Drugs Interacting with Alcohol

Potentially Deadly Combinations

DIURETICS

Sometimes called "water pills," diuretics help eliminate water, sodium, and chloride from the body. There are different types of diuretics.

Some examples are:

furosemide / LASIX

triamterene / hydrochlorothiazide / DYAZIDE, MAXZIDE

hydrochlorothiazide / HYDRODIURIL

triamterene / DYRENIUM

bumetamide / BUMEX

metolazone / ZAROXOLYN

Interaction
Food: Diuretics vary in their interactions with food and specific nutrients. Some diuretics cause loss of potassium, calcium, and magnesium. Triamterene, on the other hand, is known as a "potassium-sparing" diuretic. It blocks the kidneys’ excretion of potassium, which can cause hyperkalemia (increased potassium). Excess potassium may result in irregular heartbeat and heart palpitations. When taking triamterene, avoid eating large amounts of potassium-rich foods such as bananas, oranges and green leafy vegetables, or salt substitutes that contain potassium.

BETA BLOCKERS

Beta blockers decrease the nerve impulses to the heart and blood vessels. This decreases the heart rate and the work load of the heart.

Some examples are:

atenolol / TENORMIN

metoprolol / LOPRESSOR

propranolol / INDERAL

nadolol / CORGARD

Interaction
Alcohol: Avoid drinking alcohol with propranolol / INDERAL because the combination lowers blood pressure too much.

NITRATES

Nitrates relax blood vessels and lower the demand for oxygen by the heart.

Some examples are:

isosorbide dinitrate / ISORDIL,SORBITRATE

nitroglycerin / NITRO, NITRO-DUR,TRANSDERM-NITRO.

Interaction
Alcohol: Avoid alcohol because it may add to the blood vessel-relaxing effect of nitrates and result in dangerously low blood pressure.

ANGIOTENSIN CONVERTING ENZYME (ACE) INHIBITORS

ACE inhibitors relax blood vessels by preventing angiotensin II, a vasoconstrictor, from being formed.

Some examples are:

captopril / CAPOTEN

enalapril / VASOTEC

lisinopril / PRINIVIL, ZESTRIL

quinapril / ACCUPRIL

moexipril / UNIVASC

Interactions
Food: Food can decrease the absorption of captopril and moexipril. So take captopril and moexipril one hour before or two hours after meals. ACE inhibitors may increase the amount of potassium in your body. Too much potassium can be harmful. Make sure to tell your doctor if you are taking potassium supplements or diuretics (water pills) that may increase the amount of potassium in your body. Avoid eating large amounts of foods high in potassium such as bananas, green-leafy vegetables, and oranges.

HMG-CoA REDUCTASE INHIBITORS

Otherwise known as "statins," these medications are used to lower cholesterol. They work to reduce the rate of production of LDL (bad cholesterol). Some of these drugs also lower triglycerides. Recent studies have shown that pravastatin can reduce the risk of heart attack, stroke, or miniature stroke in certain patient populations.

Some examples are:

atorvastatin / LIPITOR

cerivastatin / BAYCOL

fluvastatin / LESCOL

lovastatin / MEVACOR

pravastatin / PRAVACHOL

simvastatin / ZOCOR

Interaction
Alcohol: Avoid drinking large amounts of alcohol because it may increase the risk of liver damage.

Food: Lovastatin (Mevacor) should be taken with the evening meal to enhance absorption.

ANTICOAGULANTS

Anticoagulants help to prevent the formation of blood clots.

An example is:

warfarin / COUMADIN

Interactions
Food: Vitamin K produces blood-clotting substances and may reduce the effectiveness of anticoagulants. So limit the amount of foods high in vitamin K (such as broccoli, spinach, kale, turnip greens, cauliflower, and brussel sprouts).

High doses of vitamin E (400 IU or more ) may prolong clotting time and increase the risk of bleeding. Talk to your doctor before taking vitamin E supplements.

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