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Medication and drug interaction

Mixing alcohol and medications can be dangerous

about alcohol - Medication and drug interaction

summary

about alcohol - medication and drug interaction

Mixing alcohol and drugs can be dangerous – whether you're taking prescribed medication or an over-the-counter remedy. Older people need to be particularly careful, as they are more likely to take medications and have an overall weakened health status.

There are many medications that should never be mixed with alcohol. Others should be taken with caution.

What can happen?

about alcohol - medication and drug interaction

Always read the labels and leaflets that come with your medication.

Some medications should never be mixed with alcohol; others must be taken with caution. 

You should check with your doctor or pharmacist to see whether it's okay to drink alcohol while you're taking the medication. Don't take anything for granted. Remember that people react differently to medication, to alcohol and combinations of the two.

Download our factsheets

  • For people above legal drinking age onlyFor people above legal drinking age only
  • Don’t drink and driveDon’t drink and drive
  • Don’t drink while pregnantDon’t drink while pregnant