Alcohol interacts with hundreds of medicines. Some combinations cause a sudden, unpleasant reaction, some make sedation dangerous, and some slowly damage the liver or stomach. Pick a medicine below to see how risky drinking is with it, why, and what the official labeling says. Where we have a full guide, the result links to it.
About this tool: based on FDA prescribing information and OTC Drug Facts labels, checked in 2026. It covers common medicines, not every interaction. If someone is very drowsy, hard to wake or breathing slowly after mixing alcohol and medicine, call 911. For poisoning questions, call Poison Control at 1-800-222-1222. See our medical disclaimer.
Four ways alcohol interacts with medicines
- Added sedation. Alcohol is a central nervous system depressant. Combined with opioids, benzodiazepines, sleep medicines, gabapentinoids or sedating antihistamines, it can deepen drowsiness and slow breathing. This is the most dangerous type of interaction.
- A chemical reaction. Some drugs block the enzyme that breaks down acetaldehyde, a toxic product of alcohol. The build-up causes flushing, nausea and a racing heart. Disulfiram does this on purpose, and metronidazole and tinidazole carry label warnings about it.
- Organ damage. Alcohol and some medicines both stress the liver (acetaminophen, duloxetine) or the stomach lining (NSAIDs), and the risk adds up with regular drinking.
- Changed drug levels or effects. Alcohol can change how fast a drug is processed (warfarin), cause low blood sugar with diabetes medicines, or release extended-release medicine too fast.
Who is at higher risk
- Older adults: the body clears alcohol and drugs more slowly, and many older adults take several medicines.
- Women: on average, the same amount of alcohol produces higher blood alcohol levels.
- People taking several sedating medicines: risk multiplies rather than adds.
- People with liver disease or a history of heavy drinking.
What counts as a drink
In the U.S., one standard drink contains about 14 grams of pure alcohol: 12 oz of regular beer (5%), 5 oz of wine (12%) or 1.5 oz of 80-proof spirits. Many craft beers, cocktails and generous wine pours contain two or more standard drinks. Label warnings that mention “3 or more drinks” refer to standard drinks.
Practical tips
- Read the Drug Facts or patient information leaflet for any alcohol warning before drinking.
- Ask your pharmacist when you start any new medicine, including over-the-counter and herbal products.
- Be aware of hidden alcohol: some liquid cold medicines and mouthwashes contain it, which matters with disulfiram and metronidazole.
- Never drive after combining alcohol with a sedating medicine, even if you feel fine.
- Do not skip a medicine to drink. That can be more dangerous than the interaction, for example with seizure or blood pressure medicines.
Our full alcohol interaction guides
- Metronidazole and alcohol
- Metformin and alcohol
- Wellbutrin and alcohol
- Cymbalta and alcohol
- Zoloft and alcohol
- Lexapro and alcohol
- Benadryl and alcohol
- Ritalin and alcohol
Frequently asked questions
How long after taking a medicine can I drink alcohol?
It depends on the drug’s half-life and the type of interaction. Metronidazole labels say to wait 3 days after the last dose. For long-acting drugs, the effect can last much longer than a day, so ask your pharmacist about your specific medicine.
Can I drink on antibiotics?
For most common antibiotics, moderate drinking does not cause a dangerous interaction, though it may worsen side effects. Metronidazole and tinidazole are exceptions, where alcohol should be avoided during treatment and for 3 days afterward.
Is one drink safe with antidepressants?
Labels for most antidepressants advise against alcohol. Some prescribers accept an occasional drink once treatment is stable, but it varies by medicine and person. Bupropion carries a specific seizure-related warning.
Is it safe to take Tylenol after drinking?
Occasional normal doses are generally considered low risk, but the FDA label warns that 3 or more drinks a day increases the risk of severe liver damage. Never exceed the labeled maximum dose.
Sources
- Prescribing information and Drug Facts labels for each medicine listed, DailyMed
- National Institute on Alcohol Abuse and Alcoholism. Harmful interactions: mixing alcohol with medicines
- National Institute on Alcohol Abuse and Alcoholism. What is a standard drink?
- Gabapentin and pregabalin prescribing information, including respiratory depression warnings added in 2019, DailyMed
About this article
Written by the Health Linear Editorial Team from primary sources such as FDA prescribing information, DailyMed, NIH and peer-reviewed studies, which are linked in the article. Last updated October 27, 2026.
Read our editorial process and medical disclaimer. Spotted an error? Tell us and we will correct it.