Publication details
Alkohol a lékové interakce
| Title in English | Alcohol and drug interactions |
|---|---|
| Authors | |
| Year of publication | 2026 |
| Type | Peer-reviewed scientific article |
| Magazine / Source | ČASOPIS LÉKAŘŮ ČESKÝCH |
| Citation | |
| web | https://www.prolekare.cz/casopisy/casopis-lekaru-ceskych/2025-7-8-1/alkohol-a-lekove-interakce-142582 |
| Keywords | alcohol; drug interactions |
| Description | Alcohol is a serious health problem in Czechia, with significant impacts on morbidity, mortality, and pharmacotherapy. Approximately 15-18% of the population drinks at risky levels, and the combination of alcohol and medication is common and often overlooked. Ethanol metabolism occurs mainly in the liver by the enzymes ADH and CYP2E1; chronic consumption induces CYP2E1, which can increase the production of toxic metabolites of certain drugs. Ethanol acts on the CNS mainly through GABA, NMDA, and adenosine receptors and affects ion channels, contributing to its sedative effects. Alcohol interactions with drugs can be pharmacokinetic (e.g., changes in absorption, enzyme induction or inhibition) or pharmacodynamic (e.g., increased hepatotoxicity, CNS depression, hypotension, hypoglycemia). The disulfiram reaction poses a significant risk. Alcohol may also increase neurotoxicity and the risk of convulsions, especially when discontinued after chronic use. In the elderly population, the accumulation of risks plays a role: polypharmacy, altered pharmacokinetics, and increased sensitivity to adverse effects. The combination of alcohol with immunomodulatory therapy may weaken the immune response and increase the risk of infections. Interaction studies are limited by associated liver damage, small numbers of patients/subjects, and variability in ethanol doses. The highest risk is borne by polymorbid seniors and patients with liver cirrhosis. |