Quick Answer
It is generally not recommended to consume alcohol while taking cough drops or throat lozenges. Alcohol can irritate the throat, worsening coughs and colds. Cough drops usually contain menthol, which can cause drowsiness. Combining menthol with alcohol enhances this effect, increasing the risks. However, an occasional drink while using cough drops is unlikely to cause serious problems for most people. Those with liver problems, sleep disorders, or on medication should be especially cautious.
Effects of Combining Alcohol and Cough Drops
Drinking alcohol while using cough drops may lead to the following:
- Increased throat irritation – Alcohol can irritate mucous membranes in the throat, worsening coughs, colds and sore throats. The menthol in cough drops can also irritate.
- Drowsiness – Menthol has a sedative effect. Combining it with alcohol, another depressant, can make you very sleepy.
- Impaired judgment and coordination – Both cough drops and alcohol can impair coordination and judgment on their own. Together, these effects are compounded.
- Interactions with medications – Active ingredients in some cough drops can interact with antibiotics, blood thinners, diabetes drugs and more.
- Allergic reactions – Alcohol intolerance or allergies to menthol could be exacerbated.
- Nausea, vomiting, flushing – High amounts may overload the system, causing these symptoms.
Therefore, it’s best to avoid or limit alcohol intake when using cough drops. However, an occasional drink is unlikely to cause serious problems for most healthy adults. Those with medical conditions, on medication or sensitive to alcohol or menthol should be especially careful.
Why Cough Drops and Alcohol Don’t Mix Well
There are a few reasons why drinking and cough drops don’t pair well:
Alcohol Irritates the Throat
Drinking alcohol can irritate mucous membranes lining the mouth and throat. This is why alcohol burns on the way down. Alcohol causes blood vessels to expand, bringing more blood to surface capillaries. This makes the membranes swollen and inflamed.
For someone with a sore throat, cold or cough, alcohol can exacerbate these symptoms. The menthol in cough drops can also be irritating for some. Combining the two leads to even more irritation.
Increased Sedative Effects
Most cough drops contain menthol, an aromatic compound from mint plants. Menthol has anesthetic and cooling properties that provide soothing relief for sore throats. It also has mild sedative effects.
Alcohol is also a sedative that causes drowsiness. When menthol and alcohol mix, their sedative effects are compounded. The results may be profound drowsiness and loss of coordination.
Impaired Judgment and Alertness
Both cough drops and alcohol can potentially impair judgment, coordination and alertness:
- Alcohol intoxication slows brain activity, decreases inhibitions and hampers coordination.
- High doses of menthol act as a depressant, with similar effects but to a lesser degree.
Combining the two enhances impairment. This increases risks of accidents and injuries from falls, operating equipment and vehicles after drinking.
Medication Interactions
Some cough drops contain active drug ingredients that may interact with alcohol:
- Dextromethorphan – An over-the-counter cough suppressant that could cause excessive drowsiness or dizziness when mixed with alcohol.
- Guaifenesin – Often added to thin mucus. May increase alcohol absorption, raising blood alcohol levels higher than expected.
Alcohol may also interact with antihistamines, acetaminophen, phenylephrine or other active ingredients in some cough drops. These interactions could be dangerous.
Allergic Reactions
For those with alcohol intolerance or allergies to menthol, combining the two could trigger potentially severe allergic reactions. These may include:
- Hives, itching, rash
- Swelling of the throat, lips or tongue
- Wheezing, chest tightness, trouble breathing
- Nausea, vomiting, diarrhea
- Lightheadedness
Alcohol and menthol allergies or sensitivities could be amplified when ingesting both simultaneously.
Is It Dangerous to Drink and Use Cough Drops?
Occasionally having a drink while using cough drops is unlikely to be dangerous for most healthy adults. However, there are some situations where caution is advised:
- Liver problems – Alcohol adds strain to the liver. Menthol is metabolized by the liver, so this combination could worsen liver conditions.
- Sleep disorders – The sedating effects could interfere with those who have insomnia or sleep apnea.
- On medication – Alcohol and menthol may interact with many prescription and over-the-counter medications.
- Sensitivities – Those with alcohol intolerance or menthol allergies are at higher risk of reactions.
- Young children – More vulnerable to potent sedative effects.
- Older adults – Increased sensitivities to drug interactions and alcohol effects.
- Pregnancy – Alcohol should be avoided, and menthol absorbed into the bloodstream could impact the fetus.
For those in higher risk groups, it’s wisest to avoid combining alcohol with cough drops. Consulting a doctor before using them together can help identify potential interactions or sensitivities.
Tips for Using Cough Drops and Alcohol Safely
If you choose to drink alcohol moderately while using cough drops, keep the following tips in mind:
- Limit alcohol intake to 1 drink per day for women or 2 for men.
- Increase water intake to stay hydrated and reduce alcohol effects.
- Read labels carefully and watch out for multi-symptom products with alcohol interactions.
- Allow sufficient time between taking cough drops and drinking for absorption.
- Never drive or operate heavy machinery when drinking.
- Avoid alcohol completely if underage, pregnant or have medical conditions.
- Consult a pharmacist or doctor with any concerns about interactions.
Being cautious, limiting intake and spacing out consumption can help minimize risks. Stop drinking alcohol if you experience any concerning reactions.
The Bottom Line
Here is a quick summary of whether it is safe to use cough drops and drink alcohol:
- Alcohol can irritate the throat, worsening coughs, colds and sore throats.
- Menthol has a sedative effect that is amplified when combined with alcohol, increasing risks of impairment.
- Severe medication interactions may occur with some cough drop ingredients and alcohol.
- People with certain medical conditions, on medication or allergic to alcohol or menthol have higher risks of adverse reactions.
- Occasionally having one drink while using cough drops is unlikely to cause serious harm for most healthy adults. But it’s wise to limit intake.
- Those at higher risk should avoid combining cough drops and alcohol altogether.
While not recommended, having the occasional drink with cough drops is fairly low risk for many people. However, it’s best avoided if you have any medical concerns or sensitivities. When in doubt, consult your doctor before mixing these substances.
FAQs
Here are answers to some frequently asked questions about drinking alcohol with cough drops:
Can you drink alcohol while taking cough medicine?
It is usually advised to avoid alcohol when taking over-the-counter cough medicines containing active drug ingredients like dextromethorphan, guaifenesin or acetaminophen. Alcohol can interact with these substances, increasing side effects. Multisymptom cold medicines also often contain antihistamines, decongestants and pain relievers that may interact dangerously when combined with alcohol.
What drinks can I have when I’m sick?
When you’re sick, its best to avoid alcohol and caffeine which can dehydrate you. Hydrating, non-alcoholic drink options include:
- Water
- 100% fruit juices
- Decaffeinated tea
- Soup broths
- Sports drinks like Gatorade
- Sparkling water
- Warm lemon water with honey
Can I drink alcohol with Sudafed?
It is not recommended to drink alcohol while taking decongestants like Sudafed. Combining stimulants like pseudoephedrine in Sudafed with the depressant effects of alcohol can overstimulate the heart and blood pressure. This could increase the risk of heart attack, stroke or sudden death.
What ingredients should I avoid with alcohol?
Ingredients in cough drops and cold medicines to use cautiously with alcohol include:
- Acetaminophen
- Guaifenesin
- Dextromethorphan
- Antihistamines like diphenhydramine or chlorpheniramine
- Decongestants like pseudoephedrine
- Phenylephrine
These may potentially interact with alcohol, increasing sedation or impairing motor skills. Those on blood thinners like warfarin should also avoid alcohol with cough drops due to increased bleeding risks. When in doubt, read medicine labels carefully or ask your pharmacist.
The Dangers of Excessive Drinking
While occasional, moderate alcohol intake is considered relatively low risk for many people, excessive drinking can be dangerous:
- Impairs brain function and motor skills
- Increases risk of injuries, violence, risky behaviors
- Can damage the liver, heart and nervous system
- Linked to many cancers, including liver, breast, colon, mouth and throat
- Can become addictive and lead to alcohol abuse disorders
The current Dietary Guidelines for Americans recommend limiting intake to 2 drinks or less per day for men and 1 drink or less per day for women. Excessive alcohol use accounts for over 140,000 deaths per year in the United States, making it the third leading preventable cause of death.
Warning Signs of Alcohol Misuse
Some red flags that may indicate alcohol misuse or an alcohol use disorder include:
- Drinking alone frequently
- Drinking to cope with stress, anxiety or depression
- Hiding drinking habits or lying about how much is consumed
- Failed attempts to cut back on drinking
- Needing to drink more to get the desired effect (tolerance)
- Continuing to drink despite the physical, social or interpersonal problems it causes
- Getting withdrawal symptoms like sweating, shakiness or nausea when stopping
Those exhibiting signs of alcohol abuse or addiction should seek professional help. Many effective treatments and support groups are available to help individuals achieve sobriety.
Professional Help and Resources
For those struggling with excessive drinking, many resources exist to help:
- Talk to your doctor for guidance and referrals to treatment programs
- Seek counseling or therapy to identify root causes and develop coping strategies
- Find a local detoxification center to safely manage withdrawal symptoms
- Look into rehabilitation clinics, inpatient or outpatient recovery programs
- Join a peer support group like Alcoholics Anonymous
- Call the National Drug and Alcohol Treatment Referral Routing Service at 1-800-662-HELP
Overcoming alcohol abuse disorders takes determination and a strong support system. But many people find sobriety achievable with the right professional help, self-care strategies and community.
Conclusion
While using alcohol and cough drops simultaneously is not recommended, the risks are relatively low for healthy adults who drink in moderation. However, those with certain medical conditions or drug sensitivities should avoid mixing these substances altogether. When sick, it’s healthiest to abstain from alcohol completely. Seeking professional advice can help assess potential risks and interactions. Being informed about the effects of mixing these substances allows you to make educated, responsible decisions about your health and safety.