A New Spin on Mixology: Mechanisms and Consequences of Drug-Alcohol Interactions

Course overview

Alcohol has the potential to interact with many medications through various mechanisms, including raising blood alcohol levels, altering other drugs' metabolism, interfering with medication effectiveness, or exacerbating adverse effects. Though some occur only among those who drink heavily (i.e., 3 or more drinks per occasion), many can still occur with lower alcohol consumption. Alcohol interacts with drugs in two major ways: pharmacokinetics (altering the body's effects on the drug) and pharmacodynamics (altering the drug's effects on the body). The effects of these interactions range from mild dizziness or drowsiness to severe or fatal consequences. Referring patients to the pharmacist for counseling on when to avoid alcohol and how alcohol interacts with their medication therapies is critical to ensuring safe and effective treatment of medical conditions and prevention of adverse effects.