Cough drops are over-the-counter medications that are used to relieve coughing and sore throats. They typically contain active ingredients like menthol, eucalyptus oil, honey, or dextromethorphan that help suppress cough reflexes and soothe irritation in the throat. Alcohol is a depressant drug that slows down the central nervous system and impacts brain function and motor skills when consumed in excess. Many people wonder if it is safe to consume alcohol while taking cough drops to treat cold and flu symptoms. There are a few factors to consider when determining whether this combination is safe or could potentially cause negative side effects.
How do cough drops work?
Cough drops work by coating the throat with an ingredient like menthol or eucalyptus to temporarily numb nerve endings that trigger coughing. Other ingredients may also work to thin mucus secretions or soothe inflammation in the throat. While most cough drops simply provide symptomatic relief, some contain the active ingredient dextromethorphan which acts on the brain to suppress the cough reflex. When taken as directed, most cough drops are safe to use even for extended periods of time. However, it is important to note that some cough drops contain ingredients that could potentially interact with alcohol.
Active ingredients in cough drops
The most common active ingredients found in over-the-counter cough drops include:
- Menthol – Provides a cooling and soothing sensation for pain relief
- Eucalyptus oil – Has a cooling, numbing effect to relieve sore throat
- Honey – Coats and soothes the throat
- Dextromethorphan (DXM) – Suppresses the cough reflex when taken in larger doses
- Benzocaine – Temporarily numbs the throat
- Ambroxol – Breaks down mucus, making coughs more productive
- Guaifenesin – Loosens mucus
- Zinc gluconate – May help shorten duration of cold symptoms
The maximum recommended dose and frequency of use depends on the specific active ingredient. For example, menthol and eucalyptus cough drops can generally be used as needed. However, too much dextromethorphan (DXM) can cause dangerous side effects.
Risks of combining alcohol and dextromethorphan
One of the main safety concerns with taking cough drops while drinking alcohol is the risk of interactions with dextromethorphan (DXM). DXM is a cough suppressant that works by depressing activity in the brain centers responsible for coughing. When taken in very high doses, DXM can produce euphoric effects similar to dissociative hallucinogens.
DXM is sometimes abused by teens looking to get high. When combined with alcohol, DXM’s effects on the brain are amplified, potentially causing:
- Intoxication
- Loss of coordination
- Slurred speech
- Confusion
- Dizziness
- Nausea and vomiting
- Changes in heart rate and blood pressure
- Respiratory depression
- Seizures
- Unconsciousness
- Coma
These harmful side effects can occur at lower doses of DXM when it is mixed with alcohol. Heavy drinking should always be avoided when taking standard doses of dextromethorphan for cough suppression. Reading product labels carefully and not exceeding the recommended dosing is important.
Is it safe to drink alcohol with menthol cough drops?
For most cough drops containing active ingredients like menthol, eucalyptus, honey, or benzocaine, moderate alcohol consumption is unlikely to cause adverse effects. However, some Side effects like drowsiness may be enhanced. Consuming excessive amounts of alcohol could also potentially make some cough drop side effects worse, like drying out the mouth and throat.
Overall, the combination is likely safe in moderation, but best practices include:
- Avoid binge and heavy drinking
- Stay hydrated with water when drinking alcohol to prevent dry mouth and dehydration
- Read packaging labels carefully and never exceed the recommended dosage of cough drops
- Allow sufficient time between taking cough drops and drinking for the syrup to wash down your throat
- Stop drinking alcohol if any worrisome side effects occur
For people on medication who wish to drink, it is always best practice to consult a doctor or pharmacist first about potential alcohol interactions.
Risk factors that may make combining alcohol and cough drops unsafe
While occasional moderate drinking is unlikely to be harmful for most healthy adults taking cough drops, certain higher risk factors may warrant extra caution:
- Medical conditions like liver disease, mental health disorders, seizure disorders
- Taking sedative medications like benzodiazepines or opioids
- Older age – alcohol toxicity increases with age due to changes in metabolism
- Pregnancy or breastfeeding
- History of alcohol abuse or addiction
For those with any of these risk factors, it is best to avoid alcohol completely when taking cough drops or other cold medications.
Can you take prescription cough medicine with alcohol?
Many prescription cough syrups also come with a warning to avoid drinking alcohol while taking them. Ingredients like codeine or hydrocodone can amplify alcohol’s depressant effects on the central nervous system, significantly increasing risks like:
- Severe drowsiness
- Slowed breathing
- Impaired motor control and increased accidents
- Dangerously low blood pressure
- Loss of consciousness
With opioid cough suppressants, even small amounts of alcohol can produce pronounced reactions, so complete avoidance is strongly advised. As with any medication, always read the label carefully and ask your pharmacist about potential alcohol interactions.
Tips for safe alcohol use while taking cough drops
If you choose to drink mildly or moderately while using cough drops, some tips for safety include:
- Limit intake to 1 drink per day for women, 2 drinks per day for men
- Drink slowly – no more than 1 drink per hour
- Always have food in your stomach before and while consuming alcohol
- Choose lower-alcohol drinks instead of liquor – like beer and wine instead of mixed drinks
- Sip water between alcoholic drinks to pace yourself and stay hydrated
- Avoid alcohol completely if taking prescription cough syrup or DXM
- Stop drinking if you feel more impaired than expected
Being well-informed about potential health risks and exercising caution is key to safely using cough drops with alcohol. When in doubt, it is best to abstain from drinking when taking any kind of medication.
Conclusion
Most standard cough drops that contain menthol, eucalyptus, honey, or benzocaine are unlikely to cause adverse side effects when paired with mild to moderate alcohol intake. However, drinking heavily or taking cough medicine with alcohol can be dangerous due to increased sedation. To be safe, abstain from alcohol or limit intake to 1-2 light drinks if you choose to drink. Always read packaging carefully, follow dosing directions, and consult your doctor with any concerns about interactions with alcohol or other medications. Being informed about risks helps ensure health and safety.