Cortisone and alcohol - are they compatible?

introduction

Many patients take cortisone permanently for a variety of reasons. Especially when taking cortisone for a long time, the question arises at some point whether you can also consume cortisone with alcohol and how these two active ingredients are compatible.

In summary, it can be said that a small amount of alcohol together with cortisone is safe. Alcohol consumption should just not be exaggerated because this would lead to an increased effect of the cortisone. And when the effect increases, the side effects increase as well.

What is cortisone?

Cortisone is on off cholesterol produced messenger substance of the group of Steroid hormones heard. Strictly speaking, cortisone is one of the Glucocorticoids, a subgroup of steroid hormones. It is a fat soluble (lipophilic) Hormone that can enter the cell relatively unhindered and is important for the regulation of various processes within the cell. These operations include the Sugar balance, of the Fat metabolism and the Protein turnover.
In long-lasting Stressful situations the hormone is increased in the cells of the Adrenal cortex and from there to the blood circulation submitted.
It has a similar effect to adrenaline and noradrenaline in this context. Due to its mechanism of action, the first effects only appear some time after administration.

Cortisone and alcohol

As with most medicines, the effects of cortisone can also be reduced excessive consumption of alcohol severely impaired become. In most known cases, the effect of a drug from alcohol reinforcedwhich increases the risk of undesirable side effects. However, there is nothing wrong with occasionally drinking a wine or beer. Unpleasant and dangerous interactions only occur when alcohol is ingested in very large quantities.

Some patients report in connection with therapy with cortisone-containing drugs that they generally Alcohol less well tolerated. Many complain about a headache and nausea.
It is therefore advisable to drink alcohol very rarely, if at all, while taking cortisone-containing drugs, and to greatly reduce the total amount.

Patients who high doses take and / or diabetes but should suffer urgently refrain from consuming alcohol or restrict. This is advisable because cortisone (actually its active form, cortisol) has a stimulating effect on the sugar metabolism and makes sugar molecules available in the body. Especially when there is a lack of energy within the organism, the hormone can break down the sugar and fat stores and in this way provide important energy suppliers.

It can occur with simultaneous use of cortisone and alcohol Irregularities in sugar metabolism come. In some cases there was increased excess (Hyperglycemia) or hypoglycaemia (Hypoglycemia).

If you are unsure, it is advisable to contact the treating person Talk to a doctor directly and clarify existing questions!

Effects of cortisone and alcohol

The effect of taking cortisone and alcohol at the same time must be viewed from different angles. The desired one Effects of cortisone itself is also present with simultaneous consumption of alcohol. This effect is mainly limited to one anti-inflammatory as well as that Immune system debilitating effect. When taking alcohol This effect of cortisone can however amplify. Especially when high doses of cortisone are taken, the risk of typical side effects of the medication is higher. The amount of alcohol consumed also has an influence on the effect of the two substances.

When we talk about interactions between cortisone and alcohol, we mean the influence that taking two substances together has on the body. The cause of the Interactions between cortisone and alcohol lies in that Dismantling the substances in the body. The active ingredients contained in the substances are in the body broken down in the liver. When the necessary enzymes for the breakdown of substances in the liver are occupied by the alcohol, the cortisone is broken down less quickly and it develops a stronger effect in the body. The same applies to alcohol, which also has a stronger effect, since here too the degradation is weakened by the "overstrained" enzymes. Possible consequences are an unintended one Increase in blood pressure, a increased blood sugar such as increased fats in the blood.

Since both cortisone and alcohol have an effect on the Gastric mucosa irritant effect this effect increases dramatically when taken at the same time. stomach pain and even the making of one Gastric ulcer with long-term use are therefore possible consequences of simultaneous use.
Also Electrolyte shifts can occur with both alcohol and cortisone. Simultaneous use increases this effect, which can be associated with unpleasant and sometimes dangerous consequences. It is known that when taking both cortisone and alcohol the Uptake of potassium disturbed can be. Potassium is an important part of the body, even if only in small amounts, and is essential for the functioning of nerves and muscle cells.

Life-threatening interactions between the two substances are generally not to be expected, especially with moderate doses and short-term use. Nevertheless, in consideration of the side effects mentioned, simultaneous use should be avoided.

Nasal spray with cortisone and alcohol - is it compatible?

Nasal sprays with active ingredients similar to cortisone are usually very well tolerated. Side effects rarely occur. Many of the nasal sprays are even available without a prescription and can help alleviate the symptoms of allergic hay fever or house dust allergy. Many affected people ask themselves in everyday life whether side effects can occur, though alcohol consumed during treatment with nasal sprays containing cortisone.
In principle, the question can be answered as follows: Alcohol should be used when using drugs generally not be consumed. This also applies to therapy with drugs containing cortisone. Alcohol can increase the effects of cortisone and thus increase it Side effects to lead. Headache and nausea can be the result.

Nasal sprays containing cortisone only act locally on the nasal mucosa, so that even with alcohol consumption, side effects occur less often than with therapy Cortisone tablets. In addition, the dose of the active ingredient in such nasal sprays is usually very low.
Nevertheless, you should avoid alcohol as much as possible. He intensifies inflammatory reactions, strains the healing tendency and leads to an increased risk of side effects. With regular consumption, of course, the risk of liver damage and secondary diseases from alcohol also increases. However, nothing speaks against a glass of wine a month on a special occasion. If you are having cortisone therapy, ask your doctor whether you can drink alcohol during therapy.

Alcohol after an infusion of cortisone

After a Cortisone infusion alcohol should not be consumed.
Infusions are usually given in relatively high doses for severe clinical pictures. Consumption of alcohol after an infusion of cortisone can serious side effects entail. Therefore, alcohol consumption must be strictly avoided. Alcohol can increase the effects of cortisone and further damage the liver.
With systemic therapy with cortisone, the risk of side effects from alcohol consumption is very high.

Cortisone cream and alcohol

During therapy with preparations containing cortisone, alcohol should be avoided if possible. In principle, this applies to any use of medicines. alcohol worsens the healing tendency, promotes the occurrence of side effects and leads to consequential damage with regular consumption.
Cortisone creams act locally, so systemic side effects are much rarer than with therapy with Cortisone tablets or infusions. However, this also depends on the Dose of cortisone and the condition of the person concerned.
Furthermore, the Underlying disease affected person's influence on how well or poorly alcohol and therapy are tolerated.
Therefore, we can only advise against consumption at this point. However, severe side effects are unlikely with local therapy with cortisone creams and alcohol consumption.

Alcohol after cortisone shock therapy

Cortisone shock therapy takes place, for example, in the Treatment of multiple sclerosis Application. Will be over a few days high-dose cortisone infusions administered. Side effects such as nausea and headache can occur.
With such a high dose of cortisone one has to stop consuming alcohol completely renounce. The Risk of side effects and damage is otherwise very high.
Furthermore, as already mentioned above, the alcohol can lead to a Worsening of the underlying disease cause and promote liver damage.

Cortisone and alcohol for multiple sclerosis (MS)

Cortisone is one of the standard drugs used in the multiple sclerosis (MS) is used. Simultaneous use of cortisone and alcohol is on treatment for multiple sclerosis not recommendable.

The doses of cortisone, which are used in the therapy of MS, exceed the usual doses for other diseases many times over. The breakdown of cortisone in the liver should therefore not be disturbed by the consumption of alcohol. With the consumption of alcohol and the simultaneous intake of high doses of cortisone, such as those used in the therapy of multiple sclerosis unpleasant interactions occur. In addition to increased side effects such as the occurrence of high blood pressure and one disturbed electrolyte and sugar balance In the blood, taking both substances can jeopardize the success of cortisone therapy.

However, the consumption of alcohol if you have MS is not generally dangerous. Moderate alcohol consumption without the simultaneous intake of cortisone in the case of an existing MS disease should therefore by no means be viewed more critically than in people who are not ill.