What medications should you not mix with alcohol?
Last updated September 3, 2026.
The hard no's: metronidazole and tinidazole - alcohol with them causes vomiting, flushes, and racing heart, banned until 48 to 72 hours after the last dose, per the NHS. The sedation stackers: benzos, z-drugs, opioids, sedating antihistamines, muscle relaxants, gabapentin - alcohol multiplies drowsiness and can slow breathing dangerously. The organ pairs: acetaminophen plus regular drinking risks the liver; NSAIDs plus alcohol raise stomach-bleeding risk. The underminers: alcohol works against antidepressants - the NHS advises avoiding it on sertraline and escitalopram. Rule of thumb: any label with a drowsiness warning is a no-alcohol drug. Pymander is a free AI doctor, 24/7 by text, and can check your list.
What to do
- Metronidazole or tinidazole: zero alcohol: plus 48 to 72 hours after.
- Drowsiness warning = no alcohol: the simplest rule that works.
- Regular drinker on Tylenol? Tell your doctor: the liver math changes.
- Not sure? Ask the pharmacist: faster than the label fine print.
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