Glinides; Sulfonylureas/Ethyl Alcohol Interactions

This information is generalized and not intended as specific medical advice. Consult your healthcare professional before taking or discontinuing any drug or commencing any course of treatment.

Medical warning:

Moderate. These medicines may cause some risk when taken together. Contact your healthcare professional (e.g. doctor or pharmacist) for more information.

How the interaction occurs:

Alcohol lowers blood glucose levels and disrupts the product of glucose in the liver.

What might happen:

Consuming alcohol with your medicine may lead to hypoglycemia, a condition in which your blood glucose levels are too low. Symptoms of low blood sugar include pale skin, blurred vision, loss of consciousness, increased thirst, increased urination, blurred vision, fatigue, or fast, deep breathing.Your diabetic medicine may also make you intolerant to alcohol. Symptoms of alcohol intolerance include flushing, throbbing in the head and neck, irregular heart beat, rapid heart beat, low blood pressure, sweating, nausea, and vomiting.

What you should do about this interaction:

Avoid drinking alcohol. Alcohol is also contained in many medicines. Discuss the amount of alcohol in your medicines with your healthcare (e.g. doctor or pharmacist).If you notice any signs or symptoms of low blood sugar or alcohol intolerance, contact your healthcare professional. Your doctor may want you to check your blood sugar more frequently or adjust your medicine.Your healthcare professionals may already be aware of this interaction and may be monitoring you for it. Do not start, stop, or change the dosage of any medicine before checking with them first.

View Reference
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CONDITIONS OF USE: The information in this database is intended to supplement, not substitute for, the expertise and judgment of healthcare professionals. The information is not intended to cover all possible uses, directions, precautions, drug interactions or adverse effects, nor should it be construed to indicate that use of a particular drug is safe, appropriate or effective for you or anyone else. A healthcare professional should be consulted before taking any drug, changing any diet or commencing or discontinuing any course of treatment.