Many prescription and over-the-counter medicines interact with alcohol. For example, drinking while taking a diabetes medicine such as metformin (Glucophage) could result in very low blood sugar levels. Drinking while taking medicine for heartburn such as cimetidine (Tagamet) or ranitidine (Zantac) could result in a fast heartbeat.
Common medicines that interact with alcohol include:
- Acetaminophen (such as Tylenol).
- Antibiotics.
- Antihistamines.
- Tranquilizers.
- Aspirin and other medicines to prevent clotting of blood (anticoagulants).
- Some medicines to treat depression (antidepressants).
- Medicines to treat diabetes (hypoglycemics).
If you are taking any over-the-counter or prescription medicine, ask your doctor or pharmacist whether you can safely drink alcohol.
Credits
| Author | Jeannette Curtis |
| Author | Paul Lehnert |
| Editor | Roya Camp |
| Editor | Katy E. Magee, MA |
| Associate Editor | Terrina Vail |
| Primary Medical Reviewer | Adam Husney, MD - Family Medicine |
| Specialist Medical Reviewer | James R. McKay, PhD - Psychology |
| Last Updated | February 15, 2008 |
Paul Lehnert
James R. McKay, PhD - Psychology
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