Mixing alcohol with certain medications can cause nausea and vomiting, headaches, drowsiness, fainting, or loss of coordination. It can also put you at risk for internal bleeding, heart problems, and difficulties in breathing. Alcohol can make a medication less effective or even useless, or it may make the medication harmful or toxic to your body.

Common Medications and Their Interactions with Alcohol

The following table lists common medications that can cause harm when taken with alcohol.

Medication Type	Common Brand Names	Generic Name / Active Ingredient	Possible Reactions with Alcohol
Allergy, Cold & Flu	Benadryl®, Claritin®, Sudafed®, Tylenol® Cold & Flu	Diphenhydramine, Loratadine, Pseudoephedrine, Acetaminophen	Increased drowsiness and dizziness; increased risk for overdose.
Angina (Chest Pain)	Isordil®	Isosorbide dinitrate	Rapid heartbeat; sudden changes in blood pressure; dizziness; fainting.
Anxiety & Epilepsy	Ativan®, Klonopin®, Valium®, Xanax®	Lorazepam, Clonazepam, Diazepam, Alprazolam	Drowsiness; dizziness; increased risk for overdose; slowed or difficulty breathing.
Arthritis	Celebrex®, Naprosyn®, Voltaren®	Celecoxib, Naproxen, Diclofenac	Ulcers; stomach bleeding; liver damage.
Blood Clots	Coumadin®	Warfarin	Occasional drinking may lead to internal bleeding; heavier drinking may cause bleeding or the drug to lose its effect.
Cough	Robitussin® Cough, Delsym®	Dextromethorphan	Drowsiness; dizziness; increased risk for overdose.
Depression	Celexa®, Lexapro®, Paxil®, Prozac®, Zoloft®	Citalopram, Escitalopram, Paroxetine, Fluoxetine, Sertraline	Drowsiness; dizziness; increased risk for overdose; increased feelings of hopelessness.
Diabetes	Glucotrol®	Glipizide	Abnormally low blood sugar levels; “flushing” reaction (nausea, vomiting, rapid heartbeat).
Heartburn & Ulcers	Reglan®, Zantac®	Metoclopramide, Ranitidine	Rapid heartbeat; sudden changes in blood pressure; increased alcohol effect.
High Blood Pressure	Norvasc®, Vasotec®	Amlodipine, Enalapril	Dizziness; fainting; heart rhythm problems.
High Cholesterol	Lipitor®, Zocor®	Atorvastatin, Simvastatin	Liver damage (increased with heavy drinking); increased flushing and itching.
Infections	Flagyl®, Nizoral®	Metronidazole, Ketoconazole	Fast heartbeat; sudden changes in blood pressure; stomach pain; vomiting; liver damage.
Pain, Fever & Inflammation	Advil®, Bayer®, Excedrin®, Motrin®, Tylenol®	Ibuprofen, Aspirin, Acetaminophen	Stomach upset; bleeding and ulcers; liver damage; rapid heartbeat.
Severe Pain	Demerol®, Percocet®, Vicodin®	Meperidine, Oxycodone, Hydrocodone	Drowsiness; dizziness; increased risk for overdose; slowed or difficulty breathing.
Sleep Problems	Ambien®, Lunesta®, Sominex®	Zolpidem, Eszopiclone, Diphenhydramine	Drowsiness; dizziness; slowed or difficulty breathing; memory problems.

Important Safety Information

• Timing: Alcohol and medicine can interact even if they are not taken at the same time.
• Older Adults: Older people are at especially high risk for harmful alcohol–drug interactions because the body’s ability to break down alcohol slows with age.
• Herbal Remedies: Even some herbal remedies, such as chamomile, valerian, and lavender, can have harmful effects when combined with alcohol, typically increasing drowsiness.

Additional Resources

• MedlinePlus: Information on prescription and over-the-counter medications.
• National Institute on Alcohol Abuse and Alcoholism (NIAAA): Free materials on alcohol use and abuse.
• U.S. Food and Drug Administration (FDA): Reports on drug interactions and adverse reactions.