Can You Drink Alcohol While Taking Mucinex?

Reaching for over-the-counter medications when you’re not feeling well is an easy habit to get into. Can you drink alcohol while taking Mucinex? In fact, using these medications while drinking alcohol may not be wise. If you’re unable to control your alcohol use, the addiction treatment programs at Promises can help. Call Promises at 844.875.5609 for the support you need today. 

What Is Mucinex?

Mucinex is a brand of the generic medication guaifenesin and belongs to the class of drugs known as expectorants. It works by increasing the water content of mucus. When mucus is more elastic, it is easier to cough up. 

Mucinex reduces the stickiness of secretions in the respiratory tract, allowing you to expel them with less trouble. Guaifenesin is used to relieve sinus and chest congestion. It may also be an ingredient in medications that treat body pain, fever, sore throat, and other cold and flu symptoms.  

Can You Drink Alcohol While Taking Mucinex?

Guaifenesin is considered generally safe for most people, but it can interact with other substances. Mixing guaifenesin and alcohol is not advised. Other substances that may cause an interaction include:

• Caffeine
• Other OTC remedies that contain guaifenesin
• Stimulants
• Some diet medications
• Some antidepressants
• Some high blood pressure medications

Speak with your healthcare provider about taking Mucinex if you are also taking other prescription medications.

The Dangers of Mixing Guaifenesin and Alcohol

Some people may experiment with combining guaifenesin and alcohol because they believe guaifenesin will enhance the effects of alcohol. 

If you are experiencing congestion, alcohol can worsen symptoms and weaken the immune system, making it harder to recover. Staying sober while you are ill or taking other medications is recommended. 

While using them together is not recommended, guaifenesin itself does not present a major health risk when mixed with alcohol. However, Mucinex may also contain the active ingredients of acetaminophen and dextromethorphan. Mixing alcohol with dextromethorphan may cause dizziness and drowsiness.

Dextromethorphan is an over-the-counter cough suppressant. It is available alone, and it is included in many other OTC medications, such as Mucinex. If high doses of dextromethorphan are consumed, it could result in fatal overdose. 

Acetaminophen is used to reduce fever and relieve pain. It is included in many common OTC combination medications, such as Alka-Seltzer Plus, Cepacol, Nyquil, and Midol. 

Using alcohol with acetaminophen could cause severe liver damage. Alcohol affects the enzymes that process acetaminophen, which makes the liver more vulnerable to damage. 

Recognizing Signs of Alcohol Misuse

Can you drink alcohol while taking Mucinex? The bigger question may be, “Do I have an alcohol misuse problem if I want to drink alcohol when I am feeling sick?” Drinking or using substances under risky situations is one of the major warning signs that you may have or are developing an alcohol use disorder. 

Other signs of addiction include:

• Isolating from those who don’t drink or express concern about your consumption
• Losing interest in activities you once enjoyed
• Spending the majority of your time getting, using, or recovering from alcohol use
• Being unable to stop or decrease alcohol use even though you want to
• Experiencing withdrawal symptoms when you stop drinking
• Continuing to drink even after alcohol has negatively impacted your life

If you are risking your health for a drink or seeking to enhance the effects of alcohol by mixing it with other substances, you may need the support of an addiction treatment program.  

Get Help for Alcohol Misuse at Promises

The comprehensive alcohol and substance use disorder recovery programs at Promises can help if you or someone you care about is showing signs of an addiction problem. Contact Promises today at 844.875.5609 to learn more about how treatment can help you overcome addiction and live the healthy life you deserve.