Prednisone can help balance hormones in people whose adrenal glands do not produce enough corticosteroids.
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Alcohol and Prednisone. If you haven't had a drink for a while it may go for the knees rather faster than it used to! He had a glass of wine at a Christmas party.
It is also a powerful anti-inflammatory and can help treat diseases that cause inflammation, such as lupus, multiple sclerosis, and arthritis. Ingenious pc download. Prednisone can also alter the function of the immune system.
Whether they are taking a short course of the medication or need to use it long-term, people often wonder if they can drink alcohol while taking prednisone.
Can you drink alcohol while taking Prednisone? It is never advisable for patients to drink alcohol while they are on prednisone therapy. However, there is no proven direct interaction between prednisone and alcohol. However, I can't find one reason to avoid the occasional 'social' drink while using prednisone. Now, you've mentioned other meds as well. Those may have some interaction with alcohol that should be investigated. Can I Drink Alcohol While Taking Prednisone? An Internet search of the term 'alcohol and prednisone' will come up with numerous different Web sites warning of the dangers of combining the two. However, there are no interactions between them. In fact, one of the liquid forms of prednisone (prednisone Intensolâ„¢) actually contains 30 percent.
This article will explore the side effects of prednisone and alcohol and whether they might be safe to use together.
Can You Drink Alcohol With PrednisoloneAlcohol and prednisoneA person should speak to a doctor before drinking alcohol and when taking prednisone.
There is no straightforward answer to whether it is safe to drink alcohol while taking prednisone. It depends on several factors, including:
In general, a person's doctor can best determine whether mixing prednisone with alcohol will be safe.
The main concern about using prednisone and alcohol is that alcohol can make the side effects of prednisone much worse.
Side effects and risks
Potential risks of using alcohol and prednisone together include:
![]() Gastrointestinal problems
Prednisone can increase the risk of gastrointestinal disturbance. Long-term use of alcohol causes inflammation of the stomach lining, which can lead to stomach ulcers, heartburn, and malnutrition.
People with existing stomach issues, such as heartburn, should avoid using prednisone and alcohol together.
Weakened immune system
Another side effect of prednisone is a weakened immune system, which can make people more vulnerable to infections.
The body may have more trouble fighting off diseases than it usually would. Exposure to measles or chickenpox can cause more severe infection in people taking steroids.
Alcohol also weakens the immune system. Chronic alcohol use can make it easier for people to become ill with pneumonia or tuberculosis, for example. Anyone who takes prednisone and drinks alcohol regularly has a higher risk of developing an infection.
Weight gain
While multiple factors are involved, research suggests that alcohol intake can lead to weight gain in some people. Weight gain is also a possible side effect of prednisone.
Brittle bones
Long-term prednisone use can make the bones weaker and more brittle, leading to osteoporosis. Alcohol use is also a risk factor for osteoporosis, due to loss of nutrients. Having osteoporosis puts a person at risk of severe bone fractures.
Blood sugar changes
Alcohol can cause blood sugar levels to drop, which can be problematic for a person with diabetes. People with diabetes also need to be aware that alcohol can cause inflammation of the pancreas and lead to complications.
Prednisone can increase blood sugar levels. Anyone with diabetes who is taking prednisone may require more insulin or medication to lower their blood sugar.
Tips and precautionsA person should avoid caffeine, which may worsen insomnia. Can You Drink Alcohol If Taking Prednisone
There are several precautions to take while on prednisone:
Summary
Whether it is safe to drink alcohol while on prednisone depends on the dosage of the medication, the length of the course of treatment, and how frequently a person uses alcohol.
A person taking a short course of prednisone may want to avoid alcohol until they finish the treatment.
Alcohol can worsen some side effects of prednisone, such as immune system suppression, bone weakening, and weight gain. It is best to speak with a doctor to avoid serious complications.
Related coverage
Alcohol / Addiction / Illegal DrugsEndocrinologyLupus
Article last reviewed by Tue 7 May 2019.
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Alcohol. (2017). http://www.diabetes.org/food-and-fitness/food/what-can-i-eat/making-healthy-food-choices/alcohol.html
Alcohol's effects on the body. (n.d.). https://www.niaaa.nih.gov/alcohol-health/alcohols-effects-body
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