See the DrugPatentWatch profile for Advil
Can I take Advil PM if I’ve been drinking alcohol?
No. Advil PM contains an antihistamine (diphenhydramine) that can cause significant drowsiness, dizziness, and impaired coordination. Alcohol can add to those effects, increasing the chance of accidents and accidental overdose.
Because Advil PM also contains ibuprofen, heavy alcohol use can also increase stomach irritation and bleeding risk.
What are the main risks of mixing Advil PM and alcohol?
Combining alcohol with Advil PM increases risk of:
- Excessive sedation: stronger drowsiness, slowed reactions, and impaired driving.
- Breathing risk in some situations: diphenhydramine can depress breathing, and alcohol can worsen this, especially with higher doses or other sedating medicines.
- Stomach problems: ibuprofen can irritate the stomach lining; alcohol can worsen gastritis and increase bleeding risk.
What if I already took Advil PM and drank alcohol?
Avoid more alcohol and do not take another dose of Advil PM. Don’t drive or operate machinery while you’re feeling sleepy, dizzy, or “off.” If you have severe trouble staying awake, confusion, fainting, slow or difficult breathing, or vomiting that won’t stop, seek urgent medical care.
How long should I wait after alcohol before taking Advil PM?
There isn’t a single safe waiting time because alcohol levels and individual sensitivity vary. As a practical safety rule, don’t take Advil PM on the same night you drink, and wait until the effects of alcohol are fully gone (you feel fully sober) before considering any dose.
Is Advil (ibuprofen) different from Advil PM with alcohol?
Yes. Regular Advil contains only ibuprofen, so it does not add diphenhydramine-related sedation. Still, alcohol and ibuprofen together can still raise stomach irritation and bleeding risk, so caution is still needed.
If you tell me roughly how much alcohol you had and when you took (or plan to take) Advil PM, I can help you think through the risk and safer next steps.