How much is too much?
Consultant pharmacist Neil Hamilton addresses some common questions around alcohol and medication.
T
he great British public have a complicated relationship with alcohol. Drinking it is engrained in our culture and forms an intrinsic part of our social lives. This is the case, to a greater or lesser extent, across the Western world. However, unsurprisingly, the action of a few whilst under the influence of alcohol - for example some football fans has given the British an especially bad reputation. There are early signs that the average amount of alcohol consumed per adult in the UK has fallen slightly from its peak in 2004. An annual BBC poll carried out since 2005 showed that of those surveyed, less people had drunk in the past week compared to 12 years ago. One of the reasons for this is the reduction in numbers of young drinkers. Young people were amongst the least likely to have had a drink in the previous week. Granted this is a small sample, but the
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data suggested that higher earners and older age groups are now more likely to consume alcohol than the younger generations. Whilst this may not be highlighted in terms of anti-social behaviour, there are obvious impacts on health and wellbeing that could be equally problematic. With that in mind, I am not going to write a pious and virtuous piece about the dangers of alcohol and alcoholism. Indeed, I am sure a good many of you, like me, will have enjoyed a drink whilst meeting with friends and colleagues at the fantastic PHA UK conference recently. My aim here is to try and dispel some myths and bring some reality to discussions that I frequently overhear, and address questions we pharmacists get asked around drinking and medicine. Much of this advice is not unique to patients with pulmonary hypertension, and consists of general tips and considerations applicable to all.
“You cannot drink when you are taking warfarin” This is false. Patients prescribed warfarin can safely consume alcohol, provided it is in moderation. A steady, regular intake of two units per day is preferable to 14 units in one night. Binge drinking close to an INR check may well affect the result, so be aware, and if you have drunk more than usual near to a blood test, just let the clinic know so they can interpret the result in context.
“You cannot drink when you are taking antibiotics” This depends on which type of antibotics. There is no blanket advice across antibiotics. As you may be aware there are many different medicines we treat infections with, so make sure you check with your doctor and / or pharmacist to be certain. The ones to definitely avoid alcohol with
