HomeAnswersInternal Medicinedrug interactionsAre there any harmful interactions between NSAIDs, multivitamins, and alcohol?

Should I look out for interactions between NSAIDs, alcohol, multivitamins and other supplements?

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The following is an actual conversation between an iCliniq user and a doctor that has been reviewed and published as a Premium Q&A.

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iCliniq medical review team

Published At March 7, 2022
Reviewed AtNovember 4, 2022

Patient's Query

Hi doctor,

I am considering taking the following supplements, medications, and substances (not always the same day, but at different times and circumstances. For instance, I certainly would not be taking Nurofen or antacids daily but only when needed). I would like to know if there are any interactions between the drugs below that I need to look out for or that can be harmful. If so, which ones anyway? Kindly help.

1) L-theanine.

2) Alpha brain nootropic.

3) Multivitamin.

4) Rennin antacid.

5) Alcohol.

6) Nurofen (Ibuprofen).

7) Dexilant or other acid reflux medicine.

8) L-arginine.

Hello,

Welcome to icliniq.com.

I can understand your concern. Ibuprofen is NSAID (non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drug) that comes under propionic acid derivatives. The side effects are milder, better tolerated, and their incidence is lower. Common side effects include gastric discomfort, nausea, and vomiting.

Alcohol is not the nutrient to be ingested daily. Both acute and chronic intake have various effects on various body organs. If there is acute consumption of alcohol, it can accelerate gastric mucosal erosion. Dexilant (Dexlansoprazole) is a proton pump inhibitor (PPI) used to treat acid reflux. I suggest you take with above medicines.

Multivitamin tablets have no harmful interactions. Daily ingestion is not suggested if no deficiency is found in the blood workup. But taking a diet rich in green leafy vegetables, eggs, and meat is enough to maintain the balance of multivitamins in our body.

Alpha brain nootropic supplement supports focus processing of the brain. It contains L-tyrosine and L-theanine, etc., as constituents, but I suggest you take a doctor's advice before consuming such supplements. L-arginine is an amino acid that generates nitric oxide as a signaling molecule. Nitric oxide causes vasodilation, thereby increasing blood flow and oxygenation to muscles. It is found more concentrated in protein-rich foods like meat, poultry, dairy, nuts, soy products, etc.

There is interaction with blood pressure lowering, erectile dysfunction medicines, medications that increase blood flow, etc. Regarding supplements, you should take suggestions and guidance from your primary doctor whether to continue such or not for health benefits. I would suggest taking above all as needed. I would also suggest you avoid alcohol.

Thank you.

Patient's Query

Hi doctor,

Thank you for the information.

Alcohol particularly I will not ingest daily, at maximum once or twice a week (on weekends) with friends. However, does alcohol have any dangerous interactions with any of the above supplements or medicines (besides Ibuprofen, is it okay to take NSAID for a potential hangover?). I am not a heavy drinker, just a college student, but I want to make sure there are not any interactions. As for the rest, do I have to worry about their potential interactions or not? Kindly help.

Hi,

Welcome back to icliniq.com.

It all depends on the amount of alcohol you consumed and other medicines ingested simultaneously. Like Ibuprofen, if taken in an amount above the recommended dose and drinking a lot of alcohol can raise harmful effects on the body like gastrointestinal side effects. I suggest you take multivitamins, pain relievers, and PPIs. However, if your diet is balanced and composed of nutritious foods, there is no need to add vitamin supplements to your daily routine. Supplements are generally advised when any vitamin deficiency is found in the blood workup.

Regarding health supplements like amino acids and Alpha brain nootropic, I suggest you should specifically ask a dietitian or doctor expert regarding the amount or dose to be taken and any potential interactions with alcohol and added health benefits of taking these supplements.

Kindly revert in case of further queries.

Thank you.

Same symptoms don't mean you have the same problem. Consult a doctor now!

Dr. Basuki Nath Bhagat
Dr. Basuki Nath Bhagat

Family Physician

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