Can you drink alcohol while taking Zofran?

Zofran (ondansetron) is a prescription medication used to treat nausea and vomiting from chemotherapy, radiation, surgery, and off-label for morning sickness in pregnancy. Alcohol is a central nervous system depressant that can cause relaxation, impaired judgment, slowed reflexes, and gastrointestinal irritation leading to nausea and vomiting. While moderate drinking may be harmless for many, heavy or chronic alcohol use can damage the liver, heart, immune system, and brain.

Risks of mixing Zofran and alcohol

  • Worsened side effects: Both Zofran and alcohol can cause dizziness, drowsiness, and impaired coordination. Together, these effects may intensify.
  • Reduced absorption: Alcohol may interfere with Zofran absorption, potentially making it less effective against nausea.
  • Risk of serotonin syndrome: The combination can increase the risk of serotonin syndrome, a rare but life-threatening condition. Seek help if you develop agitation, confusion, rapid heartbeat, hallucinations, loss of muscle coordination, twitching muscles, or seizures.

Individual responses vary based on age, weight, health status, and other medications. To minimize complications, avoid or limit alcohol while taking Zofran. Consult your healthcare provider about alcohol and medication interactions.

What is Zofran used for?

  • Prevention of nausea and vomiting from chemotherapy or radiation
  • Postoperative nausea and vomiting

Zofran can be used in patients as young as 4 years old.

How does Zofran work?

Zofran is a serotonin receptor antagonist. It blocks serotonin receptors in the brain’s vomiting center, preventing nausea and vomiting signals.

Side effects of Zofran

Common side effects include:

  • Headache
  • Dizziness or lightheadedness
  • Drowsiness
  • Constipation or diarrhea
  • Tiredness

Serious side effects requiring immediate care:

  • Allergic reaction: rash, hives, facial or throat swelling, breathing difficulty
  • Serotonin syndrome: increased heart rate, sweating, muscle stiffness or spasms, fever, confusion
  • Abnormal heart rhythm (QT prolongation): chest pain, heart rate changes, shortness of breath, severe dizziness
  • Masking gastrointestinal blockage: lack of gas or bowel movements after surgery or chemotherapy

Drug interactions

Zofran may interact with other medications or supplements. Tell your provider about all you take, including:

  • SSRIs, SNRIs, MAO inhibitors
  • Carbamazepine, phenytoin
  • Alfentanil, atracurium
  • Tramadol
  • Chemotherapy agents
  • Apomorphine
  • Fentanyl

Who should not take Zofran?

Do not take Zofran if you are allergic to ondansetron, its inactive ingredients, or similar drugs such as dolasetron, granisetron, or palonosetron. Avoid it if you are taking apomorphine, as this can cause severe low blood pressure and loss of consciousness.

Other warnings and precautions

Before starting Zofran, inform your provider if you have:

  • Long QT syndrome or family history of QT prolongation
  • Heart failure or slow heartbeat
  • Phenylketonuria (ODTs contain phenylalanine)
  • Liver disease
  • Digestive tract blockage

Is Zofran safe during pregnancy or breastfeeding?

Discuss risks and benefits with your healthcare provider if pregnant or breastfeeding. Animal studies show Zofran in breast milk; infants should be monitored for drowsiness or feeding difficulties.

Does Zofran help a hangover?

Zofran can reduce nausea from overdrinking but does not treat other hangover symptoms. Use only under provider guidance; alcohol may worsen Zofran side effects.

Related Medications

  • Kytril (granisetron)
  • Aloxi (palonosetron)
  • Emend (aprepitant)
  • Reglan (metoclopramide)
  • Phenergan (promethazine)

Sources

  • Ondansetron (Rx). Medscape. Accessed Aug. 12, 2024.
  • Zofran Tablets, Oral Solution, and Injection (Product Monograph). Novartis. Accessed Aug. 12, 2024.
  • Zofran. Prescriber’s Digital Reference. Accessed Aug. 12, 2024.
  • Ondansetron hydrochloride – ondansetron solution. DailyMed. Accessed Aug. 12, 2024.
  • Ondansetron hydrochloride tablet, film-coated; orally disintegrating. DailyMed. Accessed Aug. 12, 2024.
  • Zofran – ondansetron hydrochloride tablet, film-coated. DailyMed. Accessed Aug. 12, 2024.