Alcohol (Ethanol) Medication Interactions

Interactions

Supplement interactions on file

No supplement in this library is recorded as interacting with this medication. Coverage is partial — 171 of 216 medications have interaction data, drawn from the 107 supplements written up so far. Absence here is incomplete coverage, not a safety claim.

Browse the supplements that are written up

Trade names: Alcoholic beverages

Full write-up

What is it

Alcohol (Ethanol) is a substance found in alcoholic beverages. It is considered here as a substance rather than a medication, with alcoholic beverages as its brand name.

This page is an educational reference for reviewing combination questions involving Alcohol (Ethanol) and other medications or substances you may be taking. For questions involving a medical condition, consult a clinician.

What interacts with it

The most concerning combinations involve added sedation, impaired coordination, or organ stress. Finnish Sauna with alcohol can impair thermoregulation and increase dehydration, substantially raising the risk of sudden cardiac death and syncope. Alpha-Lipoic Acid (ALA) is a particular concern with chronic heavy alcohol use because alcohol commonly causes thiamine deficiency, and high-dose ALA can produce severe toxicity in thiamine-deficient states. Passionflower and Valerian Root can add to alcohol’s central nervous system depression, increasing the risk of severe drowsiness, impaired coordination, respiratory depression, and accidents. Alcohol can also increase niacin-related flushing and liver injury risk when combined with Vitamin B3 (Niacin).

Several supplements may add to alcohol-related drowsiness, dizziness, or impaired judgment. These include Bacopa Monnieri, CBD (Cannabidiol), Chamomile, GABA, Glycine, Lavender Extract, Lemon Balm (Melissa), Melatonin, Reishi, Rhodiola Rosea, Saffron Extract, St. John's Wort, and Tryptophan. The resulting impairment may increase fall, accident, or unsafe-driving risk. Caffeine can reduce perceived sedation without reversing cognitive or motor impairment, which may encourage excess alcohol consumption or risk-taking.

Other combinations involve organ, blood-pressure, bleeding, or nutrient concerns. Alcohol and Beetroot Extract may both lower blood pressure, while Chondroitin Sulfate may contribute to bleeding risk in people using products that affect coagulation. Chronic heavy alcohol exposure can increase hepatic risk from high-retinol Cod Liver Oil and can deplete renal magnesium. High-dose Green Tea Extract (EGCG) shares overlapping liver-injury risk with alcohol, although a specific clinical interaction has not been established. Chronic or heavy alcohol exposure can also deplete hepatic glutathione, opposing Glutathione-repletion goals. A prescriber or pharmacist can help assess these combinations, especially with heavy alcohol use or an underlying medical condition.