Many medications don't mix well with alcohol, which can create or exacerbate side effects. It also can change how a medication works in the body and make some medications work less effectively.
Delsym contains dextromethorphan, a cough suppressant that can increase your risk of drowsiness and dizziness when taken with alcohol. This drug interaction can be deadly.
You shouldn’t drink alcohol if you’re taking any over-the-counter (OTC) cough medicine. These medications can interact with alcohol, causing severe side effects and potentially worsening your symptoms.
Cough medicines usually contain an expectorant like guaifenesin, or a cough suppressant, such as dextromethorphan. However, these medications may also include antihistamines or decongestants.
The key is to make sure you’re using the right product for the kind of cough you have. For example, if you have a wet cough, it’s important to choose an expectorant that doesn’t dry out mucus.
Similarly, it’s important to avoid consuming alcohol while taking a cough medicine with antihistamines or decongestants, as these can cause extreme drowsiness and impair your ability to drive or function normally. This can lead to dangerous side effects and increase the risk of a serious health complication, such as a heart attack or stroke.
Delsym is a cough suppressant (also known as antitussive) that works by affecting the part of your brain that causes you to cough. It comes in a variety of forms and formulations, including sugar-free, so you can find the right one for your needs.
You should use it only when you need to, and not more often than directed on the package. Also, don't drink alcohol while taking Delsym, as it can worsen dehydration and aggravate the symptoms of a cold.
Your doctor may suggest another type of medicine to help relieve your symptoms. This includes non-drowsy antihistamines and newer, non-drowsy decongestants, such as pseudoephedrine (Sudafed), which can help loosen mucus that drips down the throat.
Other treatments for cold and flu symptoms include drinking plenty of fluids, which helps thin mucus and make you more comfortable. You can also gargle with salt water to temporarily relieve sore throats and other symptoms. Using a humidifier or saline nose drops/spray can help with congestion as well.
When it comes to treating allergy symptoms, there are many over-the-counter products on the market. But it's important to choose the right one for your needs.
Allergy medicine can be expensive, so comparing prices from your local pharmacy or online retailer may help you save money. Plus, some of these products offer coupons and discounts on GoodRx to make your savings even bigger.
The right over-the-counter product for your symptoms can help relieve itching, runny nose, watery eyes and coughing. It can also help you get a good night's sleep, which is especially important during allergy season when your body is more susceptible to fatigue.
The best over-the-counter allergy medicine is the one that works for you and your child's unique symptoms. Check the label and the packaging to find a product that meets your needs. But remember, over-the-counter medicines are not a long-term solution. They're only for short-term use until your symptoms clear up.
You should not drink alcohol while taking Delsym, because it can increase the risk of serious side effects. This medicine can also make you feel sleepy or dizzy.
The main ingredient in Delsym is dextromethorphan, which blocks N-methyl-D-aspartate (NMDA) receptors in the brain and spinal cord that are thought to play an important role in pain perception, especially long-term throbbing pain. It may also improve the effectiveness of pain medications, including opioids.
This medicine is available in liquid form. It should be measured carefully using the dosing syringe provided or a medicine dose-measuring device (not a kitchen spoon).
Dextromethorphan is not a good choice for children younger than 2 years old because it can cause life-threatening side effects. It is also not safe to use if you have phenylketonuria or are pregnant or breastfeeding.
