Read this before drinking alcohol while on medications

Many medicines—prescription, over-the-counter, or herbal remedies—can be dangerous or even deadly when mixed with alcohol. Before taking any medicine, ask your doctor or pharmacist if you can safely drink alcohol. Here are some examples of problems caused by mixing alcohol with certain medicines: If you take aspirin and drink, your risk of stomach or intestinal bleeding is increased. When combined with alcohol, cold and allergy medicines (the label will say "antihistamines") may make you feel very sleepy. Alcohol used with large doses of acetaminophen, a common painkiller, may cause liver damage. Some medicines, such as cough syrups and laxatives, have high alcohol content. If you drink at the same time, your alcohol level will go up. Alcohol used with some sleeping pills, pain pills, or anxiety/anti-depression medicine can be deadly. Learn more about older adults and alcohol on our website. Share this information on social media: Mixing #alcohol and certain medicines can be dangerous or even deadly. Check out these examples of problems that may be caused by drinking alcohol while on certain medications:  https://www.nia.nih.gov/health/alcohol-and-medicines