Sex, drugs and alcohol: Drug interactions of concern to consumers

Abstract

People often have misconceptions about interactions between alcohol and commonly prescribed drugs. Often there is insufficient evidence to support prohibiting alcohol, but the overall risk needs to be assessed for each individual. Any drug which suppresses the central nervous system will exacerbate the immediate effects of alcohol and can be expected to increase the risk of alcohol-related harm. Alcohol should not be taken with drugs that can cause a disulfiram-like effect. Combined hormonal contraceptives are less reliable if taken with drugs which can increase the rate of metabolism of oestrogens and progestogens. The interacting drugs include some antiepileptic drugs and the rifamycins, so action is required to maintain contraception.