Whether a person can drink alcohol while taking prednisone depends on a range of factors, including the length of the treatment, the dosage, and how much alcohol they drink. Learn more here. How long after taking prednisone can you drink alcohol? The recommendation is to avoid alcohol while taking prednisone. Although there aren’t any known interaction of prednisone with alcohol, but there exists possibility of stomach bleeding in general. So you better not to consume prednisone while on alcohol or else avoid using alcohol while taking this supplement.
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There may be other medical reasons why you should not consume alcohol, such as: theoretically, it is possible that drinking alcohol while taking prednisone might increase the risk of stomach ulcers or other gastrointestinal bleeding, as both substances can cause gastrointestinal irritation. You should not drink alcohol while taking prednisolone. Drinking alcoholic beverages such as beer and wine can cause stomach problems and make other side effects more severe. Talk with your doctor about limiting how much and often you drink alcohol, and other changes you need to make while taking prednisolone. Continue Learning about Corticosteroid.
Overview
Medication Interactions
Risk Factors
Heart Disease or Stroke
Other Side Effects
Medications containing ibuprofen already have the risk of producing some serious side-effects, therefore it is a very good possibility that drinking alcohol while taking ibuprofen could intensify those effects.
Ibuprofen is in a class of medications known as nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drug (NSAIDs) which are used mainly to relieve pain. It is an over-the-counter medication but also is sometimes combined with other drugs in prescription medications. It is also used to reduce fever and to relieve minor aches and pain from headaches, muscle aches, arthritis, menstrual periods, the common cold, toothaches, and backaches.
Some of the brand names of ibuprofen include:
Addaprin
Advil
Cedaprin
I-Prin
Midol
Motrin
NeoProfen
Profen IB
Proprinal
Ultraprin
The Differences Between Motrin, Aleve, Tylenol, and Aspirin
Can You Drink While Taking Ibuprofen?
The answer to whether or not you can consume alcohol while taking ibuprofen is, 'it depends.' If you are already experiencing some of the side-effects of ibuprofen listed below, you may not want to drink any amount of alcohol because you run the risk of increasing the severity of those effects.
If you are not having any side-effects from using ibuprofen, you may be able to drink a moderate amount of alcohol and not experience any negative reaction.
But, the keyword is 'moderate,' and that means less than 14 drinks a week for men and less than 7 drinks a week for women.
If you are a heavy drinker or a binge drinker or sometimes drink three or more drinks per day, you can significantly increase the risk of developing some of the side-effects listed below.
How to Know If You Should Quit Drinking or Cut Back
Gastrointestinal Bleeding
Ibuprofen and other NSAIDs have been found to cause ulcers which in some cases can lead to gastrointestinal bleeding or perforation (holes in the stomach or intestine).
These gastrointestinal problems have been found to develop at any time you are taking ibuprofen and can happen without any warning symptoms. Any of them could result in death if not caught or treated early enough.
One of the health risks of alcohol use listed in the U.S. National Library of Medicine's Medical Encyclopedia is bleeding from the stomach or esophagus. It stands to reason that if you are taking ibuprofen drinking alcohol can compound the risk of gastrointestinal bleeding.
What Are the Risks of Gastrointestinal Bleeding From Medications?
Interaction With Other Medications
Neither taking ibuprofen nor drinking alcohol is recommended while taking any of the following medications without informing your healthcare provider:
How Alcohol Affects Coagulation and Blood Thinners
Symptoms of Gastrointestinal Side-Effects
If you experience any of the following symptoms it is recommended that you stop taking ibuprofen immediately and seek medical attention:
Stomach pain
Heartburn
Vomit that is bloody
Vomit that looks like coffee grounds
Blood in the stool
Black or tarry stools
Factors Increasing the Risk of Stomach Bleeding
The warning label on medications containing ibuprofen advises that the risk of stomach bleeding is increased if you:
Are older than 60 years
Take high doses of ibuprofen
Use ibuprofen for a long time
Use other blood thinners or steroids
Have preexisting stomach bleeding issues
Kidney Damage
Research has shown that long-term use of ibuprofen can damage the kidneys. Because heavy alcohol consumption can also cause kidney damage, it makes sense that using the two together can greatly increase the risk of developing kidney problems.
You could have problems with your kidneys if you are experiencing any of these symptoms:
Tiredness
Shortness of breath
Swelling in hands, feet, or ankles
Kidney Disease
Heart Disease or Stroke
Studies have found that people who take NSAIDs, other than aspirin, have a higher risk of having a heart attack or stroke, compared with people who do not take NSAIDs. The risk is much greater for those who have taken NSAIDS such as ibuprofen for an extended period of time.
Heart attack and stroke as a result of taking ibuprofen can happen without warning and can be fatal.
Drinking alcohol can also cause heart problems in some people and make it more difficult to control high blood pressure for those who already have high blood pressure. Therefore, combining ibuprofen and alcohol could increase the risk of heart and blood pressure-related problems for some people.
If you are taking ibuprofen, it is recommended that you seek emergency medical assistance immediately if you experience any of these symptoms:
Chest pain
Shortness of breath
Weakness in one part or side of the body
Slurred speech
It Doesn't Take Much Alcohol to Cause Heart Problems
Decreased Alertness
For some people, ibuprofen may cause drowsiness and cognitive issues, Because alcohol can also cause these, using ibuprofen and alcohol together can:
Increase the risk of being distracted
Slow reaction times
Increase sleepiness
Drinking and driving alone is dangerous, but driving while drinking and taking ibuprofen is certainly not recommended.
Other Side-Effects of Ibuprofen
Taking ibuprofen alone can produce side-effects that can be serious. If you experience any of the following, stop taking ibuprofen immediately and seek medical attention:
Can You Drink Alcohol While Taking Prednisone And Amoxicillin
Unexplained weight gain
Shortness of breath or difficulty breathing
Swelling of the abdomen, feet, ankles, or lower legs
Blisters
Rash
Itching
Hives
Swelling of the eyes, face, throat, arms, or hands
Difficulty breathing or swallowing
Hoarseness
Excessive tiredness
Pain in the upper right part of the stomach
Loss of appetite
Yellowing of the skin or eyes
Flu-like symptoms
Pale skin
Cloudy, discolored, or bloody urine
Back pain
Difficult or painful urination
Blurred vision, changes in color vision
Red or painful eyes
Stiff neck
Headache
Confusion
Aggression
If any of the following symptoms become severe or will not go away, tell your healthcare provider:
Diarrhea
Gas or bloating
Nervousness
Ringing in the ears
Greater Effect on Women
Because women tend to metabolize alcohol more slowly than men, alcohol remains in a woman's system for a longer period of time and, therefore, increases the likelihood that it will interact with ibuprofen even when drinking less alcohol.
Consequently, women who drink and take ibuprofen are at greater risk to develop damage to their kidneys and other organs. This is especially true for older women, according to the American Society of Health-System Pharmacists.
Women At Higher Risk for Many of the Effects of Alcohol
A Word From Verywell
If you take ibuprofen occasionally to relieve a headache, pain, or fever, you are probably completely safe in drinking a moderate amount of alcohol. However, if you take ibuprofen daily for osteoarthritis, rheumatoid arthritis, or other chronic pain, you may want to think twice about combining it with alcohol.
Also, if you have been taking ibuprofen over an extended period of time, drinking alcohol in any amount may not be a good idea. If you are experiencing any of the side-effects listed above, you may also want to avoid consuming alcohol or consult a medical professional before doing so.
Should You Take Ibuprofen for Your Cold or Flu?
U.S. National Library of Medicine. 'Ibuprofen.' Drugs, Herbs, and Supplements July 2016
U.S. National Library of Medicine. 'Ibuprofen overdose.' Health Topics January 2015
U.S. National Library of Medicine. 'Health Risk of Alcohol Use.' Health Topics February 2016
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Prednisone can help balance hormones in people whose adrenal glands do not produce enough corticosteroids.
It is also a powerful anti-inflammatory and can help treat diseases that cause inflammation, such as lupus, multiple sclerosis, and arthritis. Prednisone can also alter the function of the immune system.
Whether they are taking a short course of the medication or need to use it long-term, people often wonder if they can drink alcohol while taking prednisone.
This article will explore the side effects of prednisone and alcohol and whether they might be safe to use together.
Alcohol and prednisone
A person should speak to a doctor before drinking alcohol and when taking prednisone.
There is no straightforward answer to whether it is safe to drink alcohol while taking prednisone. It depends on several factors, including:
how large the dosage of prednisone is
whether it is a short- or long-term course of treatment
how much alcohol the person drinks
In general, a person's doctor can best determine whether mixing prednisone with alcohol will be safe.
The main concern about using prednisone and alcohol is that alcohol can make the side effects of prednisone much worse.
Side effects and risks
Potential risks of using alcohol and prednisone together include:
Gastrointestinal problems
Prednisone can increase the risk of gastrointestinal disturbance. Long-term use of alcohol causes inflammation of the stomach lining, which can lead to stomach ulcers, heartburn, and malnutrition.
People with existing stomach issues, such as heartburn, should avoid using prednisone and alcohol together.
Weakened immune system
Another side effect of prednisone is a weakened immune system, which can make people more vulnerable to infections.
The body may have more trouble fighting off diseases than it usually would. Exposure to measles or chickenpox can cause more severe infection in people taking steroids.
Alcohol also weakens the immune system. Chronic alcohol use can make it easier for people to become ill with pneumonia or tuberculosis, for example. Anyone who takes prednisone and drinks alcohol regularly has a higher risk of developing an infection.
Weight gain
While multiple factors are involved, research suggests that alcohol intake can lead to weight gain in some people. Weight gain is also a possible side effect of prednisone.
Brittle bones
Long-term prednisone use can make the bones weaker and more brittle, leading to osteoporosis. Alcohol use is also a risk factor for osteoporosis, due to loss of nutrients. Having osteoporosis puts a person at risk of severe bone fractures.
Blood sugar changes
Alcohol can cause blood sugar levels to drop, which can be problematic for a person with diabetes. People with diabetes also need to be aware that alcohol can cause inflammation of the pancreas and lead to complications.
Prednisone can increase blood sugar levels. Anyone with diabetes who is taking prednisone may require more insulin or medication to lower their blood sugar.
Tips and precautions
A person should avoid caffeine, which may worsen insomnia.
There are several precautions to take while on prednisone:
Take prednisone with food to prevent stomach upset.
Consult a doctor before taking prednisone while pregnant or breastfeeding.
Speak with a doctor before receiving vaccinations while on prednisone.
Do not stop a dosage of prednisone unless a doctor advises it.
Ask a doctor about potassium or calcium supplements.
Eat healthful, well-balanced meals to avoid weight gain and keep blood sugar under control.
Avoid stimulants such as caffeine because these can worsen insomnia, a side effect of prednisone.
Drinking Alcohol
Summary
Whether it is safe to drink alcohol while on prednisone depends on the dosage of the medication, the length of the course of treatment, and how frequently a person uses alcohol.
A person taking a short course of prednisone may want to avoid alcohol until they finish the treatment.
Alcohol can worsen some side effects of prednisone, such as immune system suppression, bone weakening, and weight gain. It is best to speak with a doctor to avoid serious complications.
Article last reviewed by Tue 7 May 2019. Visit our Pharmacy / Pharmacist category page for the latest news on this subject, or sign up to our newsletter to receive the latest updates on Pharmacy / Pharmacist. All references are available in the References tab.
The effects of alcohol on the body. (2019). https://americanaddictioncenters.org/alcoholism-treatment/body-effects
Traversy, G., & Chaput, J.-P. (2015). Alcohol consumption and obesity: An update. https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC4338356/
Can You Drink Alcohol With Prednisone 60 Mg
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