New Uses for Existing Medicines In a novel approach, researchers used computers and genomic data to find new applications for existing FDA-approved drugs. The accomplishment represents a major step forward in drug discovery. Drug approval takes many years of research, development and safety testing. When drugs that have already been approved are used for other […]

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Alcohol
May cause drowsiness. Alcohol may intensify this effect. Use care when operating a car or dangerous machinery.

You’ve probably seen this warning on medicines you’ve taken. The danger is real. Mixing alcohol with certain medications can cause nausea and vomiting, headaches, drowsiness, fainting, or loss of coordination. It also can put you at risk for internal bleeding, heart problems, and difficulties in breathing. In addition to these dangers, alcohol can make a medication less effective or even useless, or it may make the medication harmful or toxic to your body.

Some medicines that you might never have suspected can react with alcohol, including many medications which can be purchased “over-the-counter”—that is, without a prescription. Even some herbal remedies can have harmful effects when combined with alcohol.

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