Doctors warned Penza residents about a dangerous combination of alcohol and drugs

After a hard day I want to relax. Many people prefer to spend the evening with a cup of tea or watching a favorite movie. However, sometimes there is a desire to drink a glass of alcohol to relieve tension. Especially if you are taking medication. But here lies the danger: even a small dose of alcohol can lead to unpredictable consequences.

Ethanol can affect the action of drugs. It can weaken their effect, which will reduce the effectiveness of treatment, or increase, which will lead to an overdose. In addition, the risk of adverse reactions increases. It is almost impossible to determine exactly how the combination of alcohol and drugs will work, since many factors influence this.

Especially suffers from this “cocktail” liver. She is forced to simultaneously neutralize alcohol and drugs. For example, when paracetamol interacts with ethanol, toxic substances are formed that damage liver cells. A person may feel good, but there are major changes in their body.

Other combinations can also be dangerous. Painkillers from the NSAID group in combination with alcohol irritate the gastric mucosa, which increases the risk of ulcers and bleeding. Antibiotics can cause blood pressure spikes, nausea and heart palpitations. Drugs for the heart and blood vessels can lead to a sharp drop in pressure or a violation of the heart rhythm. And sleeping pills, antidepressants and some antihistamines in combination with alcohol increase the depressing effect on the nervous system, causing drowsiness, loss of coordination and, in severe cases, breathing problems.

The reaction to this combination is individual. It depends on the condition of the liver and kidneys, age, chronic diseases and genetic features. One person after a glass of wine while taking medication will not have any symptoms, and another even a small dose can cause serious problems. Therefore, you can not focus on the experience of other people.

The absence of an outright ban on the combination of alcohol and drugs in the instruction does not mean it is safe. Manufacturers cannot provide all possible combinations. Moreover, there is no scientifically confirmed “safe” dose of alcohol when taking medications. Even a minimal amount of ethanol can change the effect of the drug.

It is important to remember that the danger does not disappear immediately after the course of treatment. Some drugs continue to act in the body for several more days. Do not immediately return to the habit of drinking alcohol.

Specialists of the Kamchatka Center for Public Health and Medical Prevention recommend: if there are doubts, be sure to discuss this issue with your doctor. They will be able to assess how important it is to eliminate alcohol in your particular case. In health matters, “a little bit” can mean a serious risk that is best avoided.