Medication Safety and Management of Side Effects Unwanted or unexpected reactions to a medication or treatment.

Considerations when drinking alcohol

Some prescription medications A medication that is only available with written instructions from a healthcare provider (e.g., doctor, dentist, pharmacist). , over-the-counter A medication that can be bought without a prescription (doctor’s orders). For example, acetaminophen. medications, and natural health products Naturally occurring substances that can be used in products to maintain or restore health. Common natural health products include vitamins, minerals, and substances that come from a natural source (e.g., omega-3 fatty acids). can be harmful if taken with alcohol.

Mixing alcohol with certain medications may cause:

  • Nausea
  • Vomiting
  • Headaches
  • Drowsiness
  • Fainting
  • Loss of coordination
  • Internal bleeding
  • Heart problems
  • Difficulties breathing

In addition to these risks, alcohol can make some medications less effective or may make the medication toxic to your body. Even if alcohol and medications are not taken at the same time, the interaction can still be harmful based on the length of time that the alcohol or the medications have been in your body.

It is important to check with your pharmacy team or your healthcare provider if any of the medications (prescription medications A medication that is only available with written instructions from a healthcare provider (e.g., doctor, dentist, pharmacist). , over-the-counter A medication that can be bought without a prescription (doctor’s orders). For example, acetaminophen. medications, and natural health products Naturally occurring substances that can be used in products to maintain or restore health. Common natural health products include vitamins, minerals, and substances that come from a natural source (e.g., omega-3 fatty acids). ) you are taking should not be mixed with alcohol.

Alcohol and Antibiotics

It is often recommended not to consume alcohol when taking antibiotics Class of medications used to treat bacterial infections by killing or inhibiting bacterial growth. . Alcohol consumption does not typically affect the effectiveness of an antibiotic, but it can interfere with the body’s ability to fight the infection. Consuming alcohol while taking antibiotics Class of medications used to treat bacterial infections by killing or inhibiting bacterial growth. may also increase side effects Unwanted or unexpected reactions to a medication or treatment. such as dizziness, drowsiness, and nausea.

Talk with your healthcare providers about consuming alcohol and antibiotics Class of medications used to treat bacterial infections by killing or inhibiting bacterial growth. at the same time.

References

National Institute on Alcohol Abuse and Alcoholism. (2014). Harmful interactions: Mixing alcohol with medicines. https://www.niaaa.nih.gov/sites/default/files/publications/NIAAA_Harmful_Interactions_English.pdf