GIF Explains Why Drugs and Alcohol Are a Dangerous Combination

Drinking alcohol during pharmacological treatment is a risk that many patients still underestimate. Meanwhile, interactions between alcohol and medications can lead to dangerous effects - from weakening the effect of medicinal substances, through poisoning, to life-threatening reactions of the body. The Chief Pharmaceutical Inspectorate has prepared a short publication warning against dangerous interactions that can be caused by drinking alcohol while taking medications.

Alcohol affects the metabolism of drugs and the functioning of many body systems. It can:

• strengthen or weaken the effects of drugs ,

• change the way they are absorbed, broken down and excreted ,

• cause adverse reactions , even after consuming a small dose.

In particular, you should be careful with the following groups of drugs:

Combining alcohol with sedatives, sleeping pills, antidepressants or antipsychotics can lead to a significant slowing down of the brain and, in extreme cases, to inhibition of breathing.

Particularly dangerous are:

• barbiturates,

• benzodiazepines,

• antidepressants,

• some antihypertensive drugs (e.g. clonidine, reserpine),

• older generation antihistamines (promethazine, hydroxyzine, clemastine),

• cold preparations containing pseudoephedrine, dextromethorphan, codeine.

• Paracetamol combined with alcohol has a hepatotoxic effect – it can lead to liver damage.

• Nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drugs (NSAIDs) , such as ibuprofen, naproxen, diclofenac, increase the risk of gastrointestinal bleeding and the development of peptic ulcer disease.

Some antibiotics and antifungals can cause a so-called disulfiram-like reaction , or acetaldehyde poisoning. Symptoms include:

• nausea and vomiting,

• sudden reddening of the face,

• pressure drop,

• heart palpitations,

• feeling of shortness of breath and anxiety.

Drugs particularly susceptible to this interaction:

• metronidazole, tinidazole,

• nifuroxazide, furagin,

• some cephalosporins,

• ketoconazole,

• procarbazine (anticancer drug).

Alcohol may interfere with:

• beta-blockers (atenolol, metoprolol, propranolol),

• calcium channel blockers (verapamil, felodipine, amlodipine),

• angiotensin-converting enzyme inhibitors (ACEI) ,

• sartans ,

• diuretics (water tablets) .

The result may be dangerous blood pressure fluctuations, dizziness, fainting and heart rhythm disturbances.

Alcohol interferes with gluconeogenesis and can enhance the effects of insulin and oral medications, causing an uncontrolled drop in blood sugar levels ( hypoglycemia ). This can lead to serious and even life-threatening complications.

It is particularly risky to combine alcohol with:

• insulin,

• sulfonylurea drugs (e.g. gliclazide),

• metformin – in extreme cases, lactic acidosis may occur.

• Alcohol may reduce the effectiveness of hormonal contraception , increasing the risk of unplanned pregnancy.

• In combination with drugs that enhance sexual performance (e.g. sildenafil, tadalafil), it increases the risk of side effects from the cardiovascular system.

✅ Always read the drug leaflet – manufacturers clearly state that alcohol is not permitted. ✅ Consult a doctor or pharmacist – if you are not sure whether you can drink alcohol, ask a specialist. ✅ Avoid alcohol during treatment – ​​even if there is no explicit prohibition, be careful.