A New Spin on Mixology: Mechanisms and Consequences of Drug-Alcohol Interactions

Ethanol—the type of alcohol commonly consumed in alcoholic beverages—is widely considered a lifestyle choice rather than a drug. However, this substance has the potential to interfere with a myriad of medications used for various conditions. The effects of these interactions range from mild to severe or even fatal. Knowing which medications have the potential to affect safe medication use is critical to ensure that patients are educated on when to avoid alcohol, what effects consuming alcohol will have on the treatment of other disease states, and when to report suspected alcohol-drug interactions to a provider. Given the vast number of drug-alcohol interactions, pharmacy teams should screen patients for alcohol use regularly.