Medical Providers:
Dr. Randy Gelow, MD, FASAM
Ray Hamilton, DNP, PMHNP-BC, FNP-C
Last Updated: August 21, 2025
When you’re sick with a cold, it might seem harmless to take a dose of over-the-counter (OTC) medicine and unwind with a drink. But combining cold medicine and alcohol can lead to serious side effects. Even a small amount of alcohol can interact negatively with ingredients in common cold medications, including cough suppressants, antihistamines, and pain relievers. This article explains the risks of mixing alcohol with medicine, when it becomes dangerous, and what you should do to stay safe.
You might ask, “Can you mix alcohol and cold medicine?” The short answer is no. In fact, nearly half of all adults—about 42% reported consuming alcohol while also taking medications that could interact harmfully. Combining these substances may seem harmless, but the reality is that alcohol can change the way your body reacts to medication, often in harmful ways.
Cold medicine contains active ingredients like dextromethorphan (a cough suppressant), acetaminophen (a pain reliever), and antihistamines for allergy symptoms. These drugs work well on their own—but alcohol alters how they behave in your system. The alcohol interaction with cold meds can either amplify the medication’s effects or reduce its effectiveness, depending on the specific combination.
Understanding how alcohol and over-the-counter medication interact starts with knowing which ingredients to watch out for.
Mixing alcohol with cough suppressants like dextromethorphan may lead to dizziness, confusion, nausea, and sedative effects that are stronger than either substance alone.
When combined with alcohol, acetaminophen puts stress on your liver. This increases the risk of liver damage, especially in people who continued to drink while taking medication.
These are common in both cold and allergy medications. The interaction between alcohol and antihistamines can lead to drowsiness, slowed reaction time, and reduced coordination.
Medications like NyQuil often contain several active ingredients, including alcohol itself. Mixing NyQuil with alcohol increases the chances of overdose, heart problems, or excessive sedation.
The dangers of mixing alcohol with medicine depend on the type of medication and how much alcohol you drink. But even moderate drinking while taking cold medicine can lead to complications such as:
These symptoms don’t just affect how you feel—they can also become life-threatening, especially if you’re alone or driving.
Cold medicines are designed to relieve symptoms like a runny nose, coughing, or body aches—not to interact with alcohol. So, when you drink alcohol while sick, you weaken your immune system and put added stress on your body.
Alcohol also dehydrates you, which can make your symptoms last longer. Additionally, combining alcohol with medication can dull your awareness of how sick you really are, causing you to skip rest or overuse medications—leading to further harm.
Alcohol and NyQuil are one of the most frequently mixed pairs, especially among adults who are unaware of the risks. NyQuil already contains alcohol and sedatives, and consuming more alcohol on top of that can dangerously depress your nervous system. This may lead to trouble breathing, memory blackouts, or even overdose in extreme cases.
If you’re drinking while on cold medication like NyQuil, you could also experience an allergic reaction from the compounded chemicals or run into unexpected interactions with alcohol you weren’t prepared for.
Some people are at greater risk from mixing cold medicine and alcohol, including:
If any of these apply to you, avoid consuming alcohol entirely while taking cold or flu meds. You should also check with a healthcare professional before starting any new medication.
If you realize you’ve mixed alcohol and cold medicine, pay attention to how your body feels. Mild symptoms like light drowsiness might not require emergency care, but if you experience:
…seek medical help right away. It’s better to be cautious when it comes to medication safety.
People with alcohol use disorder are at an especially high risk for misusing OTC meds. What starts as a cold can spiral into a dangerous situation when mixing alcohol becomes a habit. In these cases, it’s not just about treating symptoms—it’s about addressing the root of the drinking problem.
If someone continues to drink despite recurring health issues, it may be time to consider treatment. Heavy drinking increases the chance of serious drug interactions and health complications, even with OTC medications.
For some people, taking a break from alcohol during a cold is easy. For others, even one day without a drink is difficult. If you or a loved one struggles to avoid drinking—even when it poses a danger—help is available.
Treatment centers like The Hope House in Arizona offer evidence-based programs that support long-term recovery. From medical detox to therapy and medication management, we help you rebuild your health and regain control over your life.
Mixing alcohol and cold medicine can seriously harm your body—causing sedation, allergic reactions, or worse. Whether it’s NyQuil, antihistamines, or any other OTC medication, the risks are real—especially for those dealing with alcohol use disorder.
If you’ve struggled to stop drinking or find yourself ignoring the warnings, it might be time to seek support. The Hope House offers personalized, compassionate care for people ready to break free from addiction. Our programs focus on long-term healing and safe recovery practices, including medication safety education.
