verapamil and alcohol
Last reviewed 01/2018
Alcohol elimination is delayed if a patient is taking verapamil.
Also the feeling of intoxication is prolonged.
- a patient taking verapamil should be warned that they may be 'over the limit'
for driving for longer than usual after drinking alcohol
- also they should be warned that the effects of alcohol can be prolonged
Reference:
- (1) Drug and Therapeutics Bulletin (1996), Drugs and alcohol: harmful cocktails?, 34 (5), 36-8.
- (2) Bauer LA et al (1992), Verapamil inhibits ethanol elimination and prolongs the perception of intoxication, Clin Pharmacol Ther, 22, 735-42.