Yes, swallowing Listerine can cause intoxication due to its high alcohol content, but it’s extremely dangerous and not recommended.
The Alcohol Content in Listerine Explained
Listerine is a popular mouthwash known for killing bacteria and freshening breath. However, many people don’t realize it contains a significant amount of alcohol. Most varieties of Listerine contain between 21% and 27% alcohol by volume (ABV), which is comparable to some liquors like vodka or whiskey. This high concentration is included to boost antiseptic properties, helping to kill germs effectively.
This means that the mouthwash isn’t just a mild rinse — it’s essentially a potent alcoholic solution. Despite this, it’s formulated for topical use only and not intended for ingestion. Swallowing even a small amount can introduce a dangerous dose of alcohol into the body quickly.
How Much Alcohol Is in Listerine Compared to Common Drinks?
To get a clearer picture of how strong Listerine really is, here’s a comparison table showing the alcohol content of Listerine versus some common alcoholic beverages:
| Product | Alcohol By Volume (ABV) | Typical Serving Size |
|---|---|---|
| Listerine Mouthwash | 21% – 27% | 20 ml (approximate mouthwash use) |
| Vodka | 40% | 44 ml (1.5 oz shot) |
| Beer | 4% – 6% | 355 ml (12 oz bottle) |
| Wine | 12% – 15% | 148 ml (5 oz glass) |
While vodka has nearly double the ABV of Listerine, the amount people typically swallow from mouthwash is much less than a standard shot. However, because Listerine isn’t designed for drinking, even small quantities can cause intoxication and poisoning.
The Dangers of Swallowing Listerine: Can You Get Drunk From Listerine?
Swallowing mouthwash like Listerine to get drunk is extremely risky. The alcohol present isn’t just ethanol; many formulations contain other toxic ingredients such as menthol, eucalyptol, thymol, methyl salicylate, and various essential oils. These compounds can cause serious side effects beyond alcohol intoxication.
Here are some dangers linked to ingesting Listerine:
- Alcohol Poisoning: The high ethanol content can rapidly raise blood alcohol levels leading to dizziness, vomiting, confusion, or unconsciousness.
- Toxicity from Other Ingredients: Menthol and methyl salicylate can irritate the stomach lining or cause systemic toxicity.
- Liver Damage: Excessive exposure to these chemicals stresses the liver and other organs.
- Respiratory Issues: Aspiration or inhalation of mouthwash can cause breathing difficulties.
- Chemical Burns: The strong antiseptic agents may irritate or burn the mucous membranes in the mouth and throat.
Even small amounts swallowed accidentally can lead to nausea and discomfort. Larger amounts pose serious health risks requiring immediate medical attention.
The Onset of Intoxication from Mouthwash Alcohol
The ethanol in Listerine is absorbed through the gastrointestinal tract just like any alcoholic beverage. Because it’s highly concentrated and consumed quickly when swallowed straight, blood alcohol concentration (BAC) can spike rapidly.
Symptoms of intoxication from swallowing mouthwash include:
- Euphoria or dizziness
- Nausea and vomiting
- Drowsiness or loss of coordination
- Confusion or impaired judgment
- In severe cases: respiratory depression or unconsciousness
The problem is that unlike drinking liquor slowly over time, gulping mouthwash delivers a shock dose that overwhelms the body’s ability to metabolize alcohol safely.
Mouthwash Abuse: Why Do People Swallow Louthwashes Like Listerine?
Unfortunately, some individuals misuse products like Listerine as an alternative source of alcohol. This practice is sometimes seen among those struggling with alcoholism who lack access to traditional alcoholic beverages.
Reasons behind this dangerous behavior include:
- Addiction-driven desperation: Inability to obtain liquor leads people to consume non-beverage sources.
- Chemical dependence: Alcohol-dependent individuals might use any available source regardless of toxicity.
- Lack of awareness: Some may not realize how harmful swallowing mouthwash can be.
This form of abuse is hazardous because mouthwashes contain toxic additives not found in drinks meant for consumption. It also complicates treatment since symptoms overlap with both poisoning and intoxication.
The Role of Denaturing Agents in Mouthwashes
To discourage ingestion, many commercial mouthwashes include denaturing agents — chemicals added specifically to make them taste bitter or cause unpleasant sensations if swallowed.
Some common denaturants are:
- Bitterants like denatonium benzoate (Bitrex)
- Methanol or isopropanol additives (in small quantities)
- Pungent essential oils such as eucalyptol or thymol
These substances make swallowing unpleasant but don’t eliminate the risk entirely since determined individuals may consume large volumes regardless.
The Legal and Safety Regulations Around Alcohol in Mouthwashes
Regulatory agencies such as the FDA closely monitor products containing ethanol that are not intended for drinking. Mouthwashes like Listerine must meet safety standards dictating maximum allowable concentrations and ingredient disclosures on labels.
Manufacturers must clearly state warnings about ingestion risks on packaging. Despite these measures, accidental poisonings still occur—especially among children who might mistake mouthwash for juice due to its color and scent.
Some countries have pushed for reduced alcohol content in oral hygiene products or introduced alcohol-free alternatives to minimize misuse potential without compromising efficacy.
The Rise of Alcohol-Free Mouthwashes as Safer Alternatives
In response to concerns about intoxication and poisoning risks from traditional formulas, many brands now offer alcohol-free versions of their products. These rely on alternative antiseptics such as cetylpyridinium chloride or chlorhexidine instead of ethanol.
Alcohol-free mouthwashes provide effective germ-killing benefits without the dangers associated with swallowing high-proof solutions. They’re especially recommended for:
- Younger users prone to accidental ingestion
- Sensitive mouths irritated by alcohol-based rinses
- Addiction recovery patients avoiding all forms of ethanol exposure
Switching to these safer options reduces risks while maintaining oral health benefits.
Treatment Steps If Someone Swallows Listerine Intentionally or Accidentally
If someone swallows a significant amount of Listerine — either accidentally or intentionally — immediate action is critical:
- Do not induce vomiting.
- Call emergency services right away.
- If conscious and alert: Rinse their mouth thoroughly with water but avoid giving anything else orally unless advised by poison control.
- If symptoms worsen: Loss of consciousness, difficulty breathing, seizures — call emergency responders immediately.
Medical professionals will assess blood alcohol levels along with potential toxicity from other ingredients. Treatment may involve supportive care such as oxygen administration, intravenous fluids, activated charcoal to limit absorption if within hours post-ingestion, and monitoring vital signs closely.
Quick response improves outcomes dramatically since complications like respiratory depression can be life-threatening without intervention.
The Importance of Poison Control Centers in Such Cases
Poison control centers are invaluable resources when dealing with chemical ingestions including mouthwash poisoning. They provide expert guidance on first aid steps tailored specifically for each case based on product ingredients ingested and patient factors like age or weight.
Contacting poison control immediately after ingestion ensures proper triage — sometimes hospitalization isn’t necessary but professional advice is crucial nonetheless.
Key Takeaways: Can You Get Drunk From Listerine?
➤ Contains alcohol but not meant for drinking.
➤ Ingesting can cause serious health risks.
➤ Not a safe or legal way to get intoxicated.
➤ Can lead to poisoning or alcohol poisoning.
➤ Always use as directed on the label.
Frequently Asked Questions
Can You Get Drunk From Listerine Mouthwash?
Yes, it is possible to get drunk from swallowing Listerine due to its high alcohol content, which ranges from 21% to 27% ABV. However, this is extremely dangerous and not recommended because Listerine contains toxic ingredients not meant for ingestion.
How Much Alcohol Is in Listerine Compared to Drinks?
Listerine contains between 21% and 27% alcohol by volume, which is similar to some liquors like vodka or whiskey. Despite the high alcohol content, the typical amount swallowed is much less than a standard alcoholic drink, but still enough to cause intoxication and poisoning.
What Are the Risks of Getting Drunk From Listerine?
Swallowing Listerine can lead to alcohol poisoning, chemical burns, respiratory problems, and toxicity from other ingredients like menthol and methyl salicylate. These compounds can cause serious side effects beyond just intoxication, making ingestion very hazardous.
Is It Safe to Use Listerine If You Are Concerned About Alcohol Intake?
Listerine is designed for topical use only and should never be swallowed. If you are concerned about alcohol intake or have a sensitivity, consider using alcohol-free mouthwash alternatives that do not pose the risks associated with ingesting ethanol-containing products.
Can Small Amounts of Swallowed Listerine Cause Intoxication?
Yes, even small amounts of swallowed Listerine can introduce a dangerous dose of alcohol quickly. Because it contains potent antiseptic agents and other toxic chemicals, swallowing any amount can be harmful and potentially lead to intoxication or poisoning.
The Bottom Line – Can You Get Drunk From Listerine?
Yes — you absolutely can get drunk from swallowing Listerine because it contains high levels of ethanol similar to that found in liquors. However, getting intoxicated this way comes with serious health risks due to toxic additives not present in regular alcoholic drinks.
Listerine was never designed nor tested for human consumption beyond rinsing your mouth briefly then spitting out. Using it as an intoxicant puts your liver, digestive system, respiratory function—and overall safety—at grave risk.
If you’re concerned about someone misusing mouthwash or struggling with addiction issues involving non-beverage sources of alcohol like Listerine, professional help should be sought immediately.
Choosing safer oral hygiene options such as alcohol-free rinses helps reduce temptation while preserving oral health benefits without endangering your wellbeing.
Remember: Mouthwash keeps your breath fresh—not your head buzzed!