Alcohol-medication interactions: A review

Abstract

Some medications when taken with alcohol cause accumulation of acetaldehyde by inhibiting aldehyde dehydrogenase (ALDH) enzyme. Acetaldehyde causes toxic effects in the body which are characterized by nausea, vomiting, facial flushing, hypotension and tachycardia, symptoms known as disulfiram-like reactions/antabuse effects or acetaldehyde syndrome. Alcohol interacts with many medications, thereby altering the metabolism of medications and/or alcohol. Alcohol dependence is an increasing and pervasive issue in today's world. Withdrawal symptoms of alcohol are because of dependence syndrome and are seen mostly in hospitals. The signs and symptoms of alcohol withdrawal syndrome can be mild to severe. The severe and complicated alcohol withdrawal may manifest as seizures, hallucinations and delirium tremens. This article aims to review various alcohol-medication interactions.