verapamil and alcohol

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.

Last reviewed 01/2018

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