Aspirin and alcohol - are they compatible?
introduction
Aspirin® is a drug with the active ingredient acetylsalicylic acid. It is used for pain and fever.
Since it is also often used to treat symptoms that arise from alcohol consumption, the question of whether it is safe to take Aspirin® and alcohol together often arises. It should be noted that Aspirin® should not be taken together with alcohol, as it can lead to dangerous side effects.
Further information on the subject is available at: Aspirin®
What happens if I take Aspirin® and alcohol at the same time?
As with all medicines, a number of different interactions with other substances can occur when taking Aspirin®. When taking Aspirin® and alcohol at the same time, the risk of dangerous side effects of Aspirin® developing is particularly increased. In particular, this increases the likelihood that undesirable side effects of the gastric mucosa will occur when taking the drug. There is therefore a risk that the joint consumption of alcohol and Aspirin® will result in a stomach ulcer, which in the worst case can develop into gastric cancer. Gastric bleeding caused by the ulcer can quickly lose large amounts of blood and lead to life-threatening conditions.
You can find more information at: Gastric ulcer
Interactions in the sense of an increased effect of alcohol or the effect of Aspirin® are not relevant. This can be explained by the metabolism of the Aspirin®. The active substances of the drug in Aspirin® are almost completely excreted by the kidneys, while the alcohol is metabolized in the liver.
If the aspirin is used for the prophylaxis of a heart attack in the case of a narrowing of the coronary arteries, it should be noted that heart palpitations can also occur after drinking alcohol.
You can find more information on this under: Palpitations after alcohol
Distance between taking Aspirin® and alcohol
The distance that should be kept when taking alcohol and Aspirin® is influenced by the rate at which the substances break down. It should also be noted that regular intake of both substances can lead to undesirable side effects, even if a certain interval is observed, and is therefore not recommended.
Since Aspirin® results in an irreversible inhibition of certain enzymes, which are responsible, among other things, for the production of the mucus that protects the gastric mucous membrane, the effect of the drug continues even after the active ingredient contained in Aspirin® has already been excreted.
The effect on these enzymes does not normalize until 3-4 days after taking Aspirin®. Regular and high alcohol consumption should therefore be avoided during this time.
The damaging effects of alcohol on the gastric mucous membrane and the overproduction of gastric acid through the consumption of alcohol, on the other hand, decrease significantly earlier.
Can the ingestion of Aspirin® and alcohol be fatal?
The combined intake of Aspirin® and alcohol can lead to serious side effects, which under certain circumstances can be fatal.
This is especially the case when there is extensive gastric bleeding. Significant blood loss can quickly lead to life-threatening conditions in these cases. This is also the case when a breakthrough in the ulcer leads to extensive inflammation and can even lead to sepsis.
The development of gastric carcinoma, which can form on the bottom of a stomach ulcer, can also be fatal.
Overall, the likelihood of suffering one of the complications mentioned is low, but it must be noted that the occurrence of complications increases sharply when taking Aspirin® and alcohol at the same time.
Risk of gastric bleeding from Aspirin® and alcohol
Gastric bleeding is the most common side effect that can occur when consuming alcohol and Aspirin® at the same time. This is caused by a combination of several effects on processes in the stomach which are caused by both Aspirin® and alcohol. This leads to both a reduced production of the mucous membrane protecting mucus and an increased production of gastric acid.
The irritating effect of alcohol on the cells of the gastric acid is also of importance. A combination of both substances therefore increases the risk of gastric bleeding.
The amount of bleeding can vary widely. Very heavy bleeding is rare but can quickly lead to life-threatening conditions. Symptoms of bleeding are primarily a deep black discoloration of the stool as well as bloody and coffee grounds-like vomiting. If you suspect gastric bleeding, a doctor should definitely be consulted.
Side effects from simultaneous use
The simultaneous intake of Aspirin® and alcohol can lead to undesirable side effects, some of which can be associated with dangerous consequences for the person concerned. In particular, the risk of gastric ulcers and gastric bleeding, known side effects when taking Aspirin®, can be increased by the simultaneous consumption of alcohol.
Irritation of the gastric mucosa, gastric bleeding and gastric ulcers can become noticeable through a variety of typical symptoms.
Gastric bleeding is characteristically accompanied by jet black stools and bloody or coffee grounds-like vomiting. Excessive bleeding can result in significant blood loss and associated symptoms.
Chronic stomach ulcers can lead to changes in the gastric outlet, causing digestive problems and vomiting. Stinging abdominal pain, which is particularly pronounced after eating, is typical.
Further information is available from: Bleeding in the stomach from alcohol
How Aspirin® and Alcohol Work
Aspirin® and alcohol affect different systems in the body. Since both substances have an effect on the gastric mucosa, there are typically interactions and side effects at these points, which can be accompanied by drastic consequences.
To protect the stomach from the strongly irritating gastric acid, a protective mucus is placed over the mucous membrane of the organ. Aspirin® has an inhibitory effect on certain hormones, the so-called prostaglandins. Among other things, these are responsible for the production of protective mucus, which is why there is less mucus formation when taking Aspirin®. Due to the reduced production of the mucus, the cells of the gastric mucosa are more susceptible to the gastric acid present in the stomach and this can lead to undesirable irritation of the stomach with associated bleeding.
Alcohol also has a certain effect on various processes in the stomach. On the one hand, the consumption of alcohol has a direct effect on the cells of the mucous membrane and can lead to gastric mucosal inflammation. There is also an increased production of gastric acid, which is also associated with an irritating effect on the gastric mucosa.
Another effect of alcohol is directed against the protective mucous layer of the stomach. By drinking alcohol, the protective layer becomes permeable and the cells of the mucous membrane are more susceptible to the harmful gastric acid.
If, in addition to the inhibition of prostaglandins, the intake of Aspirin® also results in changes that are caused by the consumption of alcohol, the risk of damage to the gastric mucosa increases significantly.
prophylaxis
There is no specific prophylaxis against side effects that can be associated with the simultaneous intake of Aspirin® and alcohol. In general, it is advisable not to take both substances at short intervals and to take both substances regularly.
Since other pain medication in combination with alcohol have a more favorable profile, switching to another medication may make sense under certain circumstances. Avoiding alcohol can also help reduce the increased likelihood of complications from taking Aspirin®.
Summary
In summary, a simultaneous use of Aspirin® and alcohol not recommended become. When taking both substances at the same time, dangerous side effects come which can sometimes be associated with life-threatening conditions. For this reason, a doctor should always be consulted if gastric bleeding is suspected. Depending on the symptoms and the results of further diagnostics, this can initiate the subsequent therapy.
Especially the danger of Gastric bleeding increases sharply when taking Aspirin® and alcohol. This is due to the effect on the production of the mucous layer in the stomach, the gastric acid, as well as the direct effect of the substances on the cells of the gastric mucosa.
For these reasons, other drugs should be preferred when choosing the pain medication used if alcohol is consumed regularly. Both the attending physician and the pharmacy staff can provide advice.
