No cough syrup when driving a car

Fluine codeine like cough syrup can make you tired

11.10.2012

Cough syrup and other medicines for flu can reduce the ability of motorists to react because they cause tiredness after a while. As the Automobile Association advocates driver protection (KS), motorists should not drive a car after taking the medicine.

Although some drugs contain the cardiovascular caffeine, it lasts after a short time in its effect. But because above all cough syrup the cough suppressant „codeine“ Symptoms such as fatigue and limited attention are triggered. Also some flu remedies contain this effective substance.

Car driver carries full responsibility after accident with medication
The club therefore advises patients, „study the leaflet carefully or consult the doctor or pharmacist for the side effects“. It is important to find out whether the prescribed medicine may impair the ability to drive. Not infrequently, accidents happen due to the change or side effects of medication. Anyone who causes an accident on the road under the influence of medication gets, according to the Automobile Club „the full responsibility“ attributed. This is similar to when a driver drove under the influence of alcohol.

Experts estimate that around 3.3 percent of all accidents are due to the influence of medicines. For some time now, the EU has been planning to design a level label according to the law. (Sb)

Also read:
Cough syrup can cost driver's license
For colds, the medicine can do nothing

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