PAIN

Aspirin - (See aspirin under Arthritis and Gout)

Codeine - Codeine is a narcotic that is contained in many cough and pain relief medicines. Codeine suppresses coughs and relieves pain, and is often combined with aspirin or acetaminophen in medications.

Some commonly used brand names: Aspirin with Codeine, Tylenol with Codeine

Interaction - Do not drink alcohol with this medication because it could increase sedative effect of medication. Take with meals, small snacks or milk because this medication may cause stomach upset.

Other Narcotic Analgesics - Narcotics are used for the relief of pain.

Some commonly used narcotic analgesics: meperidine, morphine, oxycodone, pentazocine, propoxyphene

Interaction - Do not drink alcohol because it increases sedative effect of the medications. Take these medications with food, because they can upset the stomach.

Ibuprofen and Other Anti-Inflammatory Agents - (See Ibuprofen under Arthritis and Gout)


PSYCHIATRIC OR EMOTIONAL PROBLEMS

Most medications for psychiatric or emotional disturbances interact with alcohol in a dangerous manner.

Lithium Carbonate - Lithium regulates changes in hormone levels in the brain, balancing excitement and depression.

Interaction - Follow the dietary and fluid intake instructions of your physician to avoid very serious toxic reactions.

MAO Inhibitors - MAO Inhibitors are used primarily to treat depression.

Some commonly used MAO Inhibitors: isocarboxazid/Marplan, phenelzine/Nardil, tranylcypromine/Parnate

Interaction - A very dangerous, potentially fatal, interaction can occur with foods containing tyramine, a chemical in alcoholic beverages, particularly wine, and in many foods such as hard cheeses, chocolate, beef or chicken livers. Be sure to follow physician's instructions.


SLEEP DISTURBANCES

Do not use alcohol with any sleep medications.


STOMACH AND INTESTINAL PROBLEMS

Cimetidine, Famotidine, Ranitidine - These medications are prescribed to treat ulcers. They work by reducing the amount of acid in the stomach.

Some commonly used brand names: cimetidine/Tagamet, famotidine/Pepcid, ranitidine/Zantac

Interaction - Follow the diet your doctor orders.

Laxatives - Some laxatives stimulate the action of muscles lining the large intestine. Other types of laxatives soften the stool, or add bulk or fluid to help food pass through the system.

Interaction - Most laxatives are available without prescription. Excessive use of laxatives can cause loss of essential vitamins and minerals and may require replenishment of potassium, sodium and other nutrients through diet. Mineral oil can cause poor absorption of some vitamins. Discuss the use of laxatives with your doctor or pharmacist.

American Pharmaceutical Association 2215 Constitution Avenue, N.W. Washington, D.C. 20037

Food and Drug Administration 5600 Fishers Lane Rockville, MD 20857

Food Marketing Institute 1750 K Street, N.W., Suite 700 Washington, D.C. 20006

National Consumers League 815 - 15th Street, Suite 516 Wes ngton, D.C. 20005
 

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