Safe to Drink?

December 11, 2008 2:46 PM

Prescription Drugs + Office Holiday Party = ?? [more inside]

I have recently been prescribed two drugs to combat some kind of infection in my throat: Augmentin and methylprednisolone (Medrol). Since then (yesterday) I feel much better, and my throat hardly hurts at all. I know I'm going to get a lot of IANAD, but would it be really bad to have a couple of drinks at tonight's holiday party for my job? Thanks!
(Too late to call my dr. to ask)

posted by suasponte to health & fitness (13 comments total)

Usually the meds have pretty clear labels that state how to take them and what to avoid. Here's the first google hit I found, and it seems pretty spot on (yeah, IANAD). Methylprednisolone receives a shorter answer - "Avoid drinking alcohol while you are taking methylprednisolone." The rest of that linked page has more medical information, which could be handy.
posted by filthy light thief at 2:53 PM on December 11, 2008

If it was just the Augmentin, looks like you'd be ok. But apparently you're not supposed to drink with the Medrol (middle of page).
posted by nomad73 at 2:56 PM on December 11, 2008

I am not a doctor or pharmacist blah blah blah.

Epocrates' entries for drug interactions for Augmentin and methylprednisone do not caution against ethanol (ethanol is cautioned against for some other drugs.)

It may be too late to call your doctor, but could you try your pharmacist?
posted by Zed_Lopez at 2:57 PM on December 11, 2008

Yes, I should have clarified that these warnings online say I should avoid alcohol, but do I REALLY have to avoid alcohol?
posted by suasponte at 2:58 PM on December 11, 2008

Yes. Yes, you do.

I don't get why it makes sense to come to an online advice forum looking for advice that contradicts the online warnings you've apparently already found, unless those are from clearly bogus alt-med sources, which these are not.

If you're determined to risk your health by combining alcohol with drugs you've already found out shouldn't be combined with alcohol, then why bother to hang about here waiting for some cooperative fool to tell you that's quite OK? Show a bit of backbone. Take your life in your own hands.
posted by flabdablet at 3:07 PM on December 11, 2008 [10 favorites]

You're getting over an infection. I know you feel better but you haven't finished the meds yet, there are probably still bacteria floating around (which is why you have to take the full course of anti-biotics now matter how you feel). You're also taking a steroid which will be interacting with your immune system. Alcohol is an immune suppressor*. The last thing your body needs right now. Even if alcohol doesn't directly interact with the meds (which I wouldn't rule out based on the other info posted) you shouldn't be drinking now anyway.

So yes, you really do have to avoid alcohol.

*here's one ref, I don't have time to find more but there are plenty
posted by shelleycat at 3:08 PM on December 11, 2008

Just don't drink. It's not a big deal.

Idiots at the party will say you can have a couple of drinks with no ill effects. These people are to be ignored.
posted by idiomatika at 3:13 PM on December 11, 2008

A note of caution with Augmentin: this kills a lot of bacteria including the good bacteria in your gut, which can leave you susceptible to secondary infections. My husband got C.diff after a round of Augmentin. Please please please take it easy, eat some yogurt every day and heal up before you go party. You don't want C.diff if you can help it.
posted by FergieBelle at 3:15 PM on December 11, 2008 [1 favorite]

It's too late to call your doctor, but probably not your pharmacist.
posted by PhatLobley at 3:32 PM on December 11, 2008 [1 favorite]

For professional advice, call your pharmacist, who will probably be able to answer this sort of question better than your physician, and has longer hours. Otherwise, don't do it. And make sure you take the full course of both of those drugs as directed; potentially nasty stuff can happen if you don't.
posted by grouse at 3:38 PM on December 11, 2008

What's the likelihood that your doctor would say, "Yeah, sure, go ahead!"? I don't think the pharmacist is going to give you a different answer either. Why risk it? You're not going to be on this stuff permanently.
posted by desjardins at 3:42 PM on December 11, 2008

Prescription Drugs + Office Holiday Party = Not drinking at the Office Holiday Party.


Next!
posted by mandal at 4:18 PM on December 11, 2008

The info I found wasn't so clear cut:

"There are no known interactions with any foods or beverages. However, methylprednisolone may cause retention of sodium (salt), so keep your sodium intake to a minimum. The drug may also result in excess urine secretion of potassium, so foods high in potassium are recommended. See the diet section for details. There are no known interactions with alcohol." From this page.

From WebMD: "If you have a history of ulcers or take large doses of aspirin or other arthritis medication, limit alcoholic beverages while taking this drug. Alcohol may increase the risk of stomach/intestinal bleeding."

I think there's a big difference between "avoid alcohol" and "do not drink while taking this drug." If it were me, I wouldn't worry about a couple of beers at the Christmas party - but I wouldn't exactly go on a binge. Call your pharmacist to be sure - they'll usually give you the straight dope (pun intended!)
posted by The Light Fantastic at 5:04 PM on December 11, 2008 [1 favorite]