreme cases, a person combining alcohol and some medications may also be at risk for:
internal bleeding heart difficulties breathing difficulties
Taking pseudoephedrine with alcohol could increase a person’s risk of overdose. Combining medication and alcohol could make the medication less effective. It can also intensify the effects of alcohol, particularly drowsiness and concentration difficulties.
Monoamine oxidase inhibitors (MAOIs): MAOIs are antidepressants that include isocarboxazid (Marplan) and phenelzine (Nardil). People should not take pseudoephedrine if they have taken MAOIs in the last 2 weeks. Tricyclic antidepressants: Examples of tricyclic antidepressants include amitriptyline, doxepin, and imipramine. Digoxin: A drug for treating heart failure and unusual heart rhythms, Ergot alkaloids: Usually used for the treatment of migraine, An example of an ergot alkaloid is ergotamine.
A person should consult a pharmacist or doctor if unsure of the medications they can take alongside pseudoephedrine. They should inform a doctor if they are taking any of the following:
prescription medicationsnonprescription medications vitamins supplementsherbal remedies
People should also consult a doctor before taking pseudoephedrine if they have or have ever had:
high blood pressure glaucoma diabetes difficulty urinating thyroid disorders heart disease narrowing or blockage in the digestive system
People should tell a doctor before taking pseudoephedrine if they are pregnant, nursing, or about to have surgery. Pseudoephedrine is a decongestant. Decongestants temporarily relieve a blocked nose. A blocked nose may result from virus-infected cells. The tissues inside the nose lining may swell and become inflamed, resulting in nasal congestion,
Pseudoephedrine narrows these blood vessels in the nose, reducing the swelling and helping mucus and air pass through more easily, aiding breathing. However, pseudoephedrine does not just narrow the blood vessels in the nose. It also limits the blood vessels throughout the body, increasing blood pressure levels.
There is minimal information regarding the relationship between decongestants and alcohol. However, a person should check with a doctor or pharmacist before having them together. Mixing alcohol with any medication can cause side effects, including OTC medicines such as decongestants and prescription medications.
naphazolineoxymetazolinephenylephrinepropylhexedrinexylometazoline
Pseudoephedrine is a nasal decongestant a person may take if they have a condition that causes a blocked nose. People can drink alcohol with pseudoephedrine. However, they should limit their intake as the two could interact with one another, resulting in adverse side effects.
Can you take Sudafed after a glass of wine?
Is It Safe to Take Sudafed with Alcohol? – While Sudafed and alcohol don’t necessarily have any particular drug interactions, if you drink alcohol while taking medicine, you may put yourself in a worse situation. It’s not generally safe to take Sudafed with alcohol because it may intensify medication side effects.
You may feel increased anxiety, palpitations, and dizziness. In the same way, OTC medications for sinus congestion may resolve common symptoms of colds, but if you mix it with alcohol use, you’ll surely be experiencing alcohol’s bad effects as a result too. Additionally, it’s also not advisable to drink alcohol while taking combination medications (i.e.
taking decongestants for common cold or allergies + maintenance medications), as it may interact and cause side effects with your prescription medicines. It’s also better to take single-purpose medicines as a form of treatment instead of an all-in-one medication.
You should seek professional medical advice before taking certain over-the-counter drugs for certain nasal symptoms, especially if you have recurring health problemsCheck certain side effects of the drug with your doctor that could worsen when taking Sudafed or other medicationsIf your congestion is not relieved within a week even after drug treatment, you should consult with your physician.
Can you drink alcohol with Sudafed Max?
Other warnings – There are concerns of misuse with Sudafed because it can be used to make illegal methamphetamine, a very addictive stimulant. However, Sudafed itself is not addictive. There are also no warnings against drinking alcohol while taking Sudafed.
What should you not mix with Sudafed?
Pseudoephedrine can interact with medications that affect the brain. These include tricyclic antidepressants (TCAs), some types of headache medications, and caffeine. It’s best to avoid interactions with pseudoephedrine. If needed, your healthcare provider can help suggest safer alternatives.
Can I drink Sudafed at night?
Why should you not take Sudafed at night? – You should avoid taking Sudafed at night because it can cause sleep problems. To prevent this side effect, take your last dose of Sudafed several hours before you go to bed. Sudafed 24-hour tablets should be taken in the morning.
Can you take Sudafed at night?
Why should you not take Sudafed at night? – One of the potential side effects of pseudoephedrine is insomnia. If you’re experiencing congestion at night, it’s best to choose a Sudafed product specially formulated for nighttime use.
How long is Sudafed in your system?
Sudafed’s effects can usually be felt within 30 minutes of taking it, and they last for about 4 to 6 hours. The extended-release (ER) versions take longer to kick in (about 1 hour) but last for 12 to 24 hours. For most people, Sudafed fully exits the body within 1 to 4 days.
Can you drink wine with sinus medicine?
Side Effects of Allergy, Cold, and Flu Medicine – Each medication has intended uses and side effects that may be experienced somewhat differently by each individual using the product. Common side effects of allergy, cold, and flu medications include: 2,3,4
Excitability (esp. in children). Nervousness. Sleep problems. Drowsiness. Upset stomach. Nausea/vomiting. Dry mouth. Lightheadedness. Dizziness.
The common and milder side effects of these medications typically resolve on their own. However, other more serious side effects may occur, especially if you take the more of the drug than is recommended or take the medication with other drugs that contain some or all of the same ingredients.
For example, many of these medicines contain acetaminophen and an overdose of acetaminophen can do serious harm to your liver. DayQuil is one such commonly used medication. It contains 325 mg of acetaminophen per capsule and 650 mg per each liquid dose (30 mL). Per the manufacturer’s website, taking more than 4 of the recommended doses in a period of 24 hours or taking it with another acetaminophen-containing drug may cause severe liver damage.5 Taking these medicines with alcohol lowers the threshold for sustaining liver injury and compounds this risk (see below).
If you’ve taken too much of an acetaminophen-containing drug or taken more than one of these medicines and you being to feel abdominal pain, nausea, or begin vomiting, seek emergency medical attention. Liver problems are not the only severe side effect.
Can you drink alcohol with a sinus infection?
11. Don’t: Drink alcohol – If you suffer from a sinus infection, drink plenty of fluids but not those which dehydrates you. And alcohol dehydrates you very quickly (coffee does that too!). Alcohol may irritate the lining of your nose and make it swell and that will make your symptoms even worse.
Can I drink coffee with Sudafed?
If you are taking the over-the-counter product to self-treat, read all directions on the product package before taking this medication, If you have any questions, ask your doctor or pharmacist, If your doctor has prescribed this medication, take it as directed.
Take this medication by mouth with or without food, usually every 4 to 6 hours, as directed by the product package or by your doctor. Do not take more than 4 doses in a day. Dosage is based on your age, medical condition, and response to treatment. Do not increase your dose or take this drug more often than directed.
Do not take more of this medication than recommended for your age. If you are using the chewable tablets, chew each tablet well and swallow. If you are using the liquid form of this medication, measure the dose carefully using a special measuring device/cup.
- Do not use a household spoon because you may not get the correct dose.
- There are many brands and forms of pseudoephedrine available.
- Some tablets should be swallowed with plenty of water.
- Check your product package for specific directions.
- Read the dosing instructions carefully for each product because the amount of pseudoephedrine may be different between products.
Do not take more pseudoephedrine than recommended. Caffeine can increase the side effects of this medication. Avoid drinking large amounts of beverages containing caffeine (coffee, tea, colas), eating large amounts of chocolate, or taking nonprescription products that contain caffeine,
Does Sudafed keep you awake?
No. If possible, try to avoid taking medications like Sudafed before bed. They can make it harder to fall asleep. By taking them earlier in the day — or at least a few hours before bed — they’re less likely to cause insomnia.
Why shouldn’t I take Sudafed at night?
Side effects of pseudoephedrine (Sudafed) include anxiety and headache. This medication might also keep you awake at night if you take it too close to bedtime. Pseudoephedrine (Sudafed) is an OTC medication, but it’s restricted, so you can only purchase it at the pharmacy counter.
When shouldn’t you take Sudafed?
Who may not be able to take pseudoephedrine – Pseudoephedrine is not suitable for some people. To make sure it’s safe for you, tell a pharmacist or doctor before taking it if you have:
ever had an allergic reaction to pseudoephedrine or any other medicine high blood pressure (hypertension) heart disease taken medicines for depression known as monoamine oxidase inhibitors (MAOIs) in the last 2 weeks diabetes an overactive thyroid gland (hyperthyroidism) glaucoma (increased pressure in the eye)an enlarged prostate (this causes difficulty peeing or needing to pee often)liver or kidney problems
Page last reviewed: 2 November 2022 Next review due: 2 November 2025
What are the rules for taking Sudafed?
Each caplet contains 30 mg of pseudoephedrine HCl, a nasal decongestant. Adults and children 12 years and over: take 2 tablets every 4 to 6 hours. do not take more than 8 tablets in 24 hours.
How many hours is Sudafed good for?
Depending on the specific product you’re taking, these medications may continue providing relief for 4 to 24 hours. Be sure to follow the instructions carefully on the package of the decongestant you’re taking. Immediate-release (IR) Sudafed can be taken every 4 to 6 hours as needed up to a maximum of 240 mg per day.
Does Sudafed last 24 hours?
SUDAFED® 24 HOUR FOR NASAL CONGESTION AND SINUS PRESSURE 
Use only as directed 
Use only as directed
Maximum-strength non-drowsy SUDAFED ® provides lasting relief from congestion & pressure. Each tablet contains 240 mg of pseudoephedrine HCl, a nasal decongestant, and relieves symptoms for up to 24 hours.
10 ct. sinus & nasal decongestant tablets 24-hour congestion & sinus pressure relief Made with 240 mg of pseudoephedrine HCl Found behind the pharmacy or service counter
: SUDAFED® 24 HOUR FOR NASAL CONGESTION AND SINUS PRESSURE
Do you need to drink a lot of water with Sudafed?
If you are taking the over-the-counter product to self-treat, read all directions on the product package before taking this medication, If you have any questions, ask your doctor or pharmacist, If your doctor has prescribed this medication, take it as directed.
- Take this medication by mouth with or without food, usually every 4 to 6 hours, as directed by the product package or by your doctor.
- Do not take more than 4 doses in a day.
- Dosage is based on your age, medical condition, and response to treatment.
- Do not increase your dose or take this drug more often than directed.
Do not take more of this medication than recommended for your age. If you are using the chewable tablets, chew each tablet well and swallow. If you are using the liquid form of this medication, measure the dose carefully using a special measuring device/cup.
Do not use a household spoon because you may not get the correct dose. There are many brands and forms of pseudoephedrine available. Some tablets should be swallowed with plenty of water. Check your product package for specific directions. Read the dosing instructions carefully for each product because the amount of pseudoephedrine may be different between products.
Do not take more pseudoephedrine than recommended. Caffeine can increase the side effects of this medication. Avoid drinking large amounts of beverages containing caffeine (coffee, tea, colas), eating large amounts of chocolate, or taking nonprescription products that contain caffeine,