Can You Drink Alcohol While Taking Zofran?
In our latest question and answer, the pharmacist discusses the safety considerations when combining alcohol with Zofran (ondansetron).
Can you drink alcohol while taking Zofran (ondansetron)? I got it prescribed for nausea.
Sep 04, 2022- There is no direct drug interaction between Zofran and alcohol, but both can cause similar side effects like sedation that may be stronger when combined.
- Drinking alcohol while taking Zofran may work against the medication since alcohol itself can cause nausea and vomiting.
- Both Zofran and alcohol can cause drowsiness, so you should avoid operating heavy machinery or activities requiring close attention if you combine them.
Answer
While there is no listed or reported drug interaction between Zofran (ondansetron) and alcohol, both can cause similar side effects and should be used together with caution.
Considering that Zofran is used to treat and prevent nausea, it may not be prudent to drink alcohol with it as alcohol itself can cause nausea and vomiting.
Additionally, both alcohol and Zofran can cause sedation. When combined, these effects can be enhanced and it is recommended to not operate heavy machinery or partake in activities that require strict attention. So while there is no drug-drug interaction between Zofran and alcohol, the additive side effects can be concerning.
What Is Zofran?
Zofran is a medication used for the treatment of nausea and vomiting and is often used for the prevention of nausea while on chemotherapy or radiation therapy. It is considered to be relatively safe and effective when compared to older medications such as metoclopramide and promethazine.
Zofran works as a serotonin receptor antagonist. Serotonin receptors (specifically serotonin receptor type 3) are located all over the body and transmit signals via the central nervous system. The blocking of these receptors can lessen or eliminate symptoms of nausea and vomiting.
While Zofran is typically very well tolerated, it can cause mild sedation, fatigue, and constipation. In addition, Zofran has been known to increase the likelihood of headaches.
Additional Information
Interestingly enough, use of Zofran has been investigated for the treatment of alcoholism.
Early studies indicate that Zofran can reduce alcohol cravings and result in individuals with a family history of alcoholism consuming fewer drinks compared with a non-treatment group. These studies combined the use of Zofran and alcohol with no serious adverse events reported.
Final Words
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References & sources
Glossary — Terms in This Answer
- Zofran
- A medication used to treat and prevent nausea and vomiting, commonly given to patients undergoing chemotherapy or radiation therapy.
- Ondansetron
- The generic chemical name for the drug Zofran.
- Drug interaction
- A situation where two substances affect each other's action in the body, potentially changing how well they work or increasing side effects.
- Sedation
- A drowsy or calmed state caused by medication or substances.
- Serotonin receptor antagonist
- A medication that blocks the action of serotonin, a chemical messenger in the body that affects various functions including nausea.
- Central nervous system
- The brain and spinal cord, which control bodily functions and transmit signals throughout the body.
- Chemotherapy
- Treatment using powerful drugs to fight cancer cells in the body.
- Radiation therapy
- Cancer treatment that uses high-energy rays to destroy cancer cells.
Dr. Brian Staiger, PharmD
Doctor of Pharmacy, board certified clinical pharmacist (BCPS), American Herbalist Guild, Medication Therapy Management certified
Brian Staiger, PharmD, BCPS, is a licensed pharmacist with more than 13 years of experience across retail pharmacy, clinical pharmacy, medication safety, pharmacy program development, and healthcare administration. He is the founder of HelloPharmacist.com, where he helps patients...
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