Can You Drink Alcohol While Taking Zofran?

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 to 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 the 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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