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Harmful Interactions: Mixing Alcohol with Medicine

Internet URL

http://pubs.niaaa.nih.gov/publications/Medicine/medicine.htm  

This document also available in Spanish

Sponsoring Agency

National Institute on Alcohol Abuse and Alcoholism, National Institutes of Health

Description

You’ve probably seen this warning on medicines you’ve taken. The danger is real. Mixing alcohol with certain medications can cause nausea and vomiting; headaches; drowsiness; fainting; loss of coordination; and can put you at risk for internal bleeding, heart problems, and difficulties in breathing. Alcohol also can decrease the effectiveness of a medication or make it totally ineffective.

Related Topics

Review Date

4/25/2007