Concept
Alcohol Interactions
HE A LTH EDUC A TION H E A L T H 1 0 0 V E R S I O N 3 / Prescription Drugs
"Mixing alcohol with certain medications can cause nausea and vomiting, headaches, drowsiness, fainting, or loss of coordination. It also can put you at risk for internal bleeding, heart problems, and difficulties in breathing. Alcohol can make a medication less effective or even useless, or it may make the medication harmful or toxic to your body. Some medicines that you might never have suspected can react with alcohol, including many medications that can be purchased over the counter. Even some herbal remedies can have harmful effects when combined with alcohol. Alcohol, like some medicines, can make you sleepy, drowsy, or lightheaded. Drinking alcohol while taking medicines can intensify these effects, causing trouble concentrating or performing mechanical skills. Small amounts of alcohol can make it dangerous to drive, and combining alcohol with some medicines can lead to falls and serious injuries. Some medications, including many popular painkillers and cough, cold, and allergy remedies, contain more than one ingredient that can react with alcohol. Some medicines contain alcohol, including cough syrup and laxatives, which may have some of the highest alcohol concentrations. Read the medication label and ask your pharmacist or other health care provider if you have questions about how alcohol might interact with a drug."
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