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Is Alcohol Consumption Safe While On Indomethacin?

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Posted on Fri, 4 Nov 2016
Question: Good afternoon Doctor, What are the relative risks of moderate alcohol consumption while taking Indomethacin? I try to be mindful of both what I eat and drink with my gout, but it seems at some point...one has to live his/her life. Thanks in advance.

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Answered by Dr. Bonnie Berger-Durnbaugh (59 minutes later)
Brief Answer:
Risk of GI bleeding

Detailed Answer:
Hello and welcome,

It can take up to 24 hours to receive an answer. It depends on how many doctors and what type of doctors are on the site to answer.

Now about taking indomethacin and drinking alcohol, the combination can significantly increase the risk of gastrointestinal bleeding. Indomethacin is a non-steroidal anti-inflammatory medicine (NSAID) and they all pose risks of GI bleeding, and all have increased risk of this if combined with alcohol.

Some people have symptoms from the irritation of the lining of their stomach and gastrointestinal bleeding with stomach pain, and black tarry stools or bloody stools (which would mean a more brisk bleed). But not everyone gets obvious symptoms immediately.

I'm sorry this is the answer to your question. I hope it helps.

If there are any problems with your kidneys, then you should not combine the two as it will compound the effects of each other.
Above answer was peer-reviewed by : Dr. Chakravarthy Mazumdar
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Follow up: Dr. Bonnie Berger-Durnbaugh (34 minutes later)
Is Colchicine is better treatment. What are the relative risks of moderate alcohol consumption while taking Colchicine? I try to be mindful of both what I eat and drink with my gout, but it seems at some point...one has to live his/her life. Thanks in advance.
doctor
Answered by Dr. Bonnie Berger-Durnbaugh (6 minutes later)
Brief Answer:
Indomethacin vs colchicine

Detailed Answer:
Risk of taking colchicine with drinking alcohol is not as severe of a risk as indomethacin and alcohol.

Colchicine is usually used differently than indomethacin. Indomethacin is prescribed for a longer period of time for gout. Colchicine on the other hand is used for a short time for an acute gout attack and either it works or it doesn't - and from what I've seen it usually works, and it works quickly. The problem is that it can cause diarrhea after several doses. That's one of the main reasons indomethacin is used instead.

Are you taking the indomethacin on an ongoing basis or for a short time for an acute attack? If for an acute attack, you can try colchicine instead and see how you like it.
Above answer was peer-reviewed by : Dr. Chakravarthy Mazumdar
doctor
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Follow up: Dr. Bonnie Berger-Durnbaugh (8 minutes later)
Thanks very much.
doctor
Answered by Dr. Bonnie Berger-Durnbaugh (1 minute later)
Brief Answer:
Your welcome!

Detailed Answer:
Glad if I can help.

Best regards,
Bonnie Berger-Durnbaugh, MD
Note: For more detailed guidance, please consult an Internal Medicine Specialist, with your latest reports. Click here..

Above answer was peer-reviewed by : Dr. Chakravarthy Mazumdar
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Answered by
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Dr. Bonnie Berger-Durnbaugh

General & Family Physician

Practicing since :1991

Answered : 3134 Questions

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Is Alcohol Consumption Safe While On Indomethacin?

Brief Answer: Risk of GI bleeding Detailed Answer: Hello and welcome, It can take up to 24 hours to receive an answer. It depends on how many doctors and what type of doctors are on the site to answer. Now about taking indomethacin and drinking alcohol, the combination can significantly increase the risk of gastrointestinal bleeding. Indomethacin is a non-steroidal anti-inflammatory medicine (NSAID) and they all pose risks of GI bleeding, and all have increased risk of this if combined with alcohol. Some people have symptoms from the irritation of the lining of their stomach and gastrointestinal bleeding with stomach pain, and black tarry stools or bloody stools (which would mean a more brisk bleed). But not everyone gets obvious symptoms immediately. I'm sorry this is the answer to your question. I hope it helps. If there are any problems with your kidneys, then you should not combine the two as it will compound the effects of each other.