Food and medication
Alcohol and medication
Alcohol can add to a medicine’s side effects, such as drowsiness, dizziness, low blood pressure, low blood sugar, stomach bleeding or strain on the liver.
168 medicines on our checker are affected, and for 27 the advice is to avoid it. Tap a medicine for every food and drink that matters with it.
Avoid alcohol with these medicines
- Antibiotics
Completely avoid alcohol with metronidazole or tinidazole; continue avoiding 48 hours (metronidazole) or 72 hours (tinidazole) after stopping.
Where this comes from
“It's best to completely avoid alcohol while taking: metronidazole – an antibiotic sometimes used for dental or vaginal infections, skin infections, infected leg ulcers and pressure sores tinidazole – an antibiotic sometimes used to treat many of the same infections as metronidazole, as well as to help clear bacteria called Helicobacter pylori (H. pylori) from the gut Continue to avoid alcohol for 48 hours after you stop taking metronidazole and 72 hours after you stop taking tinidazole.”
Information from the NHS website - Chlorphenamine · Piriton, Allerief, Pollenase
Alcohol increases drowsiness from chlorphenamine and can make you feel very sleepy.
Where this comes from
“It's best not to drink alcohol while you're taking chlorphenamine, as it can make you feel very sleepy.”
Information from the NHS website - Citalopram
For citalopram, alcohol can increase your risk of side effects, so it's best not to drink it.
Where this comes from
“It's best not to drink alcohol while taking citalopram because it can increase your risk of getting side effects.”
Information from the NHS website - Clonazepam
Alcohol boosts clonazepam's effects, which can cause breathing problems and make it very difficult to wake up.
Where this comes from
“Alcohol can increase the effects of the medicine, which can cause breathing problems and make it very difficult to wake up.”
Information from the NHS website - Diazepam
Alcohol enhances the sedative effect of diazepam.
Where this comes from
“Concomitant use with alcohol is not recommended due to enhancement of the sedative effect.”
US FDA drug label - Dihydrocodeine
With dihydrocodeine, alcohol can add to drowsiness, so it is best avoided.
Where this comes from
“it's best not to drink alcohol because it can make you feel sleepy”
Information from the NHS website - Diphenhydramine · Nytol Original, Boots Sleepeaze, Histergan
Alcohol makes you sleep very deeply with diphenhydramine and you will not be able to breathe properly.
Where this comes from
“Do not drink alcohol while you're taking diphenhydramine. Alcohol and diphenhydramine together can make you sleep very deeply. You will not be able to breathe properly, and you may have difficulty waking up.”
Information from the NHS website - Fluoxetine
With fluoxetine, alcohol can increase side effects such as feeling very sleepy, so it's best avoided.
Where this comes from
“It's best to not to drink alcohol while taking fluoxetine because it can increase the risk of side effects, such as feeling very sleepy (drowsy).”
Information from the NHS website - Ibuprofen and codeine · Nurofen Plus
Alcohol makes you more sleepy and increases the risk of serious side effects with ibuprofen and codeine.
Where this comes from
“Drinking alcohol while you're taking combined ibuprofen and codeine can make you feel more sleepy or increase the risk of serious side effects.”
Information from the NHS website - Isotretinoin · Roaccutane
Alcohol could cause liver problems when taken with isotretinoin.
Where this comes from
“It's best to not drink alcohol while taking isotretinoin because it could cause liver problems.”
Information from the NHS website - Lorazepam
Alcohol boosts lorazepam's effects and can cause breathing problems and make it very difficult to wake up.
Where this comes from
“Do not drink alcohol while taking lorazepam. Alcohol can increase the effects of the medicine, which can cause breathing problems and make it very difficult to wake up.”
Information from the NHS website - MAOIs · phenelzine, nardil, tranylcypromine
The phenelzine label lists beer and wine to avoid and says not to combine it with alcohol.
- Methadone · Physeptone
Alcohol makes you sleepier and increases the risk of serious side effects with methadone.
Where this comes from
“Alcohol will make you feel sleepier and can increase the risk of serious side effects when taking methadone.”
Information from the NHS website - Methylphenidate · Ritalin, Concerta, Delmosart
Alcohol increases the release rate of methylphenidate, with 84% released in the first hour at 40% concentration, and increases side effects.
Where this comes from
“At an alcohol concentration of 40%, there was an increase in the release rate of methylphenidate in the first hour, resulting in 84% of the methylphenidate being released.”
US FDA drug label - Metoclopramide
Alcohol adds to metoclopramide's sedative effects and increases the risk of side effects.
Where this comes from
“Additive sedative effects can occur when metoclopramide is given with alcohol, sedatives, hypnotics, narcotics, or tranquilizers.”
US FDA drug label - Metronidazole · Flagyl
Metronidazole reacts with alcohol to cause feeling or being sick, stomach pain, hot flushes, difficulty breathing and palpitations.
Where this comes from
“Metronidazole can react with alcohol to cause side effects such as feeling or being sick, stomach pain, hot flushes, difficulty breathing and a pounding heartbeat (palpitations).”
Information from the NHS website - Mirtazapine
Alcohol increases drowsiness and impairs thinking and movement more than mirtazapine alone.
Where this comes from
“the impairment of cognitive and motor skills produced by mirtazapine were shown to be additive with those produced by alcohol.”
US FDA drug label - Morphine
Alcohol makes you sleepy and increases the risk of serious side effects including breathing problems and profound sedation with morphine.
Where this comes from
“It's best not to drink alcohol while taking morphine because it can make you sleepy and increase the risk of serious side effects.”
Information from the NHS website - Pregabalin · Alzain, Axalid, Lyrica
Alcohol may make you sleepier or affect your breathing with pregabalin.
Where this comes from
“It's best to avoid drinking alcohol with pregabalin, because it may make you feel sleepy or make you lose your focus. It might also affect your breathing.”
Information from the NHS website - Prochlorperazine · Stemetil, Buccastem
Alcohol can make side effects worse, such as feeling sleepy or an irregular heartbeat.
Where this comes from
“Drinking alcohol can make side effects worse, such as feeling sleepy or an irregular heartbeat.”
Information from the NHS website - Promethazine · Phenergan
Alcohol and promethazine together can make you sleep very deeply and stop you breathing properly.
Where this comes from
“Do not drink alcohol while you're taking promethazine. Alcohol and promethazine together can make you sleep very deeply. You will not be able to breathe properly and may have difficulty waking up.”
Information from the NHS website - Sitagliptin
Alcohol can affect your blood sugar level while taking sitagliptin.
Where this comes from
“It's best not to drink alcohol while taking sitagliptin because it can affect your blood sugar level.”
Information from the NHS website - Tirzepatide
For tirzepatide, alcohol can increase feeling or being sick, so it is best avoided.
Where this comes from
“It's best to avoid drinking alcohol while using tirzepatide because it can increase side effects like feeling or being sick (nausea or vomiting).”
Information from the NHS website - Topiramate
Alcohol may increase the risk of side effects or increase your chance of having a seizure with topiramate.
Where this comes from
“It's best not to drink alcohol while taking topiramate because it may increase the risk of side effects or increase your chance of having a seizure.”
Information from the NHS website - Tramadol
Alcohol makes you more sleepy and increases the risk of serious side effects with tramadol, including breathing difficulties.
Where this comes from
“Profound sedation, respiratory depression, coma, and death may result from the concomitant use of tramadol hydrochloride extended-releasetablets with benzodiazepines and/or other CNS depressants, including alcohol”
US FDA drug label - Trazodone
Trazodone may enhance the response to alcohol, increasing drowsiness and other side effects.
Where this comes from
“Patients should be counseled that trazodone may enhance the response to alcohol, barbiturates, and other CNS depressants.”
US FDA drug label - Zolpidem
Alcohol increases zolpidem's effects, which can cause breathing problems and make it very difficult to wake up.
Where this comes from
“Alcohol can increase the effects of the medicine, which can cause breathing problems and make it very difficult to wake up.”
Information from the NHS website
Take care alcohol with these medicines
- ACE inhibitors · ramipril, lisinopril, perindopril
Alcohol can add to dizziness and low blood pressure.
- Acrivastine · Benadryl Allergy Relief
Alcohol can add to acrivastine's sleepiness side effect.
Where this comes from
“It's best not to drink alcohol while you're taking acrivastine as it can make you feel sleepy.”
Information from the NHS website - Alendronic acid · Fosamax, Binosto
Drinking a lot of alcohol affects bone strength and increases your risk of breaks.
Where this comes from
“drinking a lot of alcohol affects the strength of your bones and can increase your risk of breaks (fractures).”
Information from the NHS website - Allopurinol
Alcohol may add to allopurinol's drowsy effects, so take care until you know how it affects you.
Where this comes from
“the central nervous system depressant effects of allopurinol tablets may be additive to those of alcohol and other CNS depressants”
US FDA drug label - Alogliptin
Alcohol can affect your blood sugar level when taking alogliptin.
Where this comes from
“It's best not to drink alcohol while taking alogliptin because it can affect your blood sugar level.”
Information from the NHS website - Amitriptyline
Alcohol may make you feel sleepier while taking amitriptyline.
Where this comes from
“You can drink alcohol while taking amitriptyline, but it may make you feel sleepy. It might be best to stop drinking alcohol until you see how the medicine makes you feel.”
Information from the NHS website - Amlodipine · amlodipine, amlodipine besylate, Istin
Alcohol can lower blood pressure further and add to dizziness.
- Anastrozole · Arimidex
May cause hot flushes or redness in some people taking anastrozole.
Where this comes from
“Some people taking anastrozole may get hot flushes or redness when they drink alcohol.”
Information from the NHS website - Aripiprazole · Abilify
Alcohol can add to aripiprazole's side effects, so it is best avoided.
Where this comes from
“it's best not to drink alcohol because it can increase the risk of side effects”
Information from the NHS website - Aspirin
Limit alcohol because it increases the risk of side effects from aspirin.
Where this comes from
“try to limit the amount of alcohol you drink because alcohol can increase the risk of side effects”
Information from the NHS website - Atorvastatin
Alcohol can add to atorvastatin's side effects, including liver problems, so limit how much you drink.
Where this comes from
“try to limit how much alcohol you drink while taking atorvastatin, as it can increase the risk of side effects like liver problems.”
Information from the NHS website - Azithromycin · Zithromax
Azithromycin can make you dizzy; alcohol will make this worse.
Where this comes from
“However, if azithromycin makes you feel dizzy, do not drink alcohol as it will make you feel worse.”
Information from the NHS website - Bendroflumethiazide
Drinking alcohol with bendroflumethiazide can lower your blood pressure or cause dehydration and make you feel dizzy.
Where this comes from
“Drinking alcohol with bendroflumethiazide can lower your blood pressure or cause dehydration and make you feel dizzy or lightheaded.”
Information from the NHS website - Beta blockers · propranolol, metoprolol, atenolol
Alcohol adds to dizziness and low blood pressure.
- Bisoprolol
With bisoprolol, alcohol can add to low blood pressure, which may make you dizzy.
Where this comes from
“Drinking alcohol while you're taking bisoprolol may increase the risk of low blood pressure.”
Information from the NHS website - Bumetanide
Alcohol makes side effects like dizziness, light-headedness and dehydration worse with bumetanide.
Where this comes from
“It's best not to drink alcohol because it can make side effects like dizziness, light-headedness and dehydration worse.”
Information from the NHS website - Carbamazepine · Tegretol
Alcohol may affect you more than usual and can add to drowsiness and dizziness from carbamazepine.
Where this comes from
“Caution should be exercised if alcohol is taken in combination with carbamazepine therapy, due to a possible additive sedative effect.”
US FDA drug label - Carbimazole
Alcohol can make dizziness caused by carbimazole worse.
Where this comes from
“if carbimazole makes you feel dizzy then it's best to stop drinking alcohol as it can make this side effect worse.”
Information from the NHS website - Carvedilol
Alcohol adds to carvedilol's blood pressure-lowering effect and can make you dizzy or lightheaded.
Where this comes from
“Drinking alcohol can increase the blood pressure-lowering effect of carvedilol.”
Information from the NHS website - Cetirizine · Allacan, Benadryl Allergy, Piriteze Allergy
Alcohol can make you feel sleepy while taking cetirizine.
Where this comes from
“It's best not to drink alcohol while you're taking cetirizine as it can make you feel sleepy.”
Information from the NHS website - Ciprofloxacin
For ciprofloxacin, a lot of alcohol can increase the risk of side effects, so try not to drink much.
Where this comes from
“Try to avoid drinking a lot of alcohol because it can increase the risk of side effects.”
Information from the NHS website - Clarithromycin
You can drink alcohol, but if clarithromycin makes you dizzy, do not drink as it will make you feel worse.
Where this comes from
“Yes, you can drink alcohol with clarithromycin. However, if clarithromycin makes you feel dizzy, do not drink alcohol as it will make you feel worse.”
Information from the NHS website - Clonidine · Catapres
Clonidine can make you sleepy and dizzy; alcohol makes these side effects worse.
Where this comes from
“Clonidine may potentiate the CNS-depressive effects of alcohol, barbiturates or other sedating drugs.”
US FDA drug label - Clopidogrel · Grepid, Plavix
Too much alcohol can irritate your stomach and raise the risk of stomach ulcers while taking clopidogrel.
Where this comes from
“Drinking too much alcohol while you're taking clopidogrel can irritate your stomach. There's a risk that you could get a stomach ulcer.”
Information from the NHS website - Co-beneldopa · Madopar
Alcohol may make you feel sleepy, tired or dizzy while taking co-beneldopa.
Where this comes from
“Drinking alcohol while taking co-beneldopa may make you feel sleepy, tired or dizzy.”
Information from the NHS website - Co-codamol
Alcohol makes you more sleepy with co-codamol and increases the risk of serious side effects.
Where this comes from
“Drinking alcohol while you're taking co-codamol can make you feel more sleepy. It can also increase the risk of serious side effects.”
Information from the NHS website - Co-codaprin · aspirin and codeine
Alcohol can increase the risk of side effects with co-codaprin.
Where this comes from
“it's best not to drink alcohol because this can increase the risk of side effects”
Information from the NHS website - Co-dydramol · Paramol, Remedeine, Remedeine Forte
Alcohol makes you sleepier and increases the risk of serious side effects with co-dydramol.
Where this comes from
“Drinking alcohol while you're taking co-dydramol can make you feel sleepier. It can also increase the risk of serious side effects.”
Information from the NHS website - Codeine
Alcohol can increase the risk of side effects with codeine.
Where this comes from
“it's best not to drink alcohol because this can increase the risk of side effects”
Information from the NHS website - Contraceptive injections · medroxyprogesterone, Medroxyprogesterone injections, Depo-Provera
Alcohol can make side effects like dizziness and tiredness worse.
Where this comes from
“Do not drink alcohol as it will make you feel worse.”
Information from the NHS website - Dapagliflozin
Alcohol can lower your blood pressure on dapagliflozin, so try to limit how much you drink.
Where this comes from
“Try to limit how much alcohol you drink while taking dapagliflozin as this can lower your blood pressure.”
Information from the NHS website - Diclofenac · Voltarol, Dicloflex, Diclomax
Drinking too much alcohol may irritate your stomach and increase the risk of stomach ulcers.
Where this comes from
“Drinking too much alcohol may irritate your stomach. There's a risk you could get a stomach ulcer.”
Information from the NHS website - Diltiazem · Adizem, Angitil, Tildiem
Alcohol increases how quickly diltiazem is absorbed and can increase blood pressure-lowering effects.
Where this comes from
“Alcohol increases the rate at which diltiazem hydrochloride extended-release capsules release diltiazem in vitro . This effect may lead to more rapid absorption and an increase in the systemic exposure of diltiazem, and associated dose-related adverse reactions.”
US FDA drug label - Dipyridamole · Attia
Both alcohol and dipyridamole can lower blood pressure, making you dizzy or lightheaded.
Where this comes from
“However, both alcohol and dipyridamole can reduce your blood pressure. Together, they can make you feel dizzy or lightheaded.”
Information from the NHS website - DOACs · apixaban, eliquis, rivaroxaban
Alcohol raises bleeding risk on any anticoagulant. Stay within guidelines.
- Domperidone · Motilium
Alcohol can make side effects worse, such as feeling sleepy or an irregular heartbeat.
Where this comes from
“Drinking alcohol can make side effects worse, such as feeling sleepy or an irregular heartbeat.”
Information from the NHS website - Donepezil · Aricept, Aricept Evess
Alcohol can stop donepezil working as well and make side effects more likely.
Where this comes from
“It's usually best to not to drink alcohol, or to cut back on your drinking, when taking donepezil. It can stop your medicine from working as well as it should. It can also make you more likely to have side effects.”
Information from the NHS website - Doxazosin
Alcohol can raise the risks of side effects when taking doxazosin.
Where this comes from
“it's best not to drink alcohol while taking doxazosin as this can raise the risks of side effects.”
Information from the NHS website - Duloxetine
Best avoided as it can increase the risk of side effects and may be associated with severe liver injury.
Where this comes from
“It's best not to drink alcohol while taking duloxetine as it can increase the risk of side effects.”
Information from the NHS website - Edoxaban · Lixiana
A lot of alcohol can raise the risk of side effects with edoxaban, so keep drinking low.
Where this comes from
“try to avoid drinking a lot of alcohol because this can increase the risk of side effects.”
Information from the NHS website - Empagliflozin · Jardiance
Alcohol increases the risk of low blood sugar with empagliflozin. Don't drink on an empty stomach.
Where this comes from
“However, alcohol can increase the risk of low blood sugar levels.”
Information from the NHS website - Enalapril
With enalapril, alcohol can lower your blood pressure further, so keep your drinking down.
Where this comes from
“try to limit how much alcohol you drink because it can increase the risk of low blood pressure”
Information from the NHS website - Eplerenone · Inspra
Alcohol can increase the blood pressure-lowering effect of eplerenone, which can make you feel dizzy or lightheaded.
Where this comes from
“Drinking alcohol can increase the blood pressure-lowering effect of eplerenone, which can make you feel dizzy or lightheaded.”
Information from the NHS website - Erythromycin
Try to limit how much alcohol you drink while taking erythromycin.
Where this comes from
“You can eat as normal while taking erythromycin, but try to limit how much alcohol you drink.”
Information from the NHS website - Escitalopram
With escitalopram, alcohol can increase side effects such as sleepiness, so it's best avoided.
Where this comes from
“It's best not to drink alcohol while taking escitalopram as it can increase the risk of side effects, such as making you feel more sleepy.”
Information from the NHS website - Esomeprazole · Nexium, Nexium Control, Emozul
Alcohol makes your stomach produce more acid and can make esomeprazole's target symptoms worse.
Where this comes from
“Alcohol does not affect the way esomeprazole works, but it makes your stomach produce more acid than normal.”
Information from the NHS website - Felodipine
Alcohol can increase the risks of side effects like low blood pressure.
Where this comes from
“Drinking alcohol while taking felodipine can increase the risks of side effects like low blood pressure.”
Information from the NHS website - Fexofenadine · Allevia, Almerg, Histallay
Alcohol can add to fexofenadine's drowsiness side effect, making you feel sleepy.
Where this comes from
“It's best not to drink alcohol while you're taking fexofenadine, as it can make you feel sleepy.”
Information from the NHS website - Folic acid
Alcohol can affect how well folic acid works, so it's best to avoid or limit it.
Where this comes from
“It's best to avoid or limit alcohol because it can affect how well folic acid works.”
Information from the NHS website - Furosemide
Alcohol can cause side effects like dizziness, feeling light-headed and dehydration with furosemide.
Where this comes from
“It's best not to drink alcohol because it can cause side effects like dizziness, feeling light-headed and dehydration.”
Information from the NHS website - Gabapentin
Alcohol may make you feel sleepy or tired when taking gabapentin.
Where this comes from
“Yes, you can drink alcohol while taking gabapentin, but it may make you feel sleepy or tired.”
Information from the NHS website - Gaviscon
Alcohol makes your stomach produce more acid and can irritate the stomach lining.
Where this comes from
“drinking alcohol makes your stomach produce more acid than normal. This can irritate your stomach lining and make your symptoms worse.”
Information from the NHS website - Gliclazide
Alcohol can affect your blood sugar level while taking gliclazide.
Where this comes from
“It's best not to drink alcohol while taking gliclazide because it can affect your blood sugar level.”
Information from the NHS website - GLP-1 agonists · semaglutide, ozempic, wegovy
Hits harder on a small appetite and adds hypo risk if you also take insulin or a sulfonylurea.
- Hydroxocobalamin · Cobalin-H, Neo-Cytamen
Does not affect how hydroxocobalamin works, but drinking too much regularly can cause folate deficiency anaemia.
Where this comes from
“However, drinking too much on a regular basis can cause folate deficiency anaemia.”
Information from the NHS website - Indapamide
Alcohol can increase the risk of low blood pressure with indapamide.
Where this comes from
“it may be best to avoid drinking alcohol because it can increase the risk of low blood pressure (hypotension)”
Information from the NHS website - Insulin
Alcohol may increase or decrease the blood glucose lowering effect of insulin and can cause low blood sugar.
Where this comes from
“Drugs That May Increase or Decrease the Blood Glucose Lowering Effect of ADMELOG Drugs: Alcohol, beta-blockers, clonidine, and lithium salts.”
US FDA drug label - Irbesartan
Alcohol can increase the risk of side effects like low blood pressure with irbesartan.
Where this comes from
“Try to limit how much alcohol you drink when taking irbesartan because it can increase the risk of side effects like low blood pressure.”
Information from the NHS website - Isosorbide mononitrate and isosorbide dinitrate · Chemydur XL, Isotard, Monomil XL
Alcohol can make your blood pressure too low with isosorbide mononitrate or isosorbide dinitrate, causing dizziness or sleepiness.
Where this comes from
“Drinking alcohol can increase the effects of isosorbide mononitrate and isosorbide dinitrate. It can make your blood pressure too low and you may feel dizzy, lightheaded or sleepy.”
Information from the NHS website - Lamotrigine
Alcohol may make you feel sleepy and increase your chance of having a seizure with lamotrigine.
Where this comes from
“You can drink alcohol, but it's best not to drink too much because it may make you feel sleepy and increase your chance of having a seizure.”
Information from the NHS website - Lansoprazole · Zoton FasTabs
You can drink alcohol with lansoprazole, but too much makes your stomach produce more acid and can worsen symptoms.
Where this comes from
“Yes, you can drink alcohol with lansoprazole. But it's best not to drink too much, because drinking alcohol makes your stomach produce more acid than normal.”
Information from the NHS website - Lercanidipine
Alcohol can affect the way lercanidipine works.
Where this comes from
“It's also best to avoid drinking alcohol while taking lercanidipine because it can affect the way it works.”
Information from the NHS website - Letrozole · Femara
May cause hot flushes or redness in some people taking letrozole.
Where this comes from
“Some people taking letrozole may get hot flushes or redness when they drink alcohol.”
Information from the NHS website - Levetiracetam
Alcohol can increase the risk of side effects such as feeling sleepy with levetiracetam.
Where this comes from
“But it's best not to drink alcohol while taking levetiracetam as it can increase the risk of side effects such as feeling sleepy.”
Information from the NHS website - Linagliptin
Avoid alcohol while taking linagliptin because it can affect your blood sugar level.
Where this comes from
“It's best not to drink alcohol while taking linagliptin because it can affect your blood sugar level.”
Information from the NHS website - Liraglutide
Alcohol can add to liraglutide's side effects of nausea and vomiting, so it is best avoided.
Where this comes from
“It's best to avoid drinking alcohol while taking liraglutide because it can increase side effects like feeling or being sick (nausea or vomiting).”
Information from the NHS website - Lisinopril
With lisinopril, alcohol can increase the risk of low blood pressure, so it may be best to avoid it.
Where this comes from
“it may be best to avoid drinking alcohol because it can increase the risk of low blood pressure (hypotension)”
Information from the NHS website - Lithium · priadel, camcolit, lithium carbonate
Alcohol can dehydrate you and change lithium levels. Keep it light.
- Loperamide · Imodium
Alcohol makes you more likely to have side effects such as feeling sleepy or dizzy.
Where this comes from
“Alcohol makes you more likely to have side effects such as feeling sleepy or dizzy and having difficulty concentrating.”
Information from the NHS website - Loratadine · Clarityn
Alcohol can add to loratadine's drowsiness side effect.
Where this comes from
“It's best not to drink alcohol while you're taking loratadine, as it can make you feel sleepy.”
Information from the NHS website - Losartan
Alcohol can increase the risk of side effects while taking losartan.
Where this comes from
“Try to limit the amount of alcohol you drink while taking losartan because it can increase the risk of side effects”
Information from the NHS website - Melatonin · Circadin, Adaflex, Ceyesto
Alcohol can stop melatonin working properly and make side effects more likely, so try to avoid it.
Where this comes from
“Try to avoid alcohol while taking melatonin because it can stop your medicine working properly, and increase your chance of having side effects.”
Information from the NHS website - Mesalazine · Asacol, Mezavant, Octasa
Alcohol can irritate the gut and may worsen symptoms of inflammatory bowel disease.
Where this comes from
“You can drink alcohol while taking mesalazine. However, alcohol can irritate your gut so may make symptoms worse.”
Information from the NHS website - Metformin · glucophage, sukkarto
Heavy drinking with metformin raises the risk of low blood sugar and, rarely, lactic acidosis. Keep it light and with food.
- Methotrexate · maxtrex, metoject
Methotrexate and alcohol both strain the liver. Ask your team what is safe for you; many are advised to keep it very low.
- Metoprolol
With metoprolol, alcohol can lower your blood pressure too much and make you dizzy or light-headed.
Where this comes from
“You can drink alcohol while taking metoprolol but be careful as drinking alcohol can increase the effects of metoprolol so that it lowers your blood pressure too much.”
Information from the NHS website - Mirabegron · Betmiga
Does not affect how mirabegron works, but can worsen bladder symptoms and sleep.
Where this comes from
“drinking alcohol can make your symptoms worse, such as needing to pee more often or needing to pee urgently”
Information from the NHS website - Naproxen
Limit alcohol; it increases the risk of side effects such as stomach ulcers or bleeding.
Where this comes from
“try to limit how much alcohol you drink while taking it because alcohol can increase the risk of side effects such as stomach ulcers or bleeding”
Information from the NHS website - Nefopam · Acupan
Drinking alcohol may make you feel more sleepy with nefopam.
Where this comes from
“Drinking alcohol while you're taking nefopam may make you feel more sleepy.”
Information from the NHS website - Nicorandil
Alcohol may increase the risk of side effects like feeling dizzy or light-headed with nicorandil.
Where this comes from
“It's best not to drink alcohol while taking nicorandil as it may increase the risk of side effects like feeling dizzy or light-headed.”
Information from the NHS website - Nifedipine
Alcohol can increase the risk of side effects such as low blood pressure.
Where this comes from
“It's best not to drink alcohol while taking nifedipine as it can increase the risk of side effects, such as low blood pressure.”
Information from the NHS website - Nortriptyline
Alcohol may make you feel very sleepy. Best to stop drinking until you see how nortriptyline affects you.
Where this comes from
“You can drink alcohol while taking nortriptyline, but it may make you feel sleepy. It might be best to stop drinking alcohol until you see how the medicine makes you feel.”
Information from the NHS website - Olanzapine · Zyprexa
Alcohol makes olanzapine's sleepiness and dizziness worse, and potentiates orthostatic hypotension.
Where this comes from
“If you drink alcohol while taking olanzapine it may make you feel sleepy and unsteady.”
Information from the NHS website - Omeprazole
For omeprazole, alcohol is best avoided because it can increase stomach acid and worsen your symptoms.
Where this comes from
“it's best to not drink alcohol because it can increase the amount of acid in your stomach and make your symptoms worse”
Information from the NHS website - Oxybutynin · Aspire, Ditropan
Alcohol can make oxybutynin's drowsiness worse, especially when starting or increasing your dose.
Where this comes from
“Try to avoid drinking alcohol when you first start taking oxybutynin, or if your dose is increased, until you see how the medicine makes you feel. Oxybutynin combined with alcohol can make you feel very sleepy.”
Information from the NHS website - Oxycodone
Alcohol can make you sleepy and increase the risk of serious side effects with oxycodone.
Where this comes from
“It's also best not to drink alcohol because it can make you feel sleepy and increase the risk of serious side effects.”
Information from the NHS website - Pantoprazole · Pantoloc Control
Alcohol does not change how pantoprazole works but can irritate your stomach and worsen symptoms, so drink little.
Where this comes from
“it's best not to drink too much alcohol because drinking alcohol makes your stomach produce more acid than normal.”
Information from the NHS website - Paroxetine
For paroxetine, alcohol can increase the chance of side effects, so it's best not to drink it.
Where this comes from
“It's best not to drink alcohol when you’re taking paroxetine, as it can increase the chance of side effects.”
Information from the NHS website - Peppermint oil · Apercap, Colomint, ColoPep
Alcohol may make side effects like dizziness worse. Best avoided if it makes you feel dizzy, sleepy or confused.
Where this comes from
“Alcohol may make some side effects worse, such as dizziness. It's best not to drink alcohol while taking peppermint oil if it makes you feel dizzy, sleepy or confused.”
Information from the NHS website - Perindopril
Alcohol can make perindopril lower your blood pressure too much, causing dizziness, so cut out drinking until you know how it affects you.
Where this comes from
“During the first few days of taking perindopril or after your dose increases, it's best to stop drinking alcohol until you see how the medicine affects you.”
Information from the NHS website - Phenoxymethylpenicillin
Limit how much you drink as alcohol can increase the risk of side effects with phenoxymethylpenicillin.
Where this comes from
“Try to limit how much alcohol you drink while taking it as alcohol can increase the risk of side effects.”
Information from the NHS website - PPIs · omeprazole, lansoprazole, esomeprazole
Alcohol irritates the stomach and can bring back the symptoms the medicine treats.
- Pravastatin
With pravastatin, drinking a lot of alcohol can raise the risk of side effects like liver problems, so keep it low.
Where this comes from
“Try to limit how much alcohol you drink while taking pravastatin, as it can increase the risk of side effects like liver problems.”
Information from the NHS website - Propranolol · Bedranol, Beta-Prograne, Half Beta-Prograne
Alcohol can add to propranolol's blood pressure-lowering effect, so you may feel dizzy or lightheaded.
Where this comes from
“Drinking alcohol can increase the blood pressure-lowering effect of propranolol, which can make you feel dizzy or lightheaded.”
Information from the NHS website - Quetiapine
Alcohol can make you sleepy when taking quetiapine.
Where this comes from
“You can drink alcohol, but it's best not to drink too much because it can make you sleepy.”
Information from the NHS website - Ramipril · Tritace
With ramipril, alcohol can drop your blood pressure too low and make you dizzy or lightheaded.
Where this comes from
“Drinking alcohol can increase the effect of ramipril, so that it lowers your blood pressure too much, which can make you feel dizzy or lightheaded.”
Information from the NHS website - Risperidone
Alcohol can make you feel sleepy and unsteady. Drinking a lot or every day worsens symptoms and stops risperidone working properly.
Where this comes from
“If you drink alcohol while taking risperidone it may make you feel sleepy and unsteady on your feet.”
Information from the NHS website - Ropinirole · Requip, Ipinnia, Repinex
Alcohol may make you feel sleepy or tired when taking ropinirole, especially when you first start.
Where this comes from
“Drinking alcohol while taking ropinirole may make you feel sleepy or tired.”
Information from the NHS website - Semaglutide
For semaglutide, alcohol can make nausea and vomiting worse, so it's best to avoid it.
Where this comes from
“It's best not to drink alcohol, because it can increase side effects like feeling or being sick (nausea or vomiting).”
Information from the NHS website - Sertraline
Alcohol can stop sertraline working properly, so it is best avoided.
Where this comes from
“It's also best not to drink alcohol while taking sertraline because it can stop the medicine working properly.”
Information from the NHS website - Sildenafil · Viagra
Drinking too much alcohol can make getting an erection more difficult.
Where this comes from
“It's best to avoid drinking too much alcohol when taking sildenafil because it can make getting an erection more difficult.”
Information from the NHS website - Simvastatin
Alcohol can add to simvastatin's side effects, so keep drinking low.
Where this comes from
“Alcohol can increase your risk of side effects. It's best not to drink too much alcohol while taking simvastatin.”
Information from the NHS website - Sodium valproate · Dyzantil, Epilim, Episenta
Alcohol may make you feel sleepy or tired when taking sodium valproate, especially in the first few days.
Where this comes from
“Drinking alcohol while taking sodium valproate may make you feel sleepy or tired. It's best to stop drinking alcohol during the first few days, until you see how the medicine affects you.”
Information from the NHS website - Solifenacin · Vesicare
Alcohol can make you feel very sleepy when combined with solifenacin, especially when starting or increasing dose.
Where this comes from
“Solifenacin combined with alcohol can make you feel very sleepy.”
Information from the NHS website - Sotalol
Alcohol increases the risk of dizziness and lightheadedness with sotalol, especially when you first start or after a dose increase.
Where this comes from
“Drinking alcohol can increase the risk of side effects with sotalol. It can make you feel dizzy or lightheaded.”
Information from the NHS website - Spironolactone · aldactone, potassium-sparing diuretic
Alcohol can add to dizziness and low blood pressure.
- SSRIs · sertraline, fluoxetine, citalopram
Alcohol can add to drowsiness and make low mood worse.
- Statins · simvastatin, atorvastatin, lipitor
Heavy drinking adds strain on the liver alongside a statin. Stay within guidelines.
- Sulfasalazine
Alcohol can irritate your gut so may make symptoms worse if you have inflammatory bowel disease.
Where this comes from
“However, alcohol can irritate your gut so may make symptoms worse if you have inflammatory bowel disease.”
Information from the NHS website - Tadalafil
Substantial alcohol consumption (5 units or more) can increase risk of dizziness, headache and low blood pressure.
Where this comes from
“Substantial consumption of alcohol (e.g., 5 units or greater) in combination with tadalafil tablets can increase the potential for orthostatic signs and symptoms, including increase in heart rate, decrease in standing blood pressure, dizziness, and headache.”
US FDA drug label - Tamsulosin · Contiflo XL, Faramsil MR, Flomaxtra XL
Alcohol increases the blood pressure-lowering effect and can make you feel dizzy or light-headed.
Where this comes from
“Drinking alcohol can increase the blood pressure-lowering effect of tamsulosin, which can make you feel dizzy or light-headed.”
Information from the NHS website - Tetracycline antibiotics · doxycycline, lymecycline, tetracycline
Heavy drinking can make the antibiotic less effective.
- Thiamine · vitamin B1, Vitamin B1, Benerva
Long-term or heavy drinking stops your body absorbing thiamine and worsens deficiency symptoms.
Where this comes from
“Long-term drinking or heavy drinking can stop your body from absorbing thiamine (vitamin B1).”
Information from the NHS website - Tolterodine · Neditol, Detrusitol, Mariosea
Alcohol makes you more sleepy when you first start tolterodine or increase the dose.
Where this comes from
“Try to avoid drinking alcohol when you first start taking tolterodine, or if your dose is increased, until you see how the medicine makes you feel. Tolterodine combined with alcohol can make you feel very sleepy.”
Information from the NHS website - Trimethoprim
Limit alcohol if you have headaches while taking trimethoprim.
- Valproic acid · Belvo, Depakote, Convulex
Alcohol can make valproic acid's drowsiness worse. Avoid it during the first few days of treatment.
Where this comes from
“Drinking alcohol while taking valproic acid may make you feel sleepy or tired. It's best to stop drinking alcohol during the first few days, until you see how the medicine affects you.”
Information from the NHS website - Valsartan
Alcohol can add to valsartan's side effects such as dizziness, feeling light-headed and dehydration.
Where this comes from
“Try to not drink too much alcohol while taking losartan because it can cause side effects such as dizziness, feeling light-headed and dehydration.”
Information from the NHS website - Varenicline
Varenicline may increase the intoxicating effects of alcohol and worsen side effects; reduce how much you drink until you know how it affects you.
Where this comes from
“There have been postmarketing reports of patients experiencing increased intoxicating effects of alcohol while taking varenicline.”
US FDA drug label - Venlafaxine
Alcohol can increase the risk of side effects with venlafaxine.
Where this comes from
“it's best not to drink alcohol because it can increase the risk of side effects”
Information from the NHS website - Verapamil · Securon, Verapress, Vera-Til
Verapamil increases blood alcohol levels and prolongs its effects. It can also lower blood pressure too much.
Where this comes from
“Also, verapamil can affect the way the body gets rid of alcohol, and increase the levels of alcohol in the body. This means that you may not have to drink as much to be above the legal limit to drive and it will take longer for the alcohol to leave your body.”
Information from the NHS website - Warfarin · coumarin, vitamin k antagonist
Alcohol changes how warfarin works and raises bleeding risk. Stay within guidelines and avoid binges.
Fine alcohol with these medicines
- Aciclovir · Zovirax
You can drink alcohol as normal while taking aciclovir.
Where this comes from
“You can eat and drink as normal while taking aciclovir, including drinking alcohol.”
Information from the NHS website - Amoxicillin
You can drink alcohol while taking amoxicillin.
Where this comes from
“Yes, you can drink alcohol while taking amoxicillin.”
Information from the NHS website - Bisacodyl · Dulcolax
Alcohol does not interact with bisacodyl.
- Buscopan · hyoscine butylbromide, Hyoscine butylbromide
You can drink alcohol as long as you stick to no more than 14 units a week.
Where this comes from
“Yes, you can drink alcohol while taking Buscopan as long as you stick to the national guidelines of no more than 14 units a week for men and women.”
Information from the NHS website - Carbocisteine · Mucodyne
You can drink alcohol while taking carbocisteine.
Where this comes from
“Yes, you can drink alcohol while taking carbocisteine.”
Information from the NHS website - Colecalciferol · BetterYou, Desunin, Stexerol
You can drink alcohol while taking colecalciferol.
Where this comes from
“You can drink alcohol if you are taking colecalciferol.”
Information from the NHS website - Corticosteroids · prednisolone, prednisone, dexamethasone
You can drink alcohol with steroid tablets. Keep within the usual guidelines: heavy drinking adds to stomach irritation.
- Docusate
Docusate does not interact with alcohol and you can drink normally while taking it.
- Ezetimibe · Ezetrol
You can drink alcohol while taking ezetimibe.
Where this comes from
“Yes, you can drink alcohol while taking ezetimibe.”
Information from the NHS website - Ferrous sulfate · ferrous sulphate, Ironorm Drops
Alcohol is not a problem with ferrous sulfate.
Where this comes from
“Yes, you can drink alcohol while taking ferrous sulfate.”
Information from the NHS website - Finasteride
You can drink alcohol with finasteride.
- Flucloxacillin
Alcohol does not interact with flucloxacillin.
Where this comes from
“Yes, you can drink alcohol while taking flucloxacillin.”
Information from the NHS website - Hydrocortisone tablets · Plenadren, Efmody, Hydrocortone
Alcohol is allowed with hydrocortisone, but it can make dizziness feel worse, so skip it if you feel dizzy.
Where this comes from
“it's a good idea not to drink alcohol as it will make you feel worse.”
Information from the NHS website - Lymecycline · Tetralysal 300
Alcohol is fine with lymecycline, though it's best not to drink too much if you get headaches.
Where this comes from
“Yes, you can drink alcohol if you're taking lymecycline.”
Information from the NHS website - Montelukast · Singulair
You can drink alcohol while taking montelukast.
Where this comes from
“Yes, you can drink alcohol while taking montelukast.”
Information from the NHS website - Nystatin · Nystan
Alcohol does not affect how nystatin works. If taking the liquid, wait 30 minutes after to avoid washing it out of your mouth too soon.
Where this comes from
“Yes, you can drink alcohol while taking or using nystatin. Alcohol does not affect how this medicine works.”
Information from the NHS website - Paracetamol · Calpol
You can drink alcohol normally when taking paracetamol.
Where this comes from
“You can eat and drink normally (including alcohol), when taking paracetamol.”
Information from the NHS website - Pepto-Bismol · bismuth subsalicylate, Bismuth subsalicylate
You can drink alcohol as usual when taking Pepto-Bismol.
Where this comes from
“Food, drink and alcohol with Pepto-Bismol You can eat and drink as usual when taking Pepto-Bismol.”
Information from the NHS website - Pre-Exposure Prophylaxis · PrEP
You can drink alcohol while taking PrEP.
Where this comes from
“Yes, you can drink alcohol while taking PrEP.”
Information from the NHS website - Pseudoephedrine · Sudafed
For pseudoephedrine the NHS says alcohol does not need to be avoided.
Where this comes from
“You can eat and drink normally (including alcohol) while taking pseudoephedrine.”
Information from the NHS website
Foods and drinks that count as alcohol
- Alcohol
- Beer
- Lager
- Stout
- Cider
- Wine
- Red wine
- White wine
- Rosé
- Prosecco
- Champagne
- Spirits
- Gin
- Vodka
- Whisky
- Rum
- Brandy
- Tequila
- Cocktails
- Alcopops
- Sherry
- Port
- Liqueurs
- Mulled wine
- Pimm’s
- Cooking with wine
- Low-alcohol beer
- Shandy
- Hard seltzer
- Sake
- Vermouth
- Aperol spritz
- Mead
- Liqueur chocolates
Common questions
- Which medicines does alcohol affect?
- 168 medicines on our checker: Antibiotics (avoid), Chlorphenamine (avoid), Citalopram (avoid), Clonazepam (avoid), Diazepam (avoid), Dihydrocodeine (avoid), Diphenhydramine (avoid), Fluoxetine (avoid), Ibuprofen and codeine (avoid), Isotretinoin (avoid), Lorazepam (avoid), MAOIs (avoid), Methadone (avoid), Methylphenidate (avoid), Metoclopramide (avoid), Metronidazole (avoid), Mirtazapine (avoid), Morphine (avoid), Pregabalin (avoid), Prochlorperazine (avoid), Promethazine (avoid), Sitagliptin (avoid), Tirzepatide (avoid), Topiramate (avoid), Tramadol (avoid), Trazodone (avoid), Zolpidem (avoid), ACE inhibitors (take care), Acrivastine (take care), Alendronic acid (take care), Allopurinol (take care), Alogliptin (take care), Amitriptyline (take care), Amlodipine (take care), Anastrozole (take care), Aripiprazole (take care), Aspirin (take care), Atorvastatin (take care), Azithromycin (take care), Bendroflumethiazide (take care), Beta blockers (take care), Bisoprolol (take care), Bumetanide (take care), Carbamazepine (take care), Carbimazole (take care), Carvedilol (take care), Cetirizine (take care), Ciprofloxacin (take care), Clarithromycin (take care), Clonidine (take care), Clopidogrel (take care), Co-beneldopa (take care), Co-codamol (take care), Co-codaprin (take care), Co-dydramol (take care), Codeine (take care), Contraceptive injections (take care), Dapagliflozin (take care), Diclofenac (take care), Diltiazem (take care), Dipyridamole (take care), DOACs (take care), Domperidone (take care), Donepezil (take care), Doxazosin (take care), Duloxetine (take care), Edoxaban (take care), Empagliflozin (take care), Enalapril (take care), Eplerenone (take care), Erythromycin (take care), Escitalopram (take care), Esomeprazole (take care), Felodipine (take care), Fexofenadine (take care), Folic acid (take care), Furosemide (take care), Gabapentin (take care), Gaviscon (take care), Gliclazide (take care), GLP-1 agonists (take care), Hydroxocobalamin (take care), Indapamide (take care), Insulin (take care), Irbesartan (take care), Isosorbide mononitrate and isosorbide dinitrate (take care), Lamotrigine (take care), Lansoprazole (take care), Lercanidipine (take care), Letrozole (take care), Levetiracetam (take care), Linagliptin (take care), Liraglutide (take care), Lisinopril (take care), Lithium (take care), Loperamide (take care), Loratadine (take care), Losartan (take care), Melatonin (take care), Mesalazine (take care), Metformin (take care), Methotrexate (take care), Metoprolol (take care), Mirabegron (take care), Naproxen (take care), Nefopam (take care), Nicorandil (take care), Nifedipine (take care), Nortriptyline (take care), Olanzapine (take care), Omeprazole (take care), Oxybutynin (take care), Oxycodone (take care), Pantoprazole (take care), Paroxetine (take care), Peppermint oil (take care), Perindopril (take care), Phenoxymethylpenicillin (take care), PPIs (take care), Pravastatin (take care), Propranolol (take care), Quetiapine (take care), Ramipril (take care), Risperidone (take care), Ropinirole (take care), Semaglutide (take care), Sertraline (take care), Sildenafil (take care), Simvastatin (take care), Sodium valproate (take care), Solifenacin (take care), Sotalol (take care), Spironolactone (take care), SSRIs (take care), Statins (take care), Sulfasalazine (take care), Tadalafil (take care), Tamsulosin (take care), Tetracycline antibiotics (take care), Thiamine (take care), Tolterodine (take care), Trimethoprim (take care), Valproic acid (take care), Valsartan (take care), Varenicline (take care), Venlafaxine (take care), Verapamil (take care), Warfarin (take care), Aciclovir (fine), Amoxicillin (fine), Bisacodyl (fine), Buscopan (fine), Carbocisteine (fine), Colecalciferol (fine), Corticosteroids (fine), Docusate (fine), Ezetimibe (fine), Ferrous sulfate (fine), Finasteride (fine), Flucloxacillin (fine), Hydrocortisone tablets (fine), Lymecycline (fine), Montelukast (fine), Nystatin (fine), Paracetamol (fine), Pepto-Bismol (fine), Pre-Exposure Prophylaxis (fine), Pseudoephedrine (fine).
- Which foods count as alcohol?
- Alcohol, Beer, Lager, Stout, Cider, Wine, Red wine, White wine, Rosé, Prosecco, Champagne, Spirits, Gin, Vodka, Whisky, Rum, Brandy, Tequila, Cocktails, Alcopops, Sherry, Port, Liqueurs, Mulled wine, Pimm’s, Cooking with wine, Low-alcohol beer, Shandy, Hard seltzer, Sake, Vermouth, Aperol spritz, Mead, Liqueur chocolates.
General information from NHS medicine pages and drug labels, not medical advice. Always follow your prescriber, pharmacist or the leaflet with your medicine. How we check.