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alcohol

Interaction
Alcohol has the potential to interact with many medications, but the clinical significance of these interactions is often queried. Pharmacokinetic interactions between alcohol and drugs occur mainly in the liver where both are metabolised.

Pharmacodynamic interactions generally result in enhanced effects in the central nervous system (CNS) including sedation and decreased motor skills. Assessment of alcohol-drug interactions is confounded because acute alcohol intake may inhibit drug metabolism whereas chronic alcohol intake can induce enzymes. Studies often focus on the effects of chronic heavy drinking with little evidence for advice around concomitant moderate alcohol consumption.

The table below highlights some key interactions where avoiding alcohol may be prudent (click to enlarge)

alcohol and medications chart

Obviously, increased risk of sedation and possibly also other CNS suppression effects is expected with a variety of medications if taken concurrently with alcohol: these include antidepressants, antipsychotics, antihistamines, antiepileptics, opioids and other sedatives. Patients need to be counselled regarding this and should be warned about the risk of decreased motor skills. Caution is also advisable with vasodilators, which if taken with alcohol may lead to increased orthostatic hypotension.

Increased risk of gastric irritation may occur with NSAIDs and prednisolone, and liver damage with methotrexate and isoniazid. Drugs increasing gastric emptying such as erythromycin and H2 antagonists, result in increased alcohol absorption in the small intestine with increased blood alcohol levels.

Alcohol consumption has variable effects on drugs such as phenytoin and oral anticoagulants. Chronic use can result in significantly reduced drug concentrations. Conversely binge drinking inhibits warfarin metabolism resulting in increased risk of bleeding. Consumption of 1-2 standard drinks per day is generally considered to be safe.

Download: Alcohol and medications

Acknowledgment – This E-Bulletin is based on work by Dr Rose Allin, DATIS, RGH.

FOR FURTHER INFORMATION – CONTACT THE PHARMACY DEPARTMENT ON 82751763 or email: chris.alderman@rgh.sa.gov.au
Information in this E-Bulletin is derived from critical analysis of available evidence – individual clinical circumstances should be considered when making treatment decisions. You are welcome to forward this E-bulletin by email to others you might feel would be interested, or to print the E-Bulletin for wider distribution. Reproduction of this material is permissible for purposes of individual study or research.

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News

  • The Western Desert Kidney Health Project aiming to reduce disease and diabetes by 20 per cent over three years http://bit.ly/cziQDj
  • Western desert Kidney Health Project – the detail http://bit.ly/96wy9k
  • Concern for families & children in Aboriginal communities in WA driving more townships towards imposing alcohol bans http://bit.ly/bBZGe1
  • Six of seven suicide deaths in the Top End were Aboriginal.Two 14 year olds and a 16yo boy were among those who died http://bit.ly/aUh743
  • Brisbane Broncos winger Jharal Yow Yeh will visit remote indigenous communities to promote children’s ear health http://bit.ly/d1IgNL
  • Smoking has been identified as the biggest contributor to the difference in life expectancy for Indigenous people. http://bit.ly/aEYaEm
  • Diabetes Australia and VACCHO win top healthcare award on diabetes prevention resources http://bit.ly/aE9Hhi
  • Professor O’Dea, director of the Sansom Institute of Health Research has been appointed to the board of Outback Stores http://bit.ly/agnLrz
  • First Aboriginal nurse based at a major metropolitan hospital in NSW, Sister Bush, was known as a “cultural broker” http://bit.ly/9eaxQ9
  • The rate of dementia in older Aboriginal Australians could be reduced by changes in health & lifestyle -epidemiologists http://bit.ly/94TEPa

The Indigenous News Updates are sourced from news and other articles from around the country that I have posted on Twitter.



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News

  • Australia can learn from NGO’s internationally to make real improvements in Indigenous Health http://bit.ly/9UqQ9K
  • Concern new funding arrangements will not improve outcomes for remote Northern Territory Aboriginal communities. http://bit.ly/cB2mzH
  • Independents in Parliament have a unique opportunity to work together to make real improvements in Indigenous health http://bit.ly/9pSGyf
  • People in the NT drink about 14 litres of pure alcohol over a year. Indigenous people suffer the most http://bit.ly/aQ8jTz
  • Suicide rate for Indigenous people is significantly higher than the general population, with young males most at risk http://bit.ly/dyRvs3
  • The Indigenous News Updates are sourced from news and other articles from around the country that I have posted on Twitter.



    Image source: OpenClipArt.org, public domain.

    If you like this post and what else you see on the blog please subscribe by RSS feed (the orange button) or by email. Visit my subscription page.

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    News

    • NT still needs to reduce alcohol consumption by ensuring strong liquor is made more expensive than weaker drinks http://bit.ly/9xvDSQ
    • Ken Wyatt becomes first Indigenous member of the House of Representatives by winning seat of Haslkuck in WA http://bit.ly/azkYfk
    • 2009 VicHealth survey, is that nearly one in 10 of us do not believe that people of all races are equal http://bit.ly/boQcXZ
    • First Aborigine likely to be elected to the House of Representatives has received hate mail http://bit.ly/9ODBvh
    • UN says racism entrenched in Australia & issues rebuke to Australian govt over treatment of Indigenous people http://bit.ly/9Nv50E

    The Indigenous News Updates are sourced from news and other articles from around the country that I have posted on Twitter.



    Image source: OpenClipArt.org, public domain.

    If you like this post and what else you see on the blog please subscribe by RSS feed (the orange button) or by email. Visit my subscription page.

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