Can you drink alcohol while taking Zofran?
By
Dr Natalia Marceli Stephanes (PhD)
Author bio
Dr Natália Marcéli Stephanes PhD is a Pharmacist with expertise in Drugs Administration and Toxicity; Discovery of New Drugs; Cancer Treatment; Biochemical Analyzes and Hematological Analyzes. She writes and reviews content on these topics.
Dr Natália Marcéli Stephanes’ Highlights:
- Pharmacist at the Department of Health of Santa Catarina State, Brazil
- PhD with a focus on oncology treatment
- Years of experience in commercial pharmacy
- Bachelor, Master and PhD degrees in Pharmacy at the Federal University of Santa Catarina
Professional Experience:
From her undergraduate studies to her Master’s and Doctorate degrees in Pharmacy, Dr Natália Marcéli Stephanes has participated in numerous scientific studies in the field of oncology and onco-hematology at the University Hospital of the Federal University of Santa Catarina, Brazil. Her research has focused on understanding the molecular and biochemical bases of malignant neoplasms and investigating safer and more effective therapeutic alternatives.
Dr Natália Marcéli Stephanes has also served as an assistant professor of haematology for undergraduate students at the Federal University of Santa Catarina. Additionally, she held the position of professor of Hospital Pharmacy at the Qualificar Technical School in Brazil, where she developed instructional materials for use in the Pharmacy Postgraduate Program at the Leonardo Da Vinci University Center.
In addition to her academic experiences, Dr Natália Marcéli Stephanes possesses a strong expertise in commercial pharmacy, with in-depth knowledge of medications, their routes of administration, desired effects, adverse effects, and toxicity.
Currently, Dr Natália Marcéli Stephanes works as a Pharmacist at the Health Department of Santa Catarina State, where her role entails providing pharmaceutical scientific consulting services to judges.
Education:
- 2016 Bachelor in Pharmacy at the Federal University of Santa Catarina, Brazil
- 2018 Master in Pharmacy at the Federal University of Santa Catarina, Brazil
- 2023 PhD in Pharmacy at the Federal University of Santa Catarina, Brazil
The main publications of Dr Natália Marcéli Stephanes are:
Falchetti M ; Delgobo M, Zancanaro H, Almeida K, Das Neves RN, Dos Santos B, Stefanes NM, et al. Bishop Omics-based identification of an NRF2-related auranofin resistance signature in cancer: Insights into drug repurposing. Comput. Biol. Med [Internet]. 2023; 152:106347.
Feuser PM, Matos dos Santos PC, Cordeiro AP, Stefanes NM, Walter LO, Maioral MF, Santos-Silva MC, et al. Antineoplastic activity of free 4-nitrochalcone and encapsulated in poly(thioether-ester) nanoparticles obtained by thiol-ene polymerization in two human leukemia cell lines (Jurkat and K562). J Drug Deliv Sci Technol [Internet]. 2022; 67:102924.
Jacques AV, Stefanes NM, Walter LO, Perondi DM, Efe FL, Souza LFS, Sens L, et al. Synthesis of chalcones derived from 1-naphthylacetophenone and evaluation of their cytotoxic and apoptotic effects in acute leukemia cell lines. Bioorg. Chem [Internet]. 2021; 116:105315.
Duarte BF, Vieira DSC, Lisboa ML, Stefanes NM, Grando LJ, Santos-Silva MC. Características clínico-epidemiológicas de pacientes portadores de carcinoma de células escamosas de boca. Arquivos Catarinenses de Medicina. 2021; 50(2): 232–245.
Machado V, Jacques AV, Stefanes NM, Santos-Silva MC, Biavatti MW. Anti-leukemic activity of semisynthetic derivatives of Lupeol. Nat. Prod. Res. 2021; 35(22):4494-4501.
Bigolin A, Maioral MF, Stefanes NM, Mascarello A, Chiaradia-Delatorre LD, Nunes RJ, Yunes RA, et al. A novel sulfonamide derivative as a strong and selective apoptotic agent against hematological malignancies. Chem. Pap. 2020; 74:2965–2976.
Bigolin A, Maioral MF, Stefanes NM, Zatelli GA, Philippus AC, Falkenberg MB, Santos-Silva MC. Cytotoxic mechanisms of primin, a natural quinone isolated from Eugenia hiemalis, on hematological cancer cell lines. Anticancer Drugs. 2020; 31(7):709-717.
Maioral MF, Stefanes NM, Neufeldt PD, Chiaradia-Delatorre LD, Nunes RJ, Santos-Silva MC. Aldehyde biphenyl chalcones induce immunogenic apoptotic-like cell death and are promising new safe compounds against a wide range of hematologic cancers. Future Med. Chem. 2020; 12(8):673–688.
Perondi DM, Jacques AV, Stefanes NM, Maioral MF, Sens L, Pacheco LA, Cury NM, et al. A novel thiosemicarbazone as a promising effective and selective compound for acute leukemia. Anticancer Drugs. 2019; 30(8):p 828-837.
Rengifo AFC, Stefanes NM, Toigo J, Mendes C, Argenta DF, Dotto MER, Santos-Silva MC, et al. PEO-chitosan nanofibers containing carboxymethyl-hexanoyl chitosan/dodecyl sulfate nanoparticles loaded with pyrazoline for skin cancer treatment. Eur. Polym. J. 2019; 119:335-343.
Rengifo AFC, Stefanes NM, Toigo J, Mendes C, Santos-Silva MC, Nunes RJ, Parize AL, et al. A new and efficient carboxymethyl-hexanoyl chitosan/dodecyl sulfate nanocarrier for a pyrazoline with antileukemic activity. Mater. Sci. Eng. C [Internet]. 2019; 105:110051.
Maioral MF, Stefanes NM, Bigolin A, Zatelli GA, Philippus AC, Falkenberg MB, Santos-Silva MC. Miconidine acetate, a new selective and cytotoxic compound with synergic potential, induces cell cycle arrest and apoptosis in leukemia cells. Invest. New Drugs. 2019; 37:912–922.
Srefanes NM, Toigo J, Maioral MF, Jacques AV, Chiaradia-Delatorre LD, Perondi DM, Ribeiro AAB, et al. Synthesis of novel pyrazoline derivatives and the evaluation of death mechanisms involved in their antileukemic activity. Bioorg. Med. Chem. 2019; 27(2):375-382.
Maioral MF, Bodack CN, Stefanes NM, Bigolin A, Mascarello A, Chiaradia-Delatorre LD, Yunes RA, et al. Cytotoxic effect of a novel naphthylchalcone against multiple cancer cells focusing on hematologic malignancies. Biochim. 2017; 140:48-57.
You can view some of Dr Natália’s work below and links to her professional profile below.
Research Gate: https://www.researchgate.net/profile/Natalia-Stephanes
Linkedin: https://www.linkedin.com/in/nataliamarceli/
Can you drink alcohol while taking Zofran?
The use of alcohol while taking Zofran should be avoided. Although there is no known interaction between alcohol and Zofran (Ondansetron), the combination can result in decreased activity of the drug and some additive side effects could be expected (1).
Zofran is commonly used to control nausea and vomiting caused by a number of reasons. Since alcohol induces nausea and vomiting, you can imagine how it would make your Zofran ineffective.
Drinking alcohol while you’re being nauseous is something you shouldn’t do, even if you’re not taking any medication. Alcohol is associated with enough health risks of its own and it’s best to cut back on it as much as possible (2).
However, some research studies have indicated that Ondansetron can reduce alcohol cravings and help in alcohol cessation (3). It is best to talk to your healthcare provider before combining these two together.
Potential risks of drinking alcohol while taking Zofran
Drinking alcohol while taking Zofran (ondansetron) can potentially lead to adverse effects and is generally not recommended. Both alcohol and Zofran can cause drowsiness and impair cognitive functions. Combining the two can intensify these effects, leading to an increased risk of accidents or injuries. (1,2)
Moreover, alcohol can worsen certain side effects of Zofran, such as dizziness, lightheadedness, and fainting. It may also interfere with the medication’s effectiveness in preventing nausea and vomiting.
Another concern is that alcohol can add stress to the liver, and Zofran is also metabolized by the liver. The chronic use of alcohol and Zofran may put extra strain on the liver, potentially leading to liver damage or impaired liver function. (1,2)
Additionally, Zofran is often prescribed to manage nausea and vomiting, which may be symptoms of an underlying condition. Drinking alcohol while being treated for such conditions can hinder the diagnosis and treatment process, as alcohol can mask symptoms and make it harder for healthcare providers to assess your health accurately.
What to do if you have consumed alcohol while taking Zofran?
If you have consumed alcohol while taking Zofran, it’s essential to take certain steps to ensure your safety and well-being (1,2).
However, it’s important to note that the effects of alcohol consumption can vary, depending on the amount of alcohol consumed, the concentration of Zofran in your body at the time of alcohol consumption, and your overall health status (1,2).
If you have consumed alcohol, it’s recommended to stop drinking any more alcohol. If you experience any unusual or severe side effects after consuming alcohol and Zofran together, seek medical attention promptly.
These side effects may include rapid or irregular heartbeat, difficulty breathing, or severe drowsiness. It’s essential to get medical help to ensure any potential complications are addressed timely.
It is also important to avoid operating heavy machinery or engaging in activities that require alertness and focus while under the influence of alcohol and Zofran. The combination can impair your cognitive abilities, making it unsafe to perform certain tasks.
To prevent such situations in the future, always follow your healthcare provider’s advice regarding the use of Zofran and avoid drinking alcohol while taking the medication. If you have questions or concerns about Zofran’s use, potential interactions, or its side effects, consult your healthcare provider for guidance.
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References
1.-
Griddine A, Bush JS. Ondansetron. 2023 Feb 15. In: StatPearls [Internet]. Treasure Island (FL): StatPearls Publishing; 2023 Jan–. PMID: 29763014. https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/books/NBK499839
2.-
Rehm J. The risks associated with alcohol use and alcoholism. Alcohol Res Health. 2011;34(2):135-43. PMID: 22330211; PMCID: PMC3307043. https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/22330211/
3.-
Swift RM, Davidson D, Whelihan W, Kuznetsov O. Ondansetron alters human alcohol intoxication. Biol Psychiatry. 1996 Sep 15;40(6):514-21. doi: 10.1016/0006-3223(95)00432-7. PMID: 8879472. https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/8879472/
