Chicago Basset On-Premise Server Practice Test

Analgesics and cough medicines can increase the signs of intoxication. Is this statement true or false?

1. True

2. False

3. Only true for prescription medications

4. Depends on the dosage

The correct answer is: True

The statement is true because both analgesics, particularly those that contain opioids, and certain cough medicines can potentiate the effects of alcohol and other depressants on the central nervous system. This can lead to increased signs of intoxication, such as drowsiness, impaired motor coordination, and diminished cognitive function. When these types of medications are consumed alongside alcohol, they can enhance each other's sedative effects, increasing the risk of overdose and serious impairment. This interaction is particularly concerning with over-the-counter cough medicines that contain dextromethorphan, which can also exhibit depressant characteristics when taken in high doses. While it might seem that prescription medications have a more defined role in this interaction, the potential for any analgesic or cough medicine to increase signs of intoxication is valid across the board, not just limited to prescribed options. Similarly, while dosage can play a role in the severity of these effects, the statement's overarching truth about the interaction stands regardless. Thus, this makes the assertion accurate.