Can I take Metformin and Alcohol together?

Perché succede

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.

Lactic Acidosis

Avoid excessive alcohol consumption while taking metformin. Alcohol significantly increases the risk of lactic acidosis, a rare but life-threatening build-up of acid in the blood. This risk is highest if you are fasting, malnourished, or have liver problems.

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.

Alcol

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.

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Avvertenza

Queste informazioni sono solo a scopo educativo generale e non devono essere considerate un sostituto del consiglio medico professionale. Consultate sempre il vostro medico di base, farmacista o un altro professionista sanitario qualificato prima di prendere decisioni sui vostri farmaci. Le circostanze individuali possono variare, e solo un professionista sanitario che conosce la vostra storia medica può fornire una guida personalizzata.