Sudafed and Alcohol

What is Sudafed?

Sudafed is a medication to ease symptoms of a cold, sinus problems, and allergies. It is designed to be used for up to three days. Usually, adults take one pill every four hours. For children aged four years and older, there is a two-day dose. Prescribed drugs shouldn’t be mixed with anything, like Sudafed and alcohol.

Sudafed works by temporarily closing off the blood vessels in the sinuses and nasal passages, causing your mucus membranes to swell. This makes it easier for mucus to drain from your nostrils, making your sinuses and nasal passages larger.

It is available as a conventional tablet, a 12- or 24-hour extended-release tablet, and a solution that should be ingested. Every 4 to 6 hours, the standard tablets and fluids are typically consumed. The 12-hour extended-release pills are typically given every 12 hours, and a 24-hour period should not contain more than two doses. You should only take one dose of the 24-hour extended-release tablets daily and wait 24 hours between doses. Take the final dose of the day several hours before bed to help prevent insomnia.

Each pill contains two active ingredients. The first ingredient is pseudoephedrine, while the second is phenylephrine. Both ingredients work to dilate the airways, which can help you breathe easier. However, they both also affect the central nervous system.

Phenylephrine is a vasoconstrictor that works by narrowing the blood vessels. An increase in blood pressure and heart rate can occur. Phenylephrine also has a blood thinner effect that can be dangerous if you take other medicines. Pseudoephedrine, on the other hand, also acts as a vasoconstrictor. It also has a diuretic effect that can cause you to urinate more. This can increase the chance of dehydration. It is most commonly found in cold, flu, and sinus-soothing medications. Pseudoephedrine does not contain any genuine decongestant ingredients. It only works by temporarily narrowing your blood vessels, which also causes your mucus membranes to swell.

Skip To:

• What is Sudafed?
• Can You Mix Sudafed and Alcohol?
• Can I take Sudafed and Drink Alcohol?
• Alcohol and Sudafed Interaction
• What Are the Risks of Drinking Sudafed?
• Sudafed 12 hour and alcohol
• Sudafed 24 hour and alcohol
• Nasal Decongestants and Alcohol
• Alcoholism Treatment

Learn More:

• Mixing Prescription Drugs With Alcohol
• Pseudoephedrine

Can You Mix Sudafed and Alcohol?

Asking, “Can you take alcohol and Sudafed PE?” or “Can you mix Pseudoephedrine and alcohol?” It has been said that taking Sudafed with alcohol is not generally associated with any health problems. According to the U.S. Food and Drug Administration, there are no drug interactions between alcohol and Sudafed. However, taking these drugs together may still lead to unwanted side effects. When you take Sudafed, it will cause your blood pressure to rise. This will increase the risk of a heart attack, stroke, or seizure. In addition, Sudafed lowers the amount of anesthetic you have in your body. Searching for Pseudoephedrine and alcohol? Learn more below.

Drinking alcohol while on this medication can lead to a quicker and more severe reaction to the alcohol. This can cause you to fall asleep or pass out, making it harder to wake up. People often ask, “Can I mix Sudafed and alcohol?” Be careful when drinking alcohol while taking Sudafed, as this can have undesirable effects. If you plan to drink, do so in moderation. When you combine Sudafed with alcohol, you are more likely to have a bad reaction.

What Are the Risks of Drinking Sudafed?

Sudafed tightens blood vessels in the nose and sinuses. To improve breathing, it acts by reducing swelling and emptying fluids. However, Pseudoephedrine affects more than only the head. Additionally, it might constrict blood vessels all over the body. An increase in blood pressure is one of these effects. People with high blood pressure and heart rate symptoms risk a heart attack.

Additionally, it can interfere with how alcohol is broken down in your body. Does mixing Sudafed and alcohol harm one’s body? It depends on your condition and the prescription given to you. Alcohol withdrawal can occur when you take these drugs together. Alcohol can make it harder for the medicine in Sudafed to work. Also, it can make you dizzy or slow your breathing. This can lead to death from a drop in blood pressure. It can be harmful if you take it with other medicines, such as certain antibiotics. Taking Sudafed with other medicines can seldom lead to liver damage or blood type disorders.

Common side effects include:

• Dizziness
• Drowsiness
• Confusion
• Nausea
• Insomnia

Serious side effects include:

• Fainting
• Fast heart rate
• Having trouble breathing
• Hallucinations
• Psychosis
• Irregular heartbeat
• Heart attack or stroke

Trying to stop taking Sudafed on your own can be dangerous. Get professional help about the best way to stop taking Sudafed.

Alcoholism Treatment

For alcoholics who drink Sudafed, We Level Up NJ offers a comprehensive plan that includes evidence-based therapies, like cognitive behavioral therapy, which is essential for recovery. Some persons with a substance use disorder may be eligible for treatment at a specialist institution like ours, depending on how badly their Sudafed addiction has affected them.

We employ highly skilled addiction specialists who have undergone training to provide clients with the motivation and resources they badly need to stop consuming alcohol and Sudafed and sustain long-term health and sobriety. We provide diagnostic treatment programs for people with these diseases and co-occurring mental health issues.

If you are facing a Sudafed and alcohol addiction, get in touch with us immediately to discuss your treatment options and find out how we can help you as you begin your recovery journey. We’ll be by your side the entire time.