Dr. Samuel Adekola, a former leader of the Association of Community Pharmacists of Nigeria, has advised Nigerians to refrain from consuming alcohol while taking medication. He emphasized that the consumption of alcohol alongside medication can change the effectiveness of the drugs and exacerbate their side effects. Adekola highlighted that many patients are unaware of the potential interaction between alcohol and medications, and he cautioned that such interaction could even lead to damage to vital organs involved in drug metabolism, such as the liver and kidneys.
The pharmacist explained that combining alcohol with drugs can either neutralize the effects of the drugs or excessively amplify their effects. Adekola, in an exclusive interview with PUNCH HealthWise, specifically mentioned that individuals on medication, especially those dealing with non-communicable diseases, should avoid alcohol consumption. He cited alcohol intake as one of the contributing factors to chronic diseases like hypertension, kidney disease, diabetes, and liver disease. For patients undergoing treatment for any of these conditions, he emphasized the importance of understanding that alcohol can worsen their condition.
Adekola further elaborated on the various ways alcohol can interact with medications. He explained that literature has established that alcohol can enhance the effects of certain drugs, leading to side effects and complications. Additionally, alcohol can act as an antagonist to some drugs, reducing their activity and counteracting their intended purpose, thus resulting in treatment failure.
The pharmacist emphasized that the interaction between drugs and alcohol can lead to numerous complications and cause harm to vital organs such as the liver and kidneys. He urged Nigerians to avoid seeking advice from unqualified individuals who lack knowledge about the proper use of drugs. Adekola stressed that when alcohol interacts with drugs, it can cause end-organ damage and various complications. Therefore, individuals should abstain from consuming alcohol while taking medication, particularly those with chronic diseases.
Dr. Adekola called for increased pharmaceutical care in Nigeria to educate the public on the appropriate use of drugs. He also advised Nigerians to prioritize a healthy lifestyle and refrain from alcoholism.
According to The US Pharmacist, a monthly pharmacy publication focused on clinical matters, many patients do not consider alcohol to be capable of interacting with medications. The publication highlighted that alcohol has been identified as a risk factor for adverse drug-related hospital admissions. It explained that alcohol consumption can alter the way medications are absorbed and metabolized, while medications can also affect the way alcohol is processed in the body. The US Pharmacist also noted that alcohol intake can negatively impact certain disease states like diabetes mellitus and increase the risk of adverse drug events or heightened susceptibility to the effects of medications.
Kindly comment and share
No comments:
Post a Comment