The pharmacy Update in “December, 2021 – Costco Connection” gives this strong advice from Lawrence Varga, B.Sc.Phm.: “Navigate your medications this holiday season.”
He cautions us not to be tempted to overindulge in alcoholic drinking now or at any other time during the year. Health professionals are aware of seniors possibly taking certain medications that need special treatment. The following information comes from this general manager of the store’s pharmacy operations in Canada. It concerns what happens on an empty stomach, on a full stomach, or when drinking.
Varga explains that, “If you’ve just eaten, the food digesting in your stomach can interfere with some medications being absorbed into your bloodstream and body for the next two hours.”This situation can occur when taking medications such as iron and thyroid hormones, as well as strep throat antibiotics and acne.
However, there are other circumstances where food can assist the medications taken to be better absorbed or cause a less upset stomach. Good examples here are (NSAID)/Nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drugs such as naproxen for pain or antidepressants and other antibiotics.
No alcohol is considered optimum, especially for seniors. But drinking alcohol with some medications that cause dizziness and drowsiness, according to our Costco pharmacist, can be extremely dangerous, and even, possibly, fatal. Varga gives examples here of “opioid painkillers, sleeping or anxiety pills, cold and cough medicines, and (still) some (other) antibiotics.” He continues “These drugs may make a drink or two feel like five or more, and have other nasty side effects.”
The use of regular alcohol with acetaminophen (Tylenol’s active ingredient) and cholesterol medications can damage the liver. With the combo of NSAIDS and alcohol, bleeding ulcers can occur. Sun City residents, do feel free to ask Randall Road’s Costco pharmacists any questions you might have about your drug, food, and alcoholic drink interactions. In the meantime, do have a safe and happy holiday season!
