Can I take Metformin and Alcohol together?

Por qué sucede esto

Metformin and alcohol both increase the amount of lactic acid in your blood. If you have too much, your body cannot clear it quickly enough. Additionally, alcohol stops the liver from releasing stored glucose, which can lead to dangerously low blood sugar levels.

It is best to avoid excessive drinking (binge drinking) while on metformin. If you choose to drink, do so in moderation, always eat food with your drink, and monitor your blood sugar more closely. If you feel unusually weak, cold, dizzy, or have stomach pain after drinking, seek medical help immediately.

Acidosis Láctica

Drinking alcohol while taking metformin significantly increases your risk of lactic acidosis, a rare but life-threatening build-up of acid in the blood. Avoid excessive alcohol consumption and binge drinking. Seek urgent medical help if you experience severe vomiting, stomach pain, or rapid breathing.

Hypoglycaemia (Low Blood Sugar)

Alcohol can mask the warning signs of low blood sugar and prevent your liver from releasing glucose. If you take metformin alongside other diabetes medications (like insulin or sulphonylureas), drinking alcohol makes dangerous 'hypos' much more likely.

Severe dehydration or infection

If you develop severe vomiting, diarrhoea, or a high fever, you must temporarily stop taking metformin and contact your doctor to prevent kidney strain.

Medical scans using iodine contrast dye

If you are having an X-ray or scan involving an injection of iodine contrast dye, you must stop taking metformin before or at the time of the test to prevent sudden kidney failure.

Alcohol

Drinking alcohol while taking metformin can increase the risk of a rare but serious condition called lactic acidosis (a build-up of lactic acid in the blood). It can also increase the risk of low blood sugar (hypoglycaemia). You should avoid excessive alcohol consumption and binge drinking while taking this medicine.

Vitamin B12 absorption

Long-term use of metformin can prevent your body from absorbing enough vitamin B12 from your food. You may need to have your B12 levels checked by your doctor or take a supplement if you develop symptoms like extreme tiredness or a sore tongue.

General Food Advice

Metformin should be taken with or just after a meal or snack. This helps to reduce the risk of common side effects such as stomach upset, indigestion, or nausea.

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Descargo de responsabilidad

Esta información es solo para fines educativos generales y no debe considerarse como un sustituto del consejo médico profesional. Siempre consulte a su médico de cabecera, farmacéutico u otro profesional de la salud calificado antes de tomar decisiones sobre sus medicamentos. Las circunstancias individuales pueden variar, y solo un profesional de la salud que conozca su historial médico puede proporcionar orientación personalizada.