It’s Christmas time, and people are preparing to be merry.
As the time of turkey, ham, and stuffing approaches, many are also getting ready to enjoy a pint or two — or a glass of wine.
However, Executive Committee of the Irish Pharmacy Union has issued a public warning, advising the public to be very careful when it comes to mixing their medication with alcohol over the festive season.
Ann-Marie Horgan, a pharmacist with the committee, said: “Consuming even small amounts of alcohol in conjunction with medicines can have significant impacts. This applies not just to prescription medicines but also to many over-the-counter medicines such as cold remedies, pain relievers and anti-allergy medicines.”
The primary risk is that alcohol can make certain medications less effective — meaning that some people could experience a downturn in their health over the Christmas period.
Pharmacists also advise that many medicines can also make users sleepy, drowsy, or lightheaded and can interfere with concentration and the ability to drive a vehicle or operate machinery. Consuming alcohol at the same time as using these medicines can lead to significant risks to personal safety, including serious or even fatal accidents on the roads or at work.
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