A New Spin on Mixology: Mechanisms and Consequences of Drug-Alcohol Interactions
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Course Summary
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.
Course Objectives
Describe alcohol consumption’s effects on the body
Recognize major pharmacokinetic and pharmacodynamic alcohol-drug interactions
Review best practices for discussing alcohol-drug interactions with patients
I. Introduction
A. Alcohol and the Body
B. Alcohol and Medications
II. Pharmacokinetic Drug-Alcohol Interactions
A. Drugs Affecting Alcohol Metabolism
B. Alcohol Affecting Drug Metabolism
III. Pharmacodynamic Drug-Alcohol Interactions
A. Respiratory Suppression and Overdose
B. Additive Risks of Adverse Effects
IV. Engaging the Pharmacy Team
A. Reframing Alcohol as a Drug
B. Eliminating Stigma from the Conversation
C. Identifying Potential Sources of Alcohol
V. Summary
- Read the course objectives and faculty planner disclosure
- Read the course material
- Complete the post-test with a minimum score of 70% and complete the course evaluation form.
- Results are automatically submitted to CPE Monitor
Faculty Planner Disclosure
The following individuals were involved in developing this activity: Kelsey Giara, PharmD, RPh, and Pamela Sardo, PharmD, BS. Pamela Sardo and Kelsey Giara have no conflicts of interest or financial relationships regarding the subject matter. There are no financial relationships or commercial or financial support relevant to this activity to report or disclose by RxCe.com or any of the individuals involved in the development of this activity.
Unlabeled Use Disclosures
The information provided in this course is general in nature and it is solely designed to provide participants with continuing education credit(s). This course and materials are not meant to substitute for the independent, professional judgment of any participant regarding that participant’s professional practice, including but not limited to patient assessment, diagnosis, treatment and/or health management. Medical and pharmacy practices, rules, and laws vary from state to state, and this course does not cover the laws of each state; therefore, participants must consult the laws of their state as they relate to their professional practice. Healthcare professionals, including pharmacists and pharmacy technicians, must consult with their employer, healthcare facility, hospital, or other organization, for guidelines, protocols, and procedures they are to follow. The information provided in this course does not replace those guidelines, protocols, and procedures but is for academic purposes only, and this course’s limited purpose is for the completion of continuing education credits. Participants are advised and acknowledge that information related to medications, their administration, dosing, contraindications, adverse reactions, interactions, warnings, precautions, or accepted uses are constantly changing, and any person taking this course understands that such person must make an independent review of medication information prior to any patient assessment, diagnosis, treatment and/or health management. Any discussion of off-label use of any medication, device, or procedure is informational only and such uses are not endorsed hereby. Nothing contained in this course represents the opinions, views, judgments, or conclusions of RxCe.com LLC. RxCe.com LLC is not liable or responsible to any person for any inaccuracy, error, or omission with respect to this course, or course material.
Computer Hardware/Software Requirements
Please ensure the device you plan to use meets these requirements and specifications:
- Operating System: Windows 7,8,10, or 11 /Mac OS X 10.9 or later/iOS/Android
- Supported Browsers: Microsoft Edge, Firefox, Google Chrome, Safari, Opera
- A connection to the internet
- For Live Webinars or Conferences: GoToWebinar application for iOS, Android, Mac, or PC. You cannot 'call into' a live conference.
- Target Audience: Pharmacy Tech
- Contact Hours: 1.5 (0.15 CEUs)
- Activity Release Date: 5/26/2024
- Activity Expiration Date: 5/26/2027
- Activity Type: Knowledge
- UAN: 0669-0000-24-063-H01-T
- Topic: Disease State Management/Drug Therapy
- CeBroker Number: 20-1211816
Author:
RxCe.com, LLC is accredited by the Accreditation Council for Pharmacy Education as a provider of continuing pharmacy education.
RxCe.com, LLC, offers pharmacy technician continuing education courses for PTCB recertification. Pharmacy technician courses are indicated both in the Target Audience description and the ACPE UAN which will end with a "T".