Older people have higher risk of medication-alcohol interactions

Some of the reasons are:

Slow metabolism of medications

Older people metabolize (get rid of) some medications slowly. So older people might get too much medication in their system. So older people have higher risk of side effects.

Example: blood levels of simvastatin are higher in older people (70 to 78 years) compared with young people (18 to 30 years). That means older people have higher risk of simvastatin side effects.

Slow metabolism of alcohol

Older people metabolize (get rid of) alcohol slowly. So older people get higher blood alcohol concentration. Higher blood alcohol concentration means you feel more drunk. Older people have higher risk of medication-alcohol interactions.

Increased sensitivity to medications

Older people are more sensitive to medications. For example, when you get old, your brain becomes more sensitive to medications.

Changes in body function

As you get old, your body changes. For example, older people have poor blood circulation. That means older people have risk of low blood pressure when they are standing. Low blood pressure can cause dizziness and lightheadedness. Alcohol also lowers your blood pressure. Taking medications can make it worse.

Problems you already might have developed

Some older people might have been drinking for several years. Regular drinking can cause many health problems. So older people already might have health problems due to alcohol (examples: high blood pressure, stomach acidity, depression, liver problems).

Increased number of medications

Older people take medications for may conditions (examples: arthritis, body pain, high blood pressure, high cholesterol, menopause, prostate problems). More medications mean you have more risk of reaction with alcohol.

Use of herbs, supplements, over-the-counter medications

Older people take many herbs, supplements, vitamins, and over-the-counter medications (e.g. aspirin). These herbs, supplements, and over-the-counter medications can react with alcohol. Taking prescription medications on top can cause serious reaction.

Forgetfulness

Some older people have memory problems. They might forget how much they have drunk. Or they might forget to take their medications after drinking.

Drinking too much alcohol

Older people have active social life. Older people might drink too much alcohol in social events. This is called binge drinking.

Drinking as a regular routine

Some older people drink as a habit. Example: drinking beer when watching sports or drinking wine with dinner. Older people might think that alcohol is harmless or healthy.

These above risks become even more dangerous when you think:

Medication-alcohol reactions can cause dizziness, sleepiness, seizures, falls. Many older people live alone. They might not get help in time if they have a medication-alcohol reaction.

Suggestions

Many people do not discuss alcohol use with doctor or pharmacist. Talk about alcohol to your doctor or pharmacist. Your doctor or pharmacist know your medical history. Your doctor or pharmacist can make recommendations about safe alcohol use.

Page last updated: 10-November-2019