It is generally advised not to drink alcohol while taking Sudafed (pseudoephedrine). Although mixing them may not cause a severe reaction for most people, combining alcohol and Sudafed can:
- Reduce the effectiveness of Sudafed in relieving nasal congestion.
- Increase side effects such as dizziness, drowsiness, increased heart rate, and raised blood pressure.
- Mask the feeling of intoxication, leading to a higher risk of drinking too much alcohol and possible alcohol poisoning.
- Impair coordination and judgment, increasing the risk of accidents.
- Prolong recovery time from infections by weakening the immune system.
Health experts typically recommend avoiding alcohol for at least 24 to 36 hours after taking Sudafed to prevent interactions and side effects. If alcohol is consumed accidentally with Sudafed, monitoring for adverse symptoms is important, and medical attention should be sought if symptoms worsen.
