Alcohol consumption skyrocketed in 2020. While usage has tapered since the peak of the pandemic, providers should continue to talk to patients about their relationship with alcohol and encourage healthy habits. We recently updated both our Beer and Wine monographs with a thorough review of all drug interactions. For patients who drink alcohol, make sure to review the medications they’re taking and explain which drugs are never okay to mix with a drink.
Antibiotics are one class to watch out for. Certain drugs are more concerning than others, so there tends to be confusion about whether it’s okay to drink alcohol or not. One to keep an eye on is erythromycin. Erythromycin can increase blood alcohol levels and the effects of drinking, making patients feel more intoxicated than anticipated. Similarly, taking metronidazole with alcohol might cause a disulfiram-like reaction – leading to nausea and general hangover-like symptoms. There’s some controversy over how likely this is to occur, but the general consensus is to avoid drinking while taking metronidazole. Additionally, patients might not realize that certain antibiotics such as doxycycline might be less effective in patients who are regular drinkers. If patients aren’t able to stop drinking, providers might consider an alternative drug.
Also talk to patients about antihypertensive drugs. Chronic drinking can cause hypertension. But moderate drinking while taking antihypertensive drugs can increase the effects of these drugs, leading to hypotension. Additionally, drinking red wine can rapidly increase blood levels of extended-release felodipine and its side effects. Advise patients taking extended-release felodipine to avoid red wine specifically.
There are many other drug-alcohol interactions to watch out for, including interactions with painkillers and antidepressants. There are a lot of factors to consider – you’ll note in our specific interaction entries that some concerns might only be related to binge drinking, while others might apply only to chronic drinkers. Check out our monographs, and take advantage of our Interaction Checker to learn more.
Related topic:
The information in this brief report is intended for informational purposes only, and is meant to help users better understand health concerns. This information should not be interpreted as specific medical advice. Users should consult with a qualified healthcare provider for specific questions regarding therapies, diagnosis and/or health conditions, prior to making therapeutic decisions. Copyright © 2024 NatMed. Commercial distribution or reproduction prohibited. NatMed is the leading provider of high-quality, evidence-based, clinically-relevant information on natural medicine, dietary supplements, herbs, vitamins, minerals, functional foods, diets, complementary practices, CAM modalities, exercises and medical conditions. Monograph sections include interactions with herbs, drugs, foods and labs, contraindications, depletions, dosing, toxicology, adverse effects, pregnancy and lactation data, synonyms, safety and effectiveness.
